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@@ -1,40 +1,7 @@
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Cat of Bubastes, by G. A. Henty
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Title: The Cat of Bubastes
-       A Tale of Ancient Egypt
-
-Author: G. A. Henty
-
-Illustrator: J. R. Weguelin
-
-Release Date: August 22, 2009 [EBook #29756]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CAT OF BUBASTES ***
 
 
 
-
-Produced by David Edwards, Anne Storer and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
  [Illustration]
 
  THE CAT OF BUBASTES
@@ -54,9 +21,9 @@ by The Internet Archive)
   A TALE OF ANCIENT EGYPT.
   BY G. A. HENTY,
 
- _Author of "The Young Carthaginian," "For the Temple,"
-  "In the Reign of Terror," "Bonnie Prince Charlie,"
-  "In Freedom's Cause," etc., etc._
+ _Author of “The Young Carthaginian,” “For the Temple,”
+  “In the Reign of Terror,” “Bonnie Prince Charlie,”
+  “In Freedom’s Cause,” etc., etc._
 
  _FIVE PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY J. R. WEGUELIN._
 
@@ -197,7 +164,7 @@ however, a few of more solid build and of higher pretensions. These
 were the abodes of the chiefs and great men, the temples, and places
 of assembly. But although larger and more solidly built, these
 buildings could lay no claim to architectural beauty of any kind, but
-were little more than magnified huts, and even the king's palace was
+were little more than magnified huts, and even the king’s palace was
 but a collection of such buildings closely adjoining each other.
 
 The town was surrounded by a lofty wall with battlements and
@@ -279,36 +246,36 @@ adjoining the council-chamber. This served as the dwelling place of
 the ladies and their family. It was divided into several apartments by
 screens formed of hide sewn together and hidden from sight by colored
 hangings. In one of these a lady was seated on a low couch covered
-with panthers' skins.
+with panthers’ skins.
 
-"They have not done talking yet, mother. It has been a question as to
+“They have not done talking yet, mother. It has been a question as to
 where we shall assemble to give battle. It does not seem to me to make
 much difference where we fight, but they seem to think that it is most
 important; and of course they know more about it than I do. They have
 fixed upon a place at last--it is about fifteen miles from here. They
 say that the ground in front is marshy and can hardly be traversed by
-the enemy's chariots; but if they cannot get at us, it seems to me
+the enemy’s chariots; but if they cannot get at us, it seems to me
 that we cannot get at them. Messengers have been sent off to order all
 the contingents to assemble at that spot. Six thousand men are to
 remain behind to guard the city, but as we mean to beat them I do not
 think there can be much occasion for that; for you think we shall beat
-them--don't you, mother?"
+them--don’t you, mother?”
 
-"I hope so, Amuba, but I am very fearful."
+“I hope so, Amuba, but I am very fearful.”
 
-"But we have several times repulsed them when they have invaded our
-country, mother; why should we not do so this time?"
+“But we have several times repulsed them when they have invaded our
+country, mother; why should we not do so this time?”
 
-"They are much stronger than they have ever been before when they have
+“They are much stronger than they have ever been before when they have
 come against us, my boy, and their king is a great warrior who has
-been successful in almost every enterprise he has undertaken."
+been successful in almost every enterprise he has undertaken.”
 
-"I cannot think why he wants to conquer us, mother. They say the
+“I cannot think why he wants to conquer us, mother. They say the
 riches of Egypt are immense and the splendor of their temples and
 buildings such as we have no idea of. We have no quarrel with them if
-they will but let us alone."
+they will but let us alone.”
 
-"No country is so rich that it does not desire more, my son. We
+“No country is so rich that it does not desire more, my son. We
 have gold and are skilled in the working of it, and no doubt they
 anticipate that they will capture much treasure in the land; besides,
 as you say, their expeditions against the Rebu have been several times
@@ -321,8 +288,8 @@ among them. Some day, my son, things may be managed differently; but
 at present kings who have power make war upon people that are weaker
 than themselves, spoil them of their goods, and make slaves of them.
 
-"I hope, Amuba, you will not expose yourself too much in the conflict.
-You have not come to man's strength yet; and remember you are my only
+“I hope, Amuba, you will not expose yourself too much in the conflict.
+You have not come to man’s strength yet; and remember you are my only
 child. See that your charioteer covers you with his shield when you
 have entered the battle, for the Egyptians are terrible as archers.
 Their bows carry much further than do ours, and the arrows will pierce
@@ -334,7 +301,7 @@ father, as king, must needs go into the thick of the battle to
 encourage his soldiers, there is no occasion why you, who are yet a
 boy, should so expose yourself.
 
-"It will doubtless be a terrible battle. The Egyptians have the memory
+“It will doubtless be a terrible battle. The Egyptians have the memory
 of past defeats to wipe out, and they will be fighting under the eye
 of their king. I am terrified, Amuba. Hitherto when your father has
 gone out to battle I have never doubted as to the result. The Persians
@@ -345,16 +312,16 @@ But the Egyptians are terrible foes, and the arms of their king have
 been everywhere victorious. My heart is filled with dread at the
 thought of the approaching conflict, though I try to keep up a brave
 face when your father is with me, for I would not that he should deem
-me cowardly."
+me cowardly.”
 
-"I trust, mother, that your fears are groundless, and I cannot think
+“I trust, mother, that your fears are groundless, and I cannot think
 that our men will give way when fighting for their homes and country
-upon ground chosen by themselves."
+upon ground chosen by themselves.”
 
-"I hope not, Amuba. But there is the trumpet sounding; it is the
+“I hope not, Amuba. But there is the trumpet sounding; it is the
 signal that the council have broken up and that your father is about
 to start. Bless you, my dear boy, and may you return safe and sound
-from the conflict!"
+from the conflict!”
 
 The queen fondly embraced her son, who left the apartment hastily as
 his father entered in order that the latter might not see the traces
@@ -372,14 +339,14 @@ to allow Amuba to rush into the front line of fighters, and that he
 was even to disobey the orders of the prince if he wished to charge
 into the ranks of the enemy.
 
-"My son must not shirk danger," his father said, "and he must needs go
+“My son must not shirk danger,” his father said, “and he must needs go
 well in the fight; but he is still but a boy, not fit to enter upon a
 hand-to-hand contest with the picked warriors of Egypt. In time I hope
 he will fight abreast of me, but at present you must restrain his
 ardor. I need not bid you shield him as well as you can from the
 arrows of the Egyptians. He is my eldest son, and if aught happens
 to me he will be the king of the Rebu; and his life is therefore a
-precious one."
+precious one.”
 
 Half an hour later they came upon the tail of the stragglers making
 their way to the front. The king stopped his chariot and sharply
@@ -387,7 +354,7 @@ reproved some of them for their delay in setting out, and urged them
 to hasten on to the appointed place. In two hours the king arrived at
 this spot, where already some forty thousand men were assembled. The
 scouts who had been sent out reported that although the advance-guard
-of the Egyptians might arrive in an hour's time, the main body were
+of the Egyptians might arrive in an hour’s time, the main body were
 some distance behind and would not be up in time to attack before
 dark.
 
@@ -413,31 +380,31 @@ seen rising over the plain. It approached rapidly. The flash of arms
 could be seen in the sun, and presently a vast number of horses were
 seen approaching in even line.
 
-"Are they horsemen, father?" Amuba asked.
+“Are they horsemen, father?” Amuba asked.
 
-"No, they are chariots, Amuba. The Egyptians do not, like us, fight on
+“No, they are chariots, Amuba. The Egyptians do not, like us, fight on
 horseback, although there may be a few small bodies of horsemen with
 the army; their strength lies in their chariots. See, they have
-halted; they have perceived our ranks drawn up in order of battle."
+halted; they have perceived our ranks drawn up in order of battle.”
 
 The chariots drew up in perfect line, and as the clouds of dust blew
 away four lines of chariots could be made out ranged at a distance of
 a hundred yards apart.
 
-"There are about a thousand in each line," the king said, "and this is
+“There are about a thousand in each line,” the king said, “and this is
 but their advance-guard. We have learned from fugitives that there are
-fully fifteen thousand chariots with their army."
+fully fifteen thousand chariots with their army.”
 
-"Is there no other place where they can pass this swamp, father?"
+“Is there no other place where they can pass this swamp, father?”
 
-"Not so well as here, Amuba; the valley deepens further on, and the
+“Not so well as here, Amuba; the valley deepens further on, and the
 passage would be far more difficult than here. Above, beyond the wood,
 there is a lake of considerable extent, and beyond that the ground is
 broken and unsuited for the action of chariots as far as the sea.
 Besides, they have come to fight us, and the pride of their king
 would not permit of their making a detour. See, there is some great
 personage, probably the king himself, advancing beyond their ranks to
-reconnoiter the ground."
+reconnoiter the ground.”
 
 A chariot was indeed approaching the opposite brow of the depression;
 there were two figures in it; by the side walked numerous figures,
@@ -457,10 +424,10 @@ movement took place for an hour; then there was a sudden stir, and the
 long lines broke up and wheeled round to the right and left, where
 they took up their position in two solid masses.
 
-"The main army are at hand," the king said. "Do you see that great
+“The main army are at hand,” the king said. “Do you see that great
 cloud, ruddy in the setting sun? That is the dust raised by their
 advance. In another hour they will be here, but by that time the sun
-will have set, and assuredly they will not attack until morning."
+will have set, and assuredly they will not attack until morning.”
 
 The front line were ordered to remain under arms for a time; the
 others were told to fall out and prepare their food for the night. The
@@ -472,40 +439,40 @@ their post along the opposite crest. Great fires were lighted, and a
 number of oxen which had been driven forward in readiness were
 slaughtered for food.
 
-"If the Egyptians can see what is going on," the king said to his son,
-"they must be filled with fury, for they worship the oxen as among
-their chief gods."
+“If the Egyptians can see what is going on,” the king said to his son,
+“they must be filled with fury, for they worship the oxen as among
+their chief gods.”
 
