chery on the part of the Egyptians, and the inhabitants of the
city were all ordered back from the road leading from the entrance to
the Egyptian inclosure to the gate in the city walls. An hour later
the Egyptians drew up in order in their inclosure.

Each man carried with him food sufficient for a week's subsistence,
and Amuba had arranged that a certain number of bullocks should be
sent forward at once to each halting-place on the way to the frontier,
and that there a herd sufficient for their subsistence during their
march to the nearest Egyptian garrison should be awaiting them. In
firm and steady order the Egyptians marched out. The images and
symbols of the gods were carried aloft, and the bearing of the
soldiers was proud and defiant, for they, too, were doubtful whether
the Rebu might not intend to make an attack upon them, the terms
granted them seeming to be almost too good to be trusted. No sooner
had the rear of the column passed out through the city gate than the
Rebu with shouts of joy flocked down from the walls, and the city gave
itself up to rejoicing.

Jethro had at once sent out messengers to see that the oxen were
collected at the points agreed upon, and to issue orders that the
population along the line of march should all retire before the
arrival of the Egyptians, who might otherwise have been tempted to
seize them and carry them off as slaves with them in their retreat.

For the next few days Amuba's time was wholly occupied in receiving
deputations from the various towns and districts, in appointing fresh
officials, and in taking measures for the rearming of the people and
their enrolment in companies, so that the country should be in a
position to offer a desperate resistance should the Egyptians
determine to recapture it. It was certain that many months must elapse
before any force capable of undertaking their invasion could march
from Egypt; but Amuba was determined that no time should be lost in
making preparations, and he decided that something of the tactics and
discipline of the Egyptians should be introduced into the Rebu army.

He had on the very night of the surprise of the town sent on a message
to inform the girls of his success, and that neither Chebron nor
himself was hurt. Having by unremitting work got through his most
pressing business, he left Jethro, who was now formally appointed
general-in-chief, to carry on the work, and started with Chebron to
fetch the girls to his c