r
inrush; but, taken by surprise, half-armed, and ignorant of the
numbers of their assailants, they could not long withstand the
determined onslaught of Jethro's men. Jethro himself made his way
through the crowd of fighting men and engaged in a hand-to-hand fight
with the usurper, who, furious with rage and despair at the sudden
capture of the palace, fought but wildly, and Jethro's heavy ax soon
terminated the conflict by hewing clean through helmet and head.

The fall of the usurper was for the moment unnoticed in the darkness
and confusion, but Jethro shouted to his men to hold their hands and
fall back. Then he called upon the garrison to surrender, telling them
that Amusis had fallen, and that Amuba, the son of Phrases, had
arrived, and was now king of the Rebu.

"We do not war against our own people. The Egyptians are our only
enemies. Some of you may know me. I am Jethro, and I call upon you to
join us and make common cause against the Egyptians, who are even now
being attacked by our young king."

The garrison were but too glad to accept the terms. Fear rather than
love had attached them to Amusis; and they were delighted to escape
the prospect of death, which had the moment before stared them in the
face, and to swear allegiance to their rightful king. As Jethro
ceased, therefore, shouts of "Long live Amuba, king of the Rebu!" rose
from them.

"Form up in order instantly under your captains," Jethro commanded,
"and follow us."

The fray had been so short that it was but ten minutes from the moment
when Jethro's horn had given the signal for attack to that when he led
his force, now increased to twice its former dimensions, to the
assistance of Amuba. When he reached the wall that separated the
Egyptian barracks from the rest of the town he found that Amuba had
entered without resistance and had captured two or three buildings
nearest to the gate, surprising and slaying their occupants; but
beyond that he had made no progress. The Egyptians were veterans in
warfare, and after the first moment of surprise had recovered their
coolness, and with their flights of arrows so swept the open spaces
between the buildings that the Rebu could make no progress.

Jethro ordered the troops who had just joined him, all of whom carried
bows and arrows, to ascend the walls and open fire upon the buildings
occupied by the Egyptians. Then he with his own band joined Amuba.

"All has gone well," he said. "The palace is ca