-"Is it possible, father, that they can believe that cattle are gods?"
+“Is it possible, father, that they can believe that cattle are gods?”
 Amuba asked in surprise.
 
-"They do not exactly look upon them as gods, my son, but as sacred to
+“They do not exactly look upon them as gods, my son, but as sacred to
 their gods. Similarly they reverence the cat, the ibis, and many other
-creatures."
+creatures.”
 
-"How strange!" Amuba said. "Do they not worship, as we and the
+“How strange!” Amuba said. “Do they not worship, as we and the
 Persians do, the sun, which, as all must see, is the giver of light
-and heat, which ripens our crops and gives fertility in abundance?"
+and heat, which ripens our crops and gives fertility in abundance?”
 
-"Not so far as I know, Amuba; but I know that they have many gods who
-they believe give them victory over their enemies."
+“Not so far as I know, Amuba; but I know that they have many gods who
+they believe give them victory over their enemies.”
 
-"They don't always give them victory," Amuba said, "since four times
+“They don’t always give them victory,” Amuba said, “since four times
 they have been repulsed in their endeavors to invade our land. Perhaps
-our gods are more powerful than theirs."
+our gods are more powerful than theirs.”
 
-"It may be that, my son; but so far as I can see the gods give victory
-to the bravest and most numerous armies."
+“It may be that, my son; but so far as I can see the gods give victory
+to the bravest and most numerous armies.”
 
-"That is to say, they do not interfere at all, father."
+“That is to say, they do not interfere at all, father.”
 
-"I do not say that, my son; we know little of the ways of the gods.
+“I do not say that, my son; we know little of the ways of the gods.
 Each nation has its own, and as some nations overthrow others, it must
 be that either some gods are more powerful than others or that they do
 not interfere to save those who worship them from destruction. But
 these things are all beyond our knowledge. We have but to do our part
 bravely, and we need assuredly not fear the bulls and the cats and
-other creatures in which the Egyptians trust."
+other creatures in which the Egyptians trust.”
 
 Some hours were spent by the king, his leaders, and his captains in
 going about among the troops seeing that all the contingents had
@@ -516,7 +483,7 @@ the king sat down on a pile of skins which had been prepared for him
 and talked long and earnestly with his son, giving him advice as to
 his conduct in future if aught should befall him in the coming fight.
 
-"You are my heir," he said, "and as is customary to the country the
+“You are my heir,” he said, “and as is customary to the country the
 throne goes down from father to son. Were I to survive for another
 eight or ten years you would, of course, succeed me, but should I fall
 to-morrow and should the Egyptians overrun the land, things may happen
@@ -526,7 +493,7 @@ them again and again against the Egyptians until these, worn out by
 the perpetual fighting, abandon the idea of subjecting us and turn
 their attention to less stubborn-minded people.
 
-"For such work you are far too young, and the people would look to
+“For such work you are far too young, and the people would look to
 Amusis or one of my other captains as their leader. Should success
 crown his efforts they may choose him as their king. In that case I
 would say, Amuba, it will be far better for you to acquiesce in the
@@ -535,7 +502,7 @@ no prospect of success against a victorious general, the choice of the
 people, and you would only bring ruin and death upon yourself and your
 mother by opposing him.
 
-"I can assure you that there is nothing so very greatly to be envied
+“I can assure you that there is nothing so very greatly to be envied
 in the lot of a king, and as one of the nobles of the land your
 position would be far more pleasant here than as king. A cheerful
 acquiescence on your part to their wishes will earn you the good will
@@ -547,8 +514,8 @@ is easy for an ambitious man to remove a lad from his path, and your
 safety absolutely demands that you shall give him no reason whatever
 to regard you as a rival.
 
-"I trust that all this advice may not be needed and that we may
-conquer in to-morrow's fight, but if we are beaten the probability
+“I trust that all this advice may not be needed and that we may
+conquer in to-morrow’s fight, but if we are beaten the probability
 that I shall escape is very small, and it is therefore as well that
 you should be prepared for whatever may happen. If you find that in
 spite of following my advice the leader of the people, whoever he
@@ -558,18 +525,18 @@ of restless spirits ready to take part in any adventure--and journey
 with them to the far west, as so many of our people have done before,
 and establish yourself there and found a kingdom.
 
-"None of those who have ever gone in that direction have returned, and
+“None of those who have ever gone in that direction have returned, and
 they must therefore have found space to establish themselves, for had
 they met with people skilled in war and been defeated, some at least
 would have found their way back; but so long as traditions have been
 handed down to us tribes from the east have poured steadily westward
-to the unknown land, and no band has ever returned."
+to the unknown land, and no band has ever returned.”
 
 His father spoke so seriously that Amuba lay down that night on his
 couch of skins in a very different mood to that in which he had ridden
-out. He had thought little of his mother's forebodings, and had looked
+out. He had thought little of his mother’s forebodings, and had looked
 upon it as certain that the Rebu would beat the Egyptians as they had
-done before, but his father's tone showed him that he too felt by no
+done before, but his father’s tone showed him that he too felt by no
 means confident of the issue of the day.
 
 As soon as daylight broke the Rebu stood to their arms, and an hour
@@ -671,7 +638,7 @@ In vain the king endeavored to steady them. While he was doing so, the
 first of the Egyptian chariots had already made their way across the
 causeway, and behind them the others poured on in an unbroken column.
 Then through the broken lines of spearmen the Rebu chariots dashed
-down upon them, followed by the host of spearmen. The king's object
+down upon them, followed by the host of spearmen. The king’s object
 was to arrest the first onslaught of the Egyptians, to overwhelm the
 leaders, and prevent the mass behind from emerging from the crowded
 causeway.
@@ -688,7 +655,7 @@ stationed in the second line, immediately behind his father; and his
 charioteer, mindful of the orders he had received, strove, in spite of
 the angry orders of the lad, to keep the chariot stationary; but the
 horses, accustomed to maneuver in line, were not to be restrained, and
-in spite of their driver's efforts charged down the slope with the
+in spite of their driver’s efforts charged down the slope with the
 rest.
 
 Amuba, who had hunted the lion and leopard, retained his coolness,
@@ -714,7 +681,7 @@ In their midst was the King of Egypt himself, the great Thotmes.
 
 The weight and impetus of the mass of horses and chariots pressed all
 before it up the hill. This gave to the chariots which came on behind
-room to open to the right and left. The king's bodyguard shook the
+room to open to the right and left. The king’s bodyguard shook the
 solid formation of the Rebu spearmen with their thick flights of
 arrows, and the chariots then dashed in among them. The Rebu fought
 with the valor of their race. The Egyptians who first charged among
@@ -764,16 +731,16 @@ the falling figure, and knew what Amuba did not--that the Rebu had
 lost their king. He was not forgetful of the charge which had been
 laid on him, but the lad was for a moment beyond his control, and he,
 too, was filled with fury at the fall of the king, and determined if
-possible to save his body. He reached Amuba's side just in time to
+possible to save his body. He reached Amuba’s side just in time to
 interpose his shield between the boy and an Egyptian archer in a
 chariot he was passing. The arrow pierced the shield and the arm that
 held it. Jethro paused an instant, broke off the shaft at the shield,
 and seizing the point, which was projecting two inches beyond the
 flesh, pulled the arrow through the wound.
 
-It was but a moment's work, but short as it was it almost cost Amuba
+It was but a moment’s work, but short as it was it almost cost Amuba
 his life, for the archer, leaning forward, dropped the end of his bow
-over the lad's head--a trick common among the Egyptian archers--and in
+over the lad’s head--a trick common among the Egyptian archers--and in
 a moment dragged him to the ground, while his comrade in the chariot
 raised his spear to dispatch him. Jethro sprang forward with a shout
 of rage, and with a blow of his sword struck off the head of the spear
@@ -812,89 +779,89 @@ host would sweep across and fall upon the rear of the Rebu. Jethro ran
 up to two mounted men, badly wounded, who had like himself made their
 way out of the fight.
 
-"See," he said, "in a quarter of an hour a new causeway will be
+“See,” he said, “in a quarter of an hour a new causeway will be
 completed, and the Egyptians will pour over. In that case resistance
 will be impossible, and all will be lost. Do one of you ride to each
 flank and tell the captains that the king is dead, that there are none
 to give orders here, and that their only chance to save their troops
-is to retreat at full speed but keeping good order to the city."
+is to retreat at full speed but keeping good order to the city.”
 
-The horsemen rode off immediately, for Jethro, as the king's own
+The horsemen rode off immediately, for Jethro, as the king’s own
 charioteer, was a man of some impatience. After dispatching the
 messengers he returned to his chariot and at once drove off. Amuba was
 now recovering, and the rough motion of the vehicle as it dashed along
 at full speed aroused him.
 
-"What is it, Jethro? What has happened?"
+“What is it, Jethro? What has happened?”
 
-"The battle is lost, prince, and I am conveying you back to the city.
+“The battle is lost, prince, and I am conveying you back to the city.
 You have had a rough fall and a narrow escape of your life, and can do
-no more fighting even if fighting were of any good, which it is not."
+no more fighting even if fighting were of any good, which it is not.”
 
-"And the king, my father?" Amuba said, struggling to his feet. "What
-of him? Did I not see him fall?"
+“And the king, my father?” Amuba said, struggling to his feet. “What
+of him? Did I not see him fall?”
 
-"I know naught of him for certain," Jethro replied. "There was a
+“I know naught of him for certain,” Jethro replied. “There was a
 terrible fight raging, and as I had you to carry out I could take no
 share in it. Besides, I had an arrow through my left arm--if I had
 been a moment later it would have gone through your body instead. And
 now, if you do not mind taking the reins, I will bandage it up. I have
 not had time to think about it yet, but it is bleeding fast, and I
-begin to feel faint."
+begin to feel faint.”
 
