from the rest of the town. Jethro's
friend informed him that the erection of these buildings had greatly
added to the hatred with which the Egyptians were regarded, as they
had been erected with forced labor, the people being driven in by
thousands and compelled to work for many months at the buildings.

Jethro learned that as soon as the inner wall was completed the
Egyptians had ceased altogether to keep watch at the gates of the city
walls, but that they had for a long time kept a vigilant guard at the
gate leading to their quarters through the new wall. For the last
year, however, owing to the absence of any spirit of revolt among the
Rebu, and to their confidence in the friendship of the king, they had
greatly relaxed their vigilance.

By nine o'clock all was quiet in the town. Jethro sent out a messenger
by the road by which Amuba's force would approach, to tell him that
the city walls were all unguarded, and that he had better enter by the
gate half an hour before midnight, instead of waiting until he heard
the signal for attack. He could then move his men up close to the
Egyptian wall so as to attack that gate when the signal was given,
otherwise the Egyptians would be put on their guard by the sound of
fighting at the palace before he could arrive at their gate.

At the time he had named Jethro went to the gate by which Amuba was to
enter, and soon heard a faint confused noise, and a minute or two
later a dark mass of men were at the path at the gate. They were
headed by Amuba. Jethro at once explained to him the exact position;
and his companion placed himself by the side of Amuba to act as his
guide to the Egyptian wall.

Jethro then returned to the rendezvous, where his men were already
drawn up in order. Midnight was now close at hand. Quietly the band
crossed the square to the gate of the palace; then Jethro gave a loud
blast of his horn, and in an instant a party of men armed with heavy
axes rushed forward and began to hew down the gate. As the thundering
noise rose on the night air cries of terror and the shouts of officers
were heard within the royal inclosure. Then men came hurrying along
the wall, and arrows began to fall among the assailants; but by this
time the work of the axmen was nearly done, and in five minutes after
the first blow was struck the massive gates fell splintered and Jethro
rushed in at the head of his band.

The garrison, headed by the usurper himself, endeavored to stem thei