, when the lion was in danger of succumbing to the
eagle, and when the latter's glittering knife flashed, and she saw the
blood gushing from the other's shoulder.

But the frozen heart had now begun to beat again, nay it pulsed faster
than ever; for suddenly the leonine warrior, toward whom she had just
felt such bitter hatred, had again become, as if by a miracle, the
friend of her youth. With blast of trumpets and clash of cymbals love
had again set forth to enter, with triumphant joy, the soul which had of
late been so desolate, so impoverished. All that separated her from him
was suddenly forgotten and buried, and never was a more fervent appeal
addressed to the Most High than during the brief prayer for him which
rose from her heart at that moment. And the swiftness with which the
petition was granted equalled its ardor; for the eagle had fallen and
lowered its pinions beneath the superior might of the lion.

Then darkness veiled Miriam's eyes and she felt as if in a dream Ephraim
sever the ropes around her wrists.

Soon after she regained her full consciousness, and now beheld at her
feet the bleeding form of the conquered chieftain; while on the other
side of the tent the floor was strewed with dead and wounded men,
Hebrews and Amalekites, among them many of her husband's slaves. But
beside the fallen men stood erect, and exulting in victory, the stalwart
warriors of her people, among them the venerable form of Nun, and
Joshua, whose father was binding up his wounds.

To do this she felt was her duty and hers only, and a deep sense of
shame, a burning grief took possession of her as she remembered how she
had sinned against this man.

She knew not how she who had caused him such deep suffering could atone
for it, how she could repay what she owed him.

Her whole heart was overflowing with longing for one kind word from
his mouth, and she approached him on her knees across the blood-stained
floor; but the lips of the prophetess, usually so eloquent, seemed
paralyzed and could not find the right language till at last from her
burdened breast the cry escaped in loud imploring accents:

"Joshua, oh, Joshua! I have sinned heavily against you and will atone
for it all my life; but do not disdain my gratitude! Do not cast it from
you and, if you can, forgive me."

She had been unable to say more; then--never would she forget
it--burning tears had gushed from her eyes and he had raised her from
the floor with ir