-This was indeed true; but Jethro had called Amuba's attention to his
+This was indeed true; but Jethro had called Amuba’s attention to his
 wound principally for the sake of diverting his thoughts for a moment
 from his fear for his father. As Amuba drove, he looked back. The
 plain behind him was covered with a mass of fugitives.
 
-"I see that all is lost," he said mournfully. "But how is it that we
-are not pursued?"
+“I see that all is lost,” he said mournfully. “But how is it that we
+are not pursued?”
 
-"We shall be pursued before long," Jethro answered. "But I fancy that
+“We shall be pursued before long,” Jethro answered. “But I fancy that
 few of the Egyptian chariots which first passed are in a condition to
 follow. Most of them have lost horses or drivers. Numbers were broken
-to pieces in the _melee_. But they are making a fresh causeway, and
+to pieces in the _mêlée_. But they are making a fresh causeway, and
 when that is completed those who cross will take up the pursuit. As
-for their footmen, they have small chance of catching the Rebu."
+for their footmen, they have small chance of catching the Rebu.”
 
-"Surely our men ought to retreat in good order, Jethro. Scattered as
+“Surely our men ought to retreat in good order, Jethro. Scattered as
 they are, they will be slaughtered in thousands by the Egyptian
-chariots."
+chariots.”
 
-"They could not oppose much resistance to them anyhow," Jethro
-replied. "On a plain footmen cannot withstand a chariot charge. As it
+“They could not oppose much resistance to them anyhow,” Jethro
+replied. “On a plain footmen cannot withstand a chariot charge. As it
 is, many will doubtless fall; but they will scatter to the right and
 left, numbers will reach the hills in safety, some will take refuge
 in woods and jungles, while many will outrun the chariots. The new
 causeway is narrow, and a few only can cross abreast, and thus, though
 many of our men will be overtaken and killed, I trust that the greater
-part will escape."
+part will escape.”
 
-"Let us draw up here for a short time, Jethro. I see there are several
+“Let us draw up here for a short time, Jethro. I see there are several
 chariots and some horsemen behind, and as they are with the main body
 of the fugitives, they are doubtless friends. Let us join them and
 proceed in a body to the town. I should not like to be the first to
-enter with the news of our defeat."
+enter with the news of our defeat.”
 
-"You are right, prince. As our horses are good, we need not fear being
-overtaken. We can therefore wait a few minutes."
+“You are right, prince. As our horses are good, we need not fear being
+overtaken. We can therefore wait a few minutes.”
 
 A score of chariots presently came up, and all halted on seeing Amuba.
 One of them contained Amusis, the chief captain of the army. He leaped
 from his chariot when he saw Amuba, and advanced to him.
 
-"Prince," he said, "why do you delay? I rejoice at seeing that you
+“Prince,” he said, “why do you delay? I rejoice at seeing that you
 have escaped in the battle, for I marked you bravely fighting in the
 midst; but let me beg you to hasten on. A few minutes and the host of
-Egyptian chariots will be upon us."
+Egyptian chariots will be upon us.”
 
-"I am ready to proceed, Amusis, since you have come. Have you any news
-of my father?"
+“I am ready to proceed, Amusis, since you have come. Have you any news
+of my father?”
 
-"The king has been sorely wounded," the general said, "and was carried
+“The king has been sorely wounded,” the general said, “and was carried
 off out of the battle; but come, prince, we must hasten on. Our
 presence will be sorely needed in the city, and we must get all in
-readiness for defense before the Egyptians arrive."
+readiness for defense before the Egyptians arrive.”
 
 The chariots again started, and reached the city without seeing
 anything of the Egyptians, who did not indeed arrive before the walls
@@ -910,33 +877,33 @@ as if demented.
 
 On their way to the palace they met the troops who had been left
 behind to guard the city, moving down stern and silent to take their
-places on the wall. During the drive Amusis, who had driven in Amuba's
+places on the wall. During the drive Amusis, who had driven in Amuba’s
 chariot, had broken to the boy the news that his father was dead, and
 Amuba was prepared for the loud lamentation of women which met him as
 he entered the royal inclosure.
 
-"I will see my mother," he said to Amusis, "and then I will come down
+“I will see my mother,” he said to Amusis, “and then I will come down
 with you to the walls and will take whatever part you may assign me in
-the defense. It is to your experience and valor we must now trust."
+the defense. It is to your experience and valor we must now trust.”
 
-"I will do all that I can, prince. The walls are strong, and if, as I
+“I will do all that I can, prince. The walls are strong, and if, as I
 hope, the greater part of our army find their way back, I trust we may
 be able to defend ourselves successfully against the Egyptian host.
 Assure your royal mother of my deep sympathy for her in her sorrow,
-and of my devotion to her personally."
+and of my devotion to her personally.”
 
 The general now drove off, and Amuba entered the royal dwellings. In
 the principal apartment the body of the king was laid upon a couch in
 the middle of the room. The queen stood beside it in silent grief,
 while the attendants raised loud cries, wrung their hands, and filled
 the air with their lamentation, mingled with praises of the character
-and bravery of the king. Amuba advanced to his mother's side. She
+and bravery of the king. Amuba advanced to his mother’s side. She
 turned and threw her arms round him.
 
-"Thank the gods, my son, that you are restored to me; but what a loss,
-what a terrible loss is ours!"
+“Thank the gods, my son, that you are restored to me; but what a loss,
+what a terrible loss is ours!”
 
-"It is indeed, mother. No better father ever lived than mine. But I
+“It is indeed, mother. No better father ever lived than mine. But I
 pray you, mother, lay aside your grief for awhile; we shall have time
 to weep and mourn for him afterward. We have need of all our courage.
 In a few hours the Egyptian hosts will be before our walls, and every
@@ -947,11 +914,11 @@ fathers, and the cries and lamentations of the women cannot but
 dispirit and dishearten the men. I think, mother, that you might do
 much if you would; and I am sure that my father in his resting-place
 with the gods would far rather see you devoting yourself to the safety
-of his people than to lamentations here."
+of his people than to lamentations here.”
 
-"What would you have me do?"
+“What would you have me do?”
 
-"I should say, mother, mount a chariot and drive through the streets
+“I should say, mother, mount a chariot and drive through the streets
 of the town; bid the women follow the example of their queen and defer
 their lamentation for the fallen until the foe has been repelled. Bid
 each do her part in the defense of the city; there is work for
@@ -960,19 +927,19 @@ fighting men, hides to be prepared in readiness to be carried to the
 ramparts where the attack is hottest, to shield our soldiers from
 arrows. In these and other tasks all can find employment, and, in thus
 working for the defense of the town, the women would find distraction
-from their sorrows and anxieties."
+from their sorrows and anxieties.”
 
-"Your advice is wise, Amuba, and I will follow it. Order a chariot
+“Your advice is wise, Amuba, and I will follow it. Order a chariot
 to be brought down. My maidens shall come with me; and see that two
 trumpeters are in readiness to precede us. This will insure attention
 and silence, and my words will be heard as we pass along. How did you
-escape from the conflict?"
+escape from the conflict?”
 
-"The faithful Jethro bore me off, mother, or I, too, should have
-fallen; and now, with your permission, I will go to the wall."
+“The faithful Jethro bore me off, mother, or I, too, should have
+fallen; and now, with your permission, I will go to the wall.”
 
-"Do so, Amuba, and may the gods preserve you. You must partake of some
-food before you go, for you will need all your strength, my son."
+“Do so, Amuba, and may the gods preserve you. You must partake of some
+food before you go, for you will need all your strength, my son.”
 
 Amuba hastily ate the food that was placed before him in another
 apartment, and drank a goblet of wine, and then hurried down to the
@@ -1085,25 +1052,25 @@ character, and represented animals sacred to the gods, sacred boats,
 emblematic devices, or the names of the king or queen. These were
 in metal, and were raised at the ends of spears or staves. The
 standard-bearers were all officers of approved valor. Behind the army
-followed an enormous baggage-train; and as soon as this had arriveD on
+followed an enormous baggage-train; and as soon as this had arrived on
 the ground the tents of the king and the principal officers were
 pitched.
 
-"What a host!" Jethro said to Amuba, who, after having his arm dressed
+“What a host!” Jethro said to Amuba, who, after having his arm dressed
 on his arrival at the palace, had accompanied the young prince to the
-walls. "It seems a nation rather than an army. I do not wonder now
+walls. “It seems a nation rather than an army. I do not wonder now
 that we were defeated yesterday, but that we so long held our ground,
-and that so many escaped from the battle."
+and that so many escaped from the battle.”
 
-"It is wonderful, truly, Jethro. Look at the long line of chariots
+“It is wonderful, truly, Jethro. Look at the long line of chariots
 moving in as regular order as the footmen. It is well for us that they
 will now be forced to be inactive. As to the others, although they are
 countless in numbers, they cannot do much against our walls. No towers
 that they can erect upon the plains will place them on a level with us
 here, and the rock is so steep that it is only here and there that it
-can be climbed."
+can be climbed.”
 
-"It would seem impossible for them to take it, prince; but we must not
+“It would seem impossible for them to take it, prince; but we must not
 be too confident. We know that many towns which believed themselves
 impregnable have been captured by the Egyptians, and must be prepared
 for the most daring enterprises. The gates have been already fastened,
@@ -1113,30 +1080,30 @@ them that were formed of timber have been burned, and they cannot now
 reach the gates except by climbing, as at other points. We have
 provisions enough to last for well-nigh a year, for all the harvest
 has been brought in from the whole district round, together with many
-thousands of cattle; of wells there are abundance."
+thousands of cattle; of wells there are abundance.”
 
-"Yes, I heard the preparations that were being made, Jethro, and doubt
+“Yes, I heard the preparations that were being made, Jethro, and doubt
 not that if we can resist the first onslaught of the Egyptians we can
 hold out far longer than they can, for the difficulty of victualing so
 huge an army will be immense. In what way do you think they will
 attack? For my part I do not see any method which offers a hope of
-success."
+success.”
 
