ng the soldiers of Ramses and their prisoners mad delight sprang up
suddenly. Without caring for the thunder and lightning the men, who a
moment before had been scorched with heat, and tormented by thirst, ran
under the rain like small children. In the dark they washed themselves
and their horses, they caught water in their caps and leather bags, and
above all they drank and drank eagerly.

"Is not this a miracle?" cried Ramses. "Were it not for this blessed
rain we should all perish here in the burning grasp of Typhon."

"It happens," said the old Libyan, "that the southern sandy wind rouses
a wind from the sea and brings heavy rain to us."

Ramses was touched disagreeably by these words, for he had attributed
the downpour to Pentuer's prayers. He turned to the Libyan, and asked,

"And does it happen that sparks flash from people's bodies?"

"It is always so when the wind blows from the desert," answered the
Libyan. "Just now we saw sparks jumping not only from men, but from
horses."

In his voice there was such conviction that the prince approaching an
officer of his cavalry whispered,

"But look at the Libyans."

When he had said this some one made a noise in the darkness, and after
a while tramping was heard. When a flash lighted up the desert they saw
a man escaping on horseback.

"Bind these wretches!" cried the prince, "and kill any one who resists
you. Woe to thee, Tehenna, if that scoundrel brings thy brethren
against us. Ye will perish in dreadful tortures, Thou and thy men
here."

In spite of rain, darkness, and thunder the prince's soldiers hurried
to bind the Libyans, who made no resistance.

Perhaps they were waiting for Tehenna's command, but he was so crushed
that he had not even thought of fleeing.

The storm subsided gradually, and instead of that heat of the daytime a
piercing cold seized the desert. The men and horses had drunk all they
wanted; the bags were full of water; there were dates and cakes in
abundance, so a good disposition prevailed. The thunder grew weak; at
last even noiseless lightning flashed less and less frequently; on the
northern sky the clouds parted; here and there stars twinkled.

Pentuer approached Ramses,

"Let us return to the camp," said he. "In a couple of hours we shall be
there, before the man who has escaped can lead forth an enemy."

"How shall we find the camp in such darkness?" asked Ramses.

"Have ye torches?" asked the priest of the Asiatics.