ng, the noise gradually ceased, and he heard
nothing save the howling of the furious storm and the threatening dash
of the surging waves, or a single cry borne by the east wind.

The chariots had reached the dry portion of the bay and lingered
some time ere they continued their way along this dangerous path; but
suddenly the Egyptian war-cry rang out, and the rattle of wheels was
again heard. They advanced more slowly than before but faster than the
people could walk.

For the Egyptians also the road remained dry; but if his people only
kept a short distance in advance he need feel no anxiety; during the
night the rescued tribes could disperse among the mountains and hide in
places where no chariots nor horses could follow. Moses knew this region
where he had lived so long as a fugitive; it was only necessary to
inform him of the close vicinity of the foe. So he trusted one of his
play-fellows of the tribe of Benjamin with the message, and the latter
had not far to go to reach the shore. He himself remained behind to
watch the approaching army; for already, without stooping or listening,
spite of the storm raging around him, he heard the rattle of wheels and
the neighing of the horses. But the lepers, whose ears also caught the
sound, wailed and lamented, feeling themselves in imagination flung to
the ground, crushed by the chariots, or crowded into a watery grave,
for the pathway had grown narrower and the sea seemed to be trying in
earnest to regain the land it had lost.

The men and cattle could no longer advance in ranks as wide as before,
and while the files of the hurrying bodies narrowed they lengthened, and
precious time was lost. Those on the right were already wading through
the rising water in haste and terror; for already the commands of the
Egyptian leaders were heard in the distance.

But the enemy was evidently delayed, and Ephraim easily perceived the
cause of their diminished speed; for the road constantly grew softer and
the narrow wheels of the chariots cut deeply into it and perhaps sank to
the axles.

Protected by the darkness, he glided forward toward the pursuers, as far
as he could, and heard here a curse, yonder a fierce command to ply the
lash more vigorously; at last he distinctly heard one leader exclaim to
the man next him:

"Accursed folly! If they had only let us start before noon, and not
waited until the omen had been consulted and Anna had been installed
with all due solemnity in