-"That I cannot tell you. We know that to us and to the peoples around
+“That I cannot tell you. We know that to us and to the peoples around
 our cities seem impregnable. But the Egyptians are skilled in all the
 devices of war. They have laid siege to and captured great numbers of
 cities, and are doubtless full of plans and expedients of which we
 know nothing. However, to-morrow morning will show us something.
 Nothing will be attempted to-day. The generals have first to inspect
 our walls and see where the assault is to be delivered, and the army
-will be given a day's rest at least before being called upon to
-assault such a position."
+will be given a day’s rest at least before being called upon to
+assault such a position.”
 
-In the afternoon a _cortege_ of chariots made the circuit of the walls
+In the afternoon a _cortége_ of chariots made the circuit of the walls
 from the shore of the sea round the great plateau to the sea again,
 keeping just beyond the range of arrows.
 
-"If we had but a few of their archers here," Jethro said, "the
+“If we had but a few of their archers here,” Jethro said, “the
 Egyptian king would not be so overbold in venturing so near. It is
 wonderful how strongly they shoot. Their arrows have fully double the
 range of ours, and their power is sufficient to carry them through the
@@ -1148,7 +1115,7 @@ though their shafts are fully a foot longer than ours they draw them
 to the head. I regarded myself as a good bowman till I met the
 Egyptians, and now I feel as a child might do when watching a man
 performing feats of strength of which he had not even imagined a
-possibility."
+possibility.”
 
 In the evening the great council met. It included all the principal
 officers of the army, the priests, the royal councilors, and the
@@ -1193,24 +1160,24 @@ ranks a vast number of footmen poured through, and in irregular order
 ran forward to the foot of the rock, where they were sheltered from
 the arrows of those on the wall.
 
-"What can they be going to do now?" Amuba exclaimed, laying aside his
+“What can they be going to do now?” Amuba exclaimed, laying aside his
 bow.
 
 Jethro shook his head.
 
-"They are working with a plan," he said. "We shall see before very
-long. Listen."
+“They are working with a plan,” he said. “We shall see before very
+long. Listen.”
 
 Even above the din caused by so vast a multitude a sharp metallic
 sound was presently heard like that of innumerable hammers striking on
 steel.
 
-"Surely," Amuba exclaimed, "they can never be thinking of quarrying
+“Surely,” Amuba exclaimed, “they can never be thinking of quarrying
 the rock away! That is too great a task even were the whole people of
-Egypt here."
+Egypt here.”
 
-"It certainly is not that," Jethro agreed; "and yet I cannot think
-what else can be their intentions."
+“It certainly is not that,” Jethro agreed; “and yet I cannot think
+what else can be their intentions.”
 
 It was nigh an hour before the mystery was solved. Then, at the blast
 of a trumpet sounded at the post where the Egyptian king had placed
@@ -1242,17 +1209,17 @@ For several hours the Egyptians continued their efforts, but after
 losing vast numbers of men without obtaining any success they were
 recalled by the sound of the trumpet.
 
-"That has not been very serious, Jethro," Amuba said, wiping the
+“That has not been very serious, Jethro,” Amuba said, wiping the
 perspiration from his forehead; for he had been encouraging the men by
 assisting in the lifting and casting over the massive stones and beams
 of wood.
 
-"It was not difficult to repulse them under such conditions," Jethro
-said; "but the manner of their attack was a surprise indeed to us, and
+“It was not difficult to repulse them under such conditions,” Jethro
+said; “but the manner of their attack was a surprise indeed to us, and
 they have fought with the greatest bravery. You will see that the next
 time they will have benefited by the lesson, and that we shall have
 some new device to cope with. Now that they have once found a way to
-scale the rock we may expect but little rest."
+scale the rock we may expect but little rest.”
 
 The fight was not renewed until evening, when, just as darkness fell,
 a large number of the Egyptians again ascended the rock. As before,
@@ -1287,39 +1254,39 @@ caldrons of boiling oil they had prepared in readiness. The strength
 of the beams defied the first; the hides lapping over each other
 prevented the second from penetrating to those below.
 
-"Truly these are terrible foes, prince," Jethro said. "I told you that
+“Truly these are terrible foes, prince,” Jethro said. “I told you that
 we might expect new plans and devices, but I did not think that the
 very day after the siege began we should find that they had overcome
 all the difficulties of our natural defenses, and should have
-established themselves in safety at the foot of our walls."
+established themselves in safety at the foot of our walls.”
 
-"But what is to be done, Jethro? The men working in those shelters
+“But what is to be done, Jethro? The men working in those shelters
 will speedily dislodge these stones facing the walls, and will then
-without difficulty dig through the earthwork behind."
+without difficulty dig through the earthwork behind.”
 
-"The matter is serious," Jethro agreed; "but as yet there is no
+“The matter is serious,” Jethro agreed; “but as yet there is no
 reason to alarm ourselves. The greater portion of our troops will be
 assembled behind the wall, and should the Egyptians gain a way through
 we should pour in at the openings, and as they can be only reinforced
 slowly, would speedily hurl them all over the edge of the cliff. It is
-not that I fear."
+not that I fear.”
 
-"What is it that you do fear, Jethro?"
+“What is it that you do fear, Jethro?”
 
-"I fear, prince, because I do not know what it is I have to fear.
+“I fear, prince, because I do not know what it is I have to fear.
 We are as children in a struggle of this kind as opposed to the
 Egyptians. Already they have wholly overthrown all our calculations,
 and it is just because I do not know what they will do next that I am
 afraid. It must be as plain to them as it is to us that if they dig
-through the walls we shall rush in and overpower them."
+through the walls we shall rush in and overpower them.”
 
-"Perhaps they intend to work right and left and to undermine the
+“Perhaps they intend to work right and left and to undermine the
 walls, until large portions of them tumble over and breaches are
-made."
+made.”
 
 Jethro shook his head.
 
-"That would destroy the Egyptian shelters and bury their workmen; or,
+“That would destroy the Egyptian shelters and bury their workmen; or,
 even did they manage to retire before the walls fell, they would gain
 nothing by it. In fact, I wish that we ourselves could tumble the
 walls over, for in that case the heap of earth and stones would rise
@@ -1328,23 +1295,23 @@ climb up in small numbers at a time, we could destroy them without
 difficulty. I see now that our builders made a mistake in surrounding
 the city with a high wall; it would have been best to have built a
 mere breastwork at the very edge of the cliff all round. Here comes
-Amusis; we shall hear what his opinion of the matter is."
+Amusis; we shall hear what his opinion of the matter is.”
 
 Amusis looked flushed and anxious, although when he saw the prince he
 assumed an expression of carelessness.
 
-"The Egyptians are going to burrow through our walls," he said; "but
+“The Egyptians are going to burrow through our walls,” he said; “but
 when they do we will drive them like rats out of the holes. Do you not
-think so, Jethro?"
+think so, Jethro?”
 
-"I do not know," Jethro said gravely. "If they dig through our walls
+“I do not know,” Jethro said gravely. “If they dig through our walls
 we shall certainly, as you say, drive them out of their holes; but I
-cannot believe that that is what they are going to do."
+cannot believe that that is what they are going to do.”
 
-"What do you think they are going to do?" Amusis asked roughly.
+“What do you think they are going to do?” Amusis asked roughly.
 
-"I have no idea, Amusis. I wish that I had; but I am quite sure that
-they haven't taken all this trouble for nothing."
+“I have no idea, Amusis. I wish that I had; but I am quite sure that
+they haven’t taken all this trouble for nothing.”
 
 
 
@@ -1414,7 +1381,7 @@ startled by the sound of a trumpet in their rear--a sound which was
 answered instantly from a score of points. Rushing with cries of
 dismay to the back of the rampart, they saw dark bodies of footmen
 drawn up in regular order, and a rain of arrows was opened upon them.
-The Rebu, without a moment's hesitation, rushed down to attack the
+The Rebu, without a moment’s hesitation, rushed down to attack the
 foes who had gained a footing, they scarce knew how, in their
 fortress. But each of the Egyptian companies was four hundred strong,
 composed of picked troops, and these for a time easily beat off the
@@ -1497,28 +1464,28 @@ to create a disposition toward mercy.
 
 An interpreter translated to the king the words of the women.
 
-"Has all resistance ceased?" the king asked. "Have all the men laid
-down their arms?"
+“Has all resistance ceased?” the king asked. “Have all the men laid
+down their arms?”
 
 The women exclaimed that there was not now an armed man in the city,
 all the weapons having been collected during the night and placed in
 piles in the open space in front of the entrance to the palace.
 
-"Then I give to all their lives," the king said graciously. "When I
+“Then I give to all their lives,” the king said graciously. “When I
 fight with cowards I have little mercy upon them, for men who are not
 brave are unfit to live; but when I fight with men I treat them as
 men. The Rebu are a valiant people, but as well might the jackal fight
 with the lion as the Rebu oppose themselves to the might of Egypt.
 They fought bravely in the field, and they have bravely defended their
 walls; therefore I grant life to all in the city--men, women, and
-children. Where is your king?"
+children. Where is your king?”
 
-"He died in the battle four days since," the women replied.
+“He died in the battle four days since,” the women replied.
 
-"Where is your queen?"
+“Where is your queen?”
 
-"She drank poison last night, preferring to join her husband than to
-survive the capture of the city."
+“She drank poison last night, preferring to join her husband than to
+survive the capture of the city.”
 
 Thotmes had now ordered the whole of the inhabitants to be taken
 out to the plain and kept there under a guard. The town was then
@@ -1563,7 +1530,7 @@ would bear the misfortunes which had fallen on him and his people with
 submission and patience; he was young, and there was no saying what
 the future had in store for him.
 
