f, however,
the garrison left the country with their arms and standards no
disgrace would be inflicted upon the national arms, and as a tribute,
however much reduced, would still be paid, they could still regard the
Rebu as under their domination. The reduction of the tribute, indeed,
would be an almost imperceptible item in the revenue of Egypt.

Leaving Jethro in command of the beleaguering force, Amuba,
accompanied by Chebron, who had been by his side during the fighting,
and a small bodyguard, went back into the town. The news of his coming
had already spread, and the inhabitants, who had remained in their
houses in terror during the, to them, unaccountable tumult of the
night, had now poured out into the streets, the great space in front
of the palace being densely packed with people. As Amuba approached a
deafening shout of welcome was raised; the gates of the prisons had
been thrown open, and those arrested the previous day, and many others
of the principal captains of his father's army, thronged round him and
greeted him as their king.

With difficulty a way was cleared to the gate of the royal inclosure.
Amuba, after entering, mounted the wall and addressed a few words to
the people. He told them that in defiance of all probability he had
escaped from his captivity in Egypt and had made his way back to his
native land, intent not so much on claiming his rightful position
there as of freeing them from the power of their oppressors. He
promised them that he would always respect their rights and usages,
and should endeavor to follow in the footsteps of his father. Then he
retired to the palace, where he held a council with the captains and
leading men in the city. Orders were at once issued for every man
capable of bearing arms to provide himself with some kind of weapon,
and to assemble at noon in the great square.

Lists were drawn up of all the officers of the late army still living
in the town, and when the gathering took place at noon these were
appointed to form the men into companies, to appoint sub-officers, to
see to the state of the arms, and, as far as possible, to supply
deficiencies. A larger proportion than was expected of the three
thousand men that assembled were found to be provided with weapons.
Although nominally all arms had been surrendered to the Egyptians,
great numbers of spear and arrow heads, swords, and axes had been
buried. Shafts had been hastily made for the spears, and bows used f