-"You will doubtless, my son," were the words of her message, "be
+“You will doubtless, my son,” were the words of her message, “be
 carried away captive into Egypt, but you may yet escape some day and
 rejoin your people, or may meet with some lot in which you may find
 contentment or even happiness there. At any rate, my last words to you
@@ -1572,11 +1539,11 @@ father was king of the Rebu, and whatever your station in life may be,
 try to be worthy of the rank to which you were born. There is no
 greater happiness on a throne than in a cottage. Men make their own
 happiness, and a man may be respected even though only a slave. May
-the gods of your country preside over and protect you always."
+the gods of your country preside over and protect you always.”
 
 The message was delivered by an old woman who had been with the queen
 since her birth, and struck down with grief as Amuba was at his
-mother's death, he yet acknowledged to himself that even this loss was
+mother’s death, he yet acknowledged to himself that even this loss was
 less hard to bear than the knowledge that she who had been so loved
 and honored by the people should undergo the humiliation of being
 dragged a slave in the train of the conquering Egyptians. He was,
@@ -1588,41 +1555,41 @@ that were to be taken as slaves to Egypt.
 Prostrate as he was, however, he felt it to be a satisfaction and
 comfort when he found that Jethro was also of the party set aside.
 
-"It is selfish, Jethro," he said, "for me to feel glad that you too
+“It is selfish, Jethro,” he said, “for me to feel glad that you too
 are to be dragged away as a slave, but it will be a great comfort to
 have you with me. I know almost all the others of the party, but to
 none shall I be able to talk of my father and mother and my home here
-as I should to you whom I have known so long."
+as I should to you whom I have known so long.”
 
-"I am not sorry that I have been chosen," Jethro said, "for I have no
+“I am not sorry that I have been chosen,” Jethro said, “for I have no
 family ties, and now that the Rebu are a conquered people I should
 have little satisfaction in my life here. When we get to Egypt we
-shall probably be separated, but there is a march of months' duration
+shall probably be separated, but there is a march of months’ duration
 before us, and during that time we may at least be together; since,
 then, my being with you is as you say, prince, a comfort to you, I am
 well content that I have been chosen. I thought it a hard thing when
 my wife died but a few weeks after our marriage. Now I rejoice that it
-was so, and that I can leave without any one's heart being wrung at my
+was so, and that I can leave without any one’s heart being wrung at my
 departure. You and I, prince, perhaps of all those chosen will feel
 the least misery at the fate that has befallen us. Most of those here
 are leaving wives and children behind; some of the youngest are still
 unmarried, but they have fathers and mothers from whom they will be
 separated. Therefore, let us not bemoan our lot, for it might have
-been worse, and our life in Egypt may not be wholly unbearable."
+been worse, and our life in Egypt may not be wholly unbearable.”
 
-"That is just what my dear mother said, Jethro," Amuba replied,
+“That is just what my dear mother said, Jethro,” Amuba replied,
 repeating the message the queen had sent him.
 
-"My dear mistress was right," Jethro said. "We may find happiness in
+“My dear mistress was right,” Jethro said. “We may find happiness in
 Egypt as elsewhere; and now let us try to cheer up our companions, for
-in cheering them we shall forget our own misfortunes."
+in cheering them we shall forget our own misfortunes.”
 
 Jethro and Amuba went among the rest of the captives, most of whom
 were prostrated with grief, and did their best to rouse them from
 their stupor.
 
-"The Egyptians have seen that the Rebu are men in the field," Amuba
-said to some of them. "Let them see that we can also bear misfortune
+“The Egyptians have seen that the Rebu are men in the field,” Amuba
+said to some of them. “Let them see that we can also bear misfortune
 like men. Grieving will not mitigate our lot, nay, it will add to its
 burden. If the Egyptians see that we bear our fate manfully they will
 have far more compassion upon us than if they see that we bemoan
@@ -1634,9 +1601,9 @@ will be terrible to them, delicate in nature as they are. Let us
 therefore set them an example of courage and patience; let us bear
 ourselves as men whose suffering is unmerited, who have been conquered
 but not disgraced, who are prepared to defy fate and not to succumb to
-it."
+it.”
 
-Amuba's words had a great effect upon the captives. They regarded him
+Amuba’s words had a great effect upon the captives. They regarded him
 with respect as the son of their late king, and as one who would have
 been king himself had not this misfortune befallen them; and his
 calmness and manly speech encouraged them to strive against their
@@ -1673,11 +1640,11 @@ prince the great advantage this would be to them. In the first place,
 it would divert their thoughts from dwelling upon the past, and in the
 second, it would make their lot more bearable in Egypt.
 
-"You must remember," he said, "that we shall be slaves, and masters
+“You must remember,” he said, “that we shall be slaves, and masters
 are not patient with their slaves. They give them orders, and if the
 order is not understood so much the worse for the slaves. It will add
 to our value, and therefore obtain for us better treatment, if we are
-able to converse in their tongue."
+able to converse in their tongue.”
 
 Amuba was thankful indeed when the gray monotony of the desert was
 succeeded by the bright verdure of the plains of Egypt. As they
@@ -1699,27 +1666,27 @@ avenues of sphinxes, the gigantic figures representing the gods, the
 rows of massive pillars, the majesty and grandeur of the edifices
 themselves.
 
-"How were they built, Jethro?" he exclaimed over and again. "How were
+“How were they built, Jethro?” he exclaimed over and again. “How were
 these massive stones placed in order? How did they drag these huge
 figures across the plains? What tools could they have used to carve
-them out of the solid granite?"
+them out of the solid granite?”
 
-"I am afraid, Amuba," Jethro said grimly, for the lad had positively
+“I am afraid, Amuba,” Jethro said grimly, for the lad had positively
 forbidden him to address him any longer as prince, saying that such
-title addressed to a slave was no better than mockery, "we are likely
+title addressed to a slave was no better than mockery, “we are likely
 to learn to our cost before long how they manage these marvels, for
 marvels they assuredly are. It must have taken the strength of
 thousands of men to have transported even one of these strange
 figures, and although the people themselves may have aided in the
-work, you may be sure the slaves bore the brunt of it."
+work, you may be sure the slaves bore the brunt of it.”
 
-"But what is the meaning of these figures, Jethro? Surely neither in
+“But what is the meaning of these figures, Jethro? Surely neither in
 this country nor in any other are there creatures with the faces of
 women and the bodies of lions and great wings such as these have.
 Some, too, have the faces of men and the bodies of bulls, while others
-have heads like birds and bodies like those of men."
+have heads like birds and bodies like those of men.”
 
-"Assuredly there can be no such creatures, Amuba; and I wonder that a
+“Assuredly there can be no such creatures, Amuba; and I wonder that a
 people so enlightened and wise as the Egyptians should choose such
 strange figures for their gods. I can only suppose that these figures
 represent their attributes rather than the gods themselves. Do you
@@ -1729,7 +1696,7 @@ their swiftness. I do not know that it is so, but it seems to me that
 it is possible that it may be something of this sort. We cannot but
 allow that their gods are powerful, since they give them victory over
 all other people; but no doubt we shall learn more of them and of many
-other things in time."
+other things in time.”
 
 The journey was continued for another three weeks, and was the cause
 of constant surprises to the captives. The extraordinary fertility of
@@ -1743,7 +1710,7 @@ and ditches, the order and method everywhere apparent, filled them
 with surprise and admiration.
 
 Many of the cities and temples greatly surpassed in magnificence and
-splendor those they had first met with, and Amuba's wonder reached its
+splendor those they had first met with, and Amuba’s wonder reached its
 climax when they arrived at Memphis, till lately the capital of Egypt.
 The wealth and contents of the city astonished the captives, but most
 of all were they surprised when they saw the enormous bulk of the
@@ -1754,7 +1721,7 @@ The country had now altered in character. On the left a range of steep
 hills approached the river, and as the march proceeded similar though
 not so lofty hills were seen on the right.
 
-At last, after another fortnight's traveling, a shout of joy from the
+At last, after another fortnight’s traveling, a shout of joy from the
 army proclaimed that Thebes, the capital of Egypt, the goal of the
 long and weary march was in view.
 
@@ -1781,21 +1748,21 @@ the dense crowd, which separated at once to allow of the passage of
 the figures of the gods, and of the priests and attendants bearing
 their emblems.
 
-"Indeed, Jethro," Amuba exclaimed with enthusiasm, "it is almost worth
+“Indeed, Jethro,” Amuba exclaimed with enthusiasm, “it is almost worth
 while being made a slave if it is only to witness this glorious scene.
 What a wonderful people are these; what knowledge, and power, and
-magnificence! Why, my father's palace would be regarded as a mere hut
+magnificence! Why, my father’s palace would be regarded as a mere hut
 in Thebes, and our temples, of which we thought so much, are pygmies
-by the side of these immense edifices."
+by the side of these immense edifices.”
 
-"All that is true enough, Amuba, and I do not say that I, too, am not
+“All that is true enough, Amuba, and I do not say that I, too, am not
 filled with admiration, and yet you know the Rebu several times drove
 back their forces, and man for man are more than a match for their
 soldiers. Our people are taller than they by half a head. We have not
 so much luxury, nor did we want it. All this must make people
-effeminate."
+effeminate.”
 
-"Perhaps so," Amuba assented; "but you must remember it is not so very
+“Perhaps so,” Amuba assented; “but you must remember it is not so very
 long ago that we were a people living in tents, and wandering at will
 in search of pasture, and we have not, I think, become effeminate
 because we have settled down and built towns. No one can say that the
@@ -1804,7 +1771,7 @@ I agree with you that physically they are not our equals. See how the
 people stare and point at us, Jethro. I should think they have never
 seen a race like ours with blue eyes and fair hair, though even among
 them there are varying shades of darkness. The nobles and upper
-classes are lighter in hue than the common people."
+classes are lighter in hue than the common people.”
 
 The surprise of the Egyptians was indeed great at the complexion of
 their captives, and the decoration of their walls has handed down in
@@ -1829,83 +1796,83 @@ the captives were drawn up in line, and the number assigned to each
 temple were marched off together in order that there might be no
 picking and choosing of the captives, but that they might be divided
 impartially between the various temples, and as Jethro always placed
-himself by Amuba's side, it naturally happened that they fell to the
+himself by Amuba’s side, it naturally happened that they fell to the
 same destination.
 
 On reaching the temple the little band of captives were again drawn
 up, and the high priest, Ameres, a grave and distinguished-looking
 man, walked along the line scrutinizing them. He beckoned to Amuba to
-step forward. "Henceforth," he said, "you are my servant. Behave well,
-and you will be well treated." He again walked down the line, and
+step forward. “Henceforth,” he said, “you are my servant. Behave well,
+and you will be well treated.” He again walked down the line, and
 Amuba saw that he was going to choose another, and threw himself on
 his knees before him.
 
-"Will my lord pardon my boldness," he said, "but may I implore you to
+“Will my lord pardon my boldness,” he said, “but may I implore you to
 choose yonder man who stood next beside me? He has been my friend
 from childhood, he covered me with his shield in battle, he has been a
 father to me since I have lost my own. Do not, I implore you, my lord,
 separate us now. You will find us both willing to labor at whatsoever
-you may give us to do."
+you may give us to do.”
 
 The priest listened gravely.
 
-"It shall be as you wish," he said; "it is the duty of every man to
+“It shall be as you wish,” he said; “it is the duty of every man to
 give pleasure to those around him if it lies in his power, and as your
 friend is a man of thews and sinews, and has a frank and honest face,
 he will assuredly suit me as well as another; do you therefore both
-follow me to my house."
+follow me to my house.”
 
 The other captives saluted Amuba as he and Jethro turned to follow.
 The priest observed the action, and said to the lad:
 
-"Were you a person of consequence among your people that they thus at
-parting salute you rather than your comrade, who is older than you?"
+“Were you a person of consequence among your people that they thus at
+parting salute you rather than your comrade, who is older than you?”
 
-"I am the son of him who was their king," Amuba said. "He fell in
+“I am the son of him who was their king,” Amuba said. “He fell in
 action with your troops, and had not our city been taken, and the
-nation subdued by the Egyptians, I should have inherited the throne."
+nation subdued by the Egyptians, I should have inherited the throne.”
 
-"Is it so?" the priest said. "Truly the changes and fortunes of life
+“Is it so?” the priest said. “Truly the changes and fortunes of life
 are strange. I wonder that, being the son of their king, you were not
-specially kept by Thotmes himself."
+specially kept by Thotmes himself.”
 
-"I think that he knew it not," Amuba said. "We knew not your customs,
+“I think that he knew it not,” Amuba said. “We knew not your customs,
 and my fellow-captives thought that possibly I might be put to death
 were it known that I was a son of their king, and therefore abstained
 from all outward marks of respect, which, indeed, would to one who was
-a slave like themselves have been ridiculous."
+a slave like themselves have been ridiculous.”
 
-"Perhaps it is best so," the priest said thoughtfully. "You would not
+“Perhaps it is best so,” the priest said thoughtfully. “You would not
 have been injured, for we do not slay our captives taken in war;
 still maybe your life will be easier to bear as the servant of a
 priest than in the household of the king. You had better, however,
 mention to no one the rank you have borne, for it might be reported to
 the king, and then you might be sent for to the palace; unless indeed
 you would rather be a spectator of the pomp and gayety of the court
-than a servant in a quiet household."
+than a servant in a quiet household.”
 
-"I would far rather remain with you, my lord," Amuba said eagerly.
-"You have already shown the kindness of your heart by granting my
+“I would far rather remain with you, my lord,” Amuba said eagerly.
+“You have already shown the kindness of your heart by granting my
 request, and choosing my comrade Jethro as my fellow-slave, and I feel
 already that my lot will be a far happier one than I had ventured to
-hope."
+hope.”
 
-"Judge not hastily by appearances," the priest said. "At the same
+“Judge not hastily by appearances,” the priest said. “At the same
 time, here in Egypt, slaves are not treated as they are among the wild
 peoples of Nubia and the desert. There is a law for all, and he who
 kills a slave is punished as if he took the life of an Egyptian.
 However, I think I can say that your life will not be a hard one; you
 have intelligence, as is shown by the fact that you have so rapidly
 acquired sufficient knowledge of our tongue to speak it intelligibly.
-Can you, too, speak our language?" he asked Jethro.
+Can you, too, speak our language?” he asked Jethro.
 
-"I can speak a little," Jethro said; "but not nearly so well as Amuba.
+“I can speak a little,” Jethro said; “but not nearly so well as Amuba.
 My lips are too old to fashion a strange tongue as rapidly as can his
-younger ones."
+younger ones.”
 
-"You speak sufficiently well to understand," the priest said, "and
+“You speak sufficiently well to understand,” the priest said, “and
 doubtless will in time acquire our tongue perfectly. This is my
-house."
+house.”
 
 The priest entered an imposing gateway, on each side of which
 stretched a long and lofty wall. At a distance of fifty yards from the
@@ -1928,8 +1895,8 @@ they were slaves as they looked round at a vegetation more beautiful
 than they had ever beheld. A smile passed over the countenance of the
 priest.
 
-"Perfect happiness is for no man," he said, "and yet methinks that you
-may in time learn at least contentment here."
+“Perfect happiness is for no man,” he said, “and yet methinks that you
+may in time learn at least contentment here.”
 
 
 
@@ -1943,38 +1910,38 @@ Just as the priest finished speaking, a lad of about the same age as
 Amuba appeared at the portico of the house, and ran down to his
 father.
 
-"Oh, father!" he exclaimed, "have you brought two of those strange
+“Oh, father!” he exclaimed, “have you brought two of those strange
 captives home? We saw them in the procession, and marveled greatly at
 the color of their hair and eyes. Mysa and I particularly noticed this
-lad, whose hair is almost the color of gold."
+lad, whose hair is almost the color of gold.”
 
-"As usual, Chebron, your tongue outruns your discretion. This youth
+“As usual, Chebron, your tongue outruns your discretion. This youth
 understands enough Egyptian to know what you are saying, and it is not
-courteous to speak of a person's characteristics to his face."
+courteous to speak of a person’s characteristics to his face.”
 
 The lad flushed through his olive cheeks.
 
-"Pardon me," he said courteously to Amuba. "I did not think for a
+“Pardon me,” he said courteously to Amuba. “I did not think for a
 moment that one who had but newly arrived among us understood our
-language."
+language.”
 
-"Do not apologize," Amuba replied with a smile. "Doubtless our
+“Do not apologize,” Amuba replied with a smile. “Doubtless our
 appearance is strange to you, and indeed even among the peoples of
 Lydia and Persia there are few whose hair and eyes are as fair as
 ours. Even had you said that you did not like our appearance I should
 not have felt hurt, for all people I think like that to which they are
 accustomed; in any case, it is good of you to say that you regret what
-you said; people do not generally think that captives have feelings."
+you said; people do not generally think that captives have feelings.”
 
-"Chebron's apology was right," his father said. "Among us politeness
+“Chebron’s apology was right,” his father said. “Among us politeness
 is the rule, and every Egyptian is taught to be considerate to all
 people. It is just as easy to be polite as to be rude, and men are
-served better for love than for fear."
+served better for love than for fear.”
 
-"And are they to stay here, father," Chebron asked, "or have you only
-brought them for to-day?"
+“And are they to stay here, father,” Chebron asked, “or have you only
+brought them for to-day?”
 
-"They are to stay here, my son. I have chosen them from those set
+“They are to stay here, my son. I have chosen them from those set
 aside for our temple. I selected the younger because he was about your
 age, and it is good for a man to have one near him who has been
 brought up with him, and is attached to him; who, although
@@ -1988,16 +1955,16 @@ his father fell in battle, would now be the king of his people had
 they not been subjected to us. Therefore, Chebron, bear it always in
 mind that although misfortune has placed him a captive among us, he is
 in birth your superior, and treat him as you yourself would wish to be
-treated did you fall a captive into the hands of a hostile nation."
+treated did you fall a captive into the hands of a hostile nation.”
 
-"I will gladly treat you as my friend," the young Egyptian said
-frankly to Amuba. "Although you are so different from me in race, I
-can see in your face that you are true and loyal. Besides," he added,
-"I am sure that my father would not have bade me so trust you had he
+“I will gladly treat you as my friend,” the young Egyptian said
+frankly to Amuba. “Although you are so different from me in race, I
+can see in your face that you are true and loyal. Besides,” he added,
+“I am sure that my father would not have bade me so trust you had he
 not read your character and been certain that you will be a fit friend
-for me."
+for me.”
 
-"You and your father are both good," Amuba replied. "I know how hard
+“You and your father are both good,” Amuba replied. “I know how hard
 is the lot of captives taken in war, for we Rebu had many slaves whom
 we took in various expeditions, and I was prepared to suffer. You can
 judge, then, how grateful I feel to our gods that they have placed me
@@ -2007,17 +1974,17 @@ will you find my friend here, who in any difficulty would be far more
 able to render you service than I could. He was one of our bravest
 warriors. He drove my chariot in the great battle we fought with your
 people, and saved my life several times; and should you need the
-service of a strong and brave man, Jethro will be able to aid you."
+service of a strong and brave man, Jethro will be able to aid you.”
 
-"And have you been in battle?" Chebron asked in surprise.
+“And have you been in battle?” Chebron asked in surprise.
 
-"That was the first time I had ever fought with men," Amuba said; "but
+“That was the first time I had ever fought with men,” Amuba said; “but
 I had often hunted the lion, and he is almost as terrible an enemy as
 your soldiers. I was young to go to battle, but my father naturally
 wished me to take my place early among the fighting men of our
-nation."
+nation.”
 
-"By the way, Chebron," Ameres said, "I would warn you, mention to no
+“By the way, Chebron,” Ameres said, “I would warn you, mention to no
 one the rank that Amuba held in his own country. Were it known he
 might be taken away from us to serve in the palace. His people who
 were taken captives with him said nothing as to his rank, fearing that
@@ -2025,7 +1992,7 @@ ill might befall him were it known, and it was therefore supposed that
 he was of the same rank as the other captives, who were all men of
 noble birth among the Rebu. Therefore tell no one, not even your
 mother or your sister Mysa. If there is a secret to be kept, the fewer
-who know it the better."
+who know it the better.”
 
 While this conversation had been going on Amuba had been narrowly
 examining the lad who had promised to treat him as a friend.
@@ -2039,7 +2006,7 @@ He was disfigured, as Amuba thought, by the custom, general throughout
 Egypt, of having his head smoothly shaven, except one lock which fell
 down over the left ear. This, as Amuba afterward learned, was the
 distinguishing sign of youth, and would be shaved off when he attained
-man's estate, married, or entered upon a profession.
+man’s estate, married, or entered upon a profession.
 
 At present his head was bare, but when he went out he wore a
 close-fitting cap with an orifice through which the lock of hair
@@ -2072,84 +2039,84 @@ papyrus. She threw it down and jumped to her feet as her father
 entered, and the lady rose with a languid air, as if the effort of
 even so slight a movement was a trouble to her.
 
-"Oh, papa--" the girl began, but the priest checked her with a motion
+“Oh, papa--” the girl began, but the priest checked her with a motion
 of his hand.
 
-"My dear," he said to his wife, "I have brought home two of the
+“My dear,” he said to his wife, “I have brought home two of the
 captives whom our great king has brought with him as trophies of his
 conquest. He has handed many over for our service and that of the
 temples, and these two have fallen to my share. They were of noble
 rank in their own country, and we will do our best to make them forget
-the sad change in their position."
+the sad change in their position.”
 
-"You are always so peculiar in your notions, Ameres," the lady said
+“You are always so peculiar in your notions, Ameres,” the lady said
 more pettishly than would have been expected from her languid
-movements. "They are captives; and I do not see that it makes any
+movements. “They are captives; and I do not see that it makes any
 matter what they were before they were captives, so that they are
 captives now. By all means treat them as you like, so that you do not
 place them about me, for their strange-colored hair and eyes and their
-white faces make me shudder."
+white faces make me shudder.”
 
-"Oh, mamma, I think it so pretty," Mysa exclaimed. "I do wish my hair
-was gold-colored like that boy's, instead of being black like everyone
-else's."
+“Oh, mamma, I think it so pretty,” Mysa exclaimed. “I do wish my hair
+was gold-colored like that boy’s, instead of being black like everyone
+else’s.”
 
  [Illustration: C. of B.
                 THE HIGH-PRIEST PRESENTS AMUBA AND JETHRO TO
                 HIS WIFE.--Page 68.]
 
 The priest shook his head at his daughter reprovingly; but she seemed
-in no way abashed, for she was her father's pet, and knew well enough
+in no way abashed, for she was her father’s pet, and knew well enough
 that he was never seriously angry with her.
 
-"I do not propose placing them near you, Amense," he said calmly in
-reply to his wife. "Indeed, it seems to me that you have already more
+“I do not propose placing them near you, Amense,” he said calmly in
+reply to his wife. “Indeed, it seems to me that you have already more
 attendants about you than you can find any sort of employment for. The
 lad I have specially allotted to Chebron; as to the other I have not
-exactly settled as to what his duties will be."
+exactly settled as to what his duties will be.”
 
-"Won't you give him to me, papa?" Mysa said coaxingly. "Fatina is not
+“Won’t you give him to me, papa?” Mysa said coaxingly. “Fatina is not
 at all amusing, and Dolma, the Nubian girl, can only look good-natured
-and show her white teeth, but as we can't understand each other at all
-I don't see that she is of any use to me."
+and show her white teeth, but as we can’t understand each other at all
+I don’t see that she is of any use to me.”
 
-"And what use do you think you could make of this tall Rebu?" the
+“And what use do you think you could make of this tall Rebu?” the
 priest asked, smiling.
 
-"I don't quite know, papa," Mysa said, as with her head a little on
-one side she examined Jethro critically, "but I like his looks, and I
+“I don’t quite know, papa,” Mysa said, as with her head a little on
+one side she examined Jethro critically, “but I like his looks, and I
 am sure he could do all sorts of things; for instance, he could walk
 with me when I want to go out, he could tow me round the lake in the
-boat, he could pick up my ball for me, and could feed my pets."
+boat, he could pick up my ball for me, and could feed my pets.”
 
-"When you are too lazy to feed them yourself," the priest put in.
-"Very well, Mysa, we will try the experiment. Jethro shall be your
+“When you are too lazy to feed them yourself,” the priest put in.
+“Very well, Mysa, we will try the experiment. Jethro shall be your
 special attendant, and when you have nothing for him to do, which will
 be the best part of the day, he can look after the waterfowl. Zunbo
-never attends them properly. Do you understand that?" he asked Jethro.
+never attends them properly. Do you understand that?” he asked Jethro.
 
-Jethro replied by stepping forward, taking the girl's hand, and
+Jethro replied by stepping forward, taking the girl’s hand, and
 bending over it until his forehead touched it.
 
-"There is an answer for you, Mysa."
+“There is an answer for you, Mysa.”
 
-"You indulge the children too much, Ameres," his wife said irritably.
-"I do not think in all Egypt there are any children so spoiled as
-ours. Other men's sons never speak unless addressed, and do not think
+“You indulge the children too much, Ameres,” his wife said irritably.
+“I do not think in all Egypt there are any children so spoiled as
+ours. Other men’s sons never speak unless addressed, and do not think
 of sitting down in the presence of their father. I am astonished
 indeed that you, who are looked up to as one of the wisest men in
-Egypt, should suffer your children to be so familiar with you."
+Egypt, should suffer your children to be so familiar with you.”
 
-"Perhaps, my dear," Ameres said with a placid smile, "it is because
+“Perhaps, my dear,” Ameres said with a placid smile, “it is because
 I am one of the wisest men in Egypt. My children honor me in their
 hearts as much as do those who are kept in slavelike subjection. How
-is a boy's mind to expand if he does not ask questions, and who
+is a boy’s mind to expand if he does not ask questions, and who
 should be so well able to answer his questions as his father? There,
 children, you can go now. Take your new companions with you, and show
-them the garden and your pets."
+them the garden and your pets.”
 
-"We are fortunate, indeed, Jethro," Amuba said as they followed
-Chebron and Mysa into the garden. "When we pictured to ourselves as we
+“We are fortunate, indeed, Jethro,” Amuba said as they followed
+Chebron and Mysa into the garden. “When we pictured to ourselves as we
 lay on the sand at night during our journey hither what our life would
 be, we never dreamed of anything like this. We thought of tilling the
 land, of aiding to raise the great dams and embankments, of quarrying
@@ -2157,11 +2124,11 @@ stones for the public buildings, of a grinding and hopeless slavery,
 and the only thing that ever we ventured to hope for was that we might
 toil side by side, and now, see how good the gods have been to us. Not
 only are we together, but we have found friends in our masters, a home
-in this strange land."
+in this strange land.”
 
-"Truly it is wonderful, Amuba. This Priest Ameres is a most excellent
+“Truly it is wonderful, Amuba. This Priest Ameres is a most excellent
 person, one to be loved by all who come near him. We have indeed been
-most fortunate in having been chosen by him."
+most fortunate in having been chosen by him.”
 
 The brother and sister led the way through an avenue of fruit trees,
 at the end of which a gate led through a high paling of rushes into an
@@ -2183,45 +2150,45 @@ soft muzzles into the hands of Chebron and Mysa, while from the other
 structures arose a medley of sounds--the barking of dogs and the
 sounds of welcome from a variety of creatures.
 
-"This is not your feeding-time, you know," Chebron said, looking at
-the gazelles, "and for once we have come empty-handed; but we will
+“This is not your feeding-time, you know,” Chebron said, looking at
+the gazelles, “and for once we have come empty-handed; but we will
 give you something from your stores. See, Jethro, this is their
-larder," and he led the way into a structure somewhat larger than the
+larder,” and he led the way into a structure somewhat larger than the
 rest; along the walls were a number of boxes of various sizes, while
-some large bins stood below them. "Here, you see," he went on, opening
+some large bins stood below them. “Here, you see,” he went on, opening
 one of the bins and taking from it a handful of freshly cut vetches,
-and going to the door and throwing it down before the gazelles, "this
+and going to the door and throwing it down before the gazelles, “this
 is their special food; it is brought in fresh every morning from our
 farm, which lies six miles away. The next bin contains the seed for
 the waterfowl. It is all mixed here, you see. Wheat and peas and
 pulse and other seeds. Mysa, do give them a few handfuls, for I can
 hardly hear myself speak from their clamor.
 
-"In this box above you see there is a pan of sopped bread for the
+“In this box above you see there is a pan of sopped bread for the
 cats. There is a little mixed with the water; but only a little, for
 it will not keep good. Those cakes are for them, too. Those large,
 plain, hard-baked cakes in the next box are for the dogs; they have
 some meat and bones given them two or three times a week. These frogs
 and toads in this cage are for the little crocodile; he has a tank all
 to himself. All these other boxes are full of different food for the
-other animals you see. There's a picture of the right animal upon
+other animals you see. There’s a picture of the right animal upon
 each, so there is no fear of making a mistake. We generally feed them
 ourselves three times a day when we are here, but when we are away it
-will be for you to feed them."
+will be for you to feed them.”
 
-"And please," Mysa said, "above all things be very particular that
+“And please,” Mysa said, “above all things be very particular that
 they have all got fresh water; they do love fresh water so much, and
 sometimes it is so hot that the pans dry up in an hour after it has
 been poured out. You see, the gazelles can go to the pond and drink
 when they are thirsty, but the others are fastened up because they
-won't live peaceably together as they ought to do; but we let them out
+won’t live peaceably together as they ought to do; but we let them out
 for a bit while we are here. The dogs chase the waterfowl and frighten
 them, and the cats will eat up the little ducklings, which is very
 wrong when they have plenty of proper food; and the ichneumon, even
 when we are here, would quarrel with the snakes if we let him into
 their house. They are very troublesome that way, though they are all
 so good with us. The houses all want making nice and clean of a
-morning."
+morning.”
 
 The party went from house to house inspecting the various animals, all
 of which were most carefully attended. The dogs, which were, Chebron
@@ -2243,7 +2210,7 @@ where the Egyptian arms extended.
 
 For a year the time passed tranquilly and pleasantly to Amuba in the
 household of the priest. His duties and those of Jethro were light. In
-his walks and excursions Amuba was Chebron's companion. He learned to
+his walks and excursions Amuba was Chebron’s companion. He learned to
 row his boat when he went out fishing on the Nile. When thus out
 together the distinction of rank was altogether laid aside; but when
 in Thebes the line was necessarily more marked, as Chebron could not
@@ -2266,7 +2233,7 @@ temple and public buildings and to study from the papyrus scrolls, of
 which vast numbers were stowed away in pigeon-holes ranged round one
 of the largest rooms in the house.
 
-When Chebron's studies were over Jethro instructed him in the use of
+When Chebron’s studies were over Jethro instructed him in the use of
 arms, and also practiced with Amuba. A teacher of the use of the bow
 came frequently--for Egyptians of all ranks were skilled in the use of
 the national weapon--and the Rebu captives, already skilled in the bow
@@ -2288,8 +2255,8 @@ almost necessary preliminary for state employment, he was not intended
 to rise to the upper rank of the priesthood, but to become a state
 official.
 
-"My elder brother will, no doubt, some day succeed my father as high
-priest of Osiris," he told Amuba. "I know that my father does not
+“My elder brother will, no doubt, some day succeed my father as high
+priest of Osiris,” he told Amuba. “I know that my father does not
 think that he is clever, but it is not necessary to be very clever to
 serve in the temple. I thought that, of course, I too should come to
 high rank in the priesthood; for, as you know, almost all posts are
@@ -2303,7 +2270,7 @@ useful to the people. Almost all the posts in the service of the state
 are, indeed, held by the members of priestly families; they furnish
 governors to the provinces, and not infrequently generals to the army.
 
-"'Some,' he said, 'are by disposition fitted to spend their lives in
+“‘Some,’ he said, ‘are by disposition fitted to spend their lives in
 ministering in the temples, and it is doubtless a high honor and
 happiness to do so; but for others a more active life and a wider
 field of usefulness is more suitable. Engineers are wanted for the
@@ -2314,7 +2281,7 @@ if you do not feel a longing to spend your life in the service of the
 temple, by all means turn your mind to study which will fit you to be
 an officer of the state. Be assured that I can obtain for you from the
 king a post in which you will be able to make your first essay, and
-so, if deserving, rise to high advancement.'"
+so, if deserving, rise to high advancement.’”
 
 There were few priests during the reign of Thotmes III. who stood
 higher in the opinion of the Egyptian people than Ameres. His piety
@@ -2386,7 +2353,7 @@ entertain opinions differing even in the slightest from those held by
 the leaders of the priesthood, was sufficient to cause him to be
 regarded with marked disfavor among them; it was indeed only because
 his piety and benevolence were as remarkable as his learning and
-knowledge of science that he was enabled at his father's death to
+knowledge of science that he was enabled at his father’s death to
 succeed to his office without opposition.
 
 Indeed, even at that time the priests of higher grade would have
@@ -2442,7 +2409,7 @@ In the first place, it would shake entirely the respect and reverence
 in which the priesthood were held, and would annihilate their
 influence. The temples would be deserted, and, losing the faith which
 they now so steadfastly held in the gods, people would soon cease to
-have any religion at all. "There are no people," they urged, "on the
+have any religion at all. “There are no people,” they urged, “on the
 face of the earth so moral, so contented, so happy, and so easily
 ruled as the Egyptians; but what would they be did you destroy all
 their beliefs, and launch them upon a sea of doubt and speculation! No
@@ -2450,7 +2417,7 @@ longer would they look up to those who have so long been their guides
 and teachers, and whom they regard as possessing a knowledge and
 wisdom infinitely beyond theirs. They would accuse us of having
 deceived them, and in their blind fury destroy alike the gods and
-their ministers. The idea of such a thing is horrible."
+their ministers. The idea of such a thing is horrible.”
 
 Ameres was silenced, though not convinced. He felt, indeed, that there
 was much truth in the view they entertained of the matter, and that
@@ -2500,7 +2467,7 @@ right and proper.
 
 Ameres saw, however, that Chebron was altogether differently
 constituted. He was very intelligent, and was possessed of an ardent
-thirst for knowledge of all kinds; but he had also his father's habit
+thirst for knowledge of all kinds; but he had also his father’s habit
 of looking at matters from all points of view and of thinking for
 himself. The manner in which Ameres had himself superintended his
 studies and taught him to work with his understanding, and to convince
@@ -2523,8 +2490,8 @@ CHAPTER V.
 IN LOWER EGYPT.
 
 
-"I am going on a journey," Ameres said to his son a few days after the
-return from the farm. "I shall take you with me, Chebron, for I am
+“I am going on a journey,” Ameres said to his son a few days after the
+return from the farm. “I shall take you with me, Chebron, for I am
 going to view the progress of a fresh canal that is being made on our
 estate in Goshen. The officer who is superintending it has doubts
 whether, when the sluices are opened, it will altogether fulfill its
@@ -2532,13 +2499,13 @@ purpose, and I fear that some mistake must have been made in the
 levels. I have already taught you the theory of the work; it is well
 that you should gain some practical experience in it; for there is no
 more useful or honorable profession than that of carrying out works by
-which the floods of the Nile are conveyed to the thirsty soil."
+which the floods of the Nile are conveyed to the thirsty soil.”
 
-"Thank you, father. I should like it greatly," Chebron replied in a
+“Thank you, father. I should like it greatly,” Chebron replied in a
 tone of delight, for he had never before been far south of Thebes.
-"And may Amuba go with us?"
+“And may Amuba go with us?”
 
-"Yes; I was thinking of taking him," the high priest said. "Jethro can
+“Yes; I was thinking of taking him,” the high priest said. “Jethro can
 also go, for I take a retinue with me. Did I consult my own pleasure I
 would far rather travel without this state and ceremony; but as a
 functionary of state I must conform to the customs. And, indeed, even
@@ -2547,19 +2514,19 @@ people there are of a different race to ourselves. Although they have
 dwelt a long time in the land and conform to its customs, still they
 are notoriously a stubborn and obstinate people, and there is more
 trouble in getting the public works executed there than in any other
-part of the country."
+part of the country.”
 
-"I have heard of them, father. They belong to the same race as the
+“I have heard of them, father. They belong to the same race as the
 shepherd kings who were such bitter tyrants to Egypt. How is it that
-they stayed behind when the shepherds were driven out?"
+they stayed behind when the shepherds were driven out?”
 
-"They are of the same race, but they came not with them, and formed no
+“They are of the same race, but they came not with them, and formed no
 part of their conquering armies. The shepherds, who, as you know, came
 from the land lying to the east of the Great Sea, had reigned here for
 a long time when this people came. They were relations of the Joseph
 who, as you have read in your history, was chief minister of Egypt.
 
-"He came here as a slave, and was certainly brought from the country
+“He came here as a slave, and was certainly brought from the country
 whence our oppressors came. But they say that he was not of their
 race, but that his forefathers had come into the land from a country
 lying far to the east; but that I know not. Suffice it he gained the
@@ -2577,26 +2544,26 @@ temples, and others to the military order, so that at present all
 tillers of land pay rent either to the king, the temples, or the
 military order.
 
-"Thus it is that the army can always be kept up in serviceable order,
+“Thus it is that the army can always be kept up in serviceable order,
 dwelling by its tens of thousands in the cities assigned to it. Thus
 it is that the royal treasury is always kept full, and the services of
 the temples maintained. The step has added to the power and dignity of
 the nation, and has benefited the cultivators themselves by enabling
 vast works of irrigation to be carried out--works that could never
 have been accomplished had the land been the property of innumerable
-small holders, each with his own petty interests."
+small holders, each with his own petty interests.”
 
-"But you said, father, that it has not been for the good of the
-people."
+“But you said, father, that it has not been for the good of the
+people.”
 
-"Nor has it in one respect, Chebron, for it has drawn a wide chasm
+“Nor has it in one respect, Chebron, for it has drawn a wide chasm
 between the aristocratic classes and the bulk of the people, who can
-never own land, and have no stimulus to exertion."
+never own land, and have no stimulus to exertion.”
 
-"But they are wholly ignorant, father. They are peasants, and nothing
-more."
+“But they are wholly ignorant, father. They are peasants, and nothing
+more.”
 
-"I think they might be something more, Chebron, under other
+“I think they might be something more, Chebron, under other
 circumstances. However, that is not the question we are discussing.
 This Joseph brought his family out of the land at the east of the
 Great Sea, and land was given to them in Goshen, and they settled
@@ -2611,9 +2578,9 @@ they have been naturally viewed with suspicion by us. They are akin to
 our late oppressors, and lying as their land does to the east, they
 could open the door to any fresh army of invasion.
 
-"Happily, now that our conquests have spread so far, and the power of
+“Happily, now that our conquests have spread so far, and the power of
 the people eastward of the Great Sea has been completely broken, this
-reason for distrust has died out, but Joseph's people are still viewed
+reason for distrust has died out, but Joseph’s people are still viewed
 unfavorably. Prejudices take long to die out among the masses, and the
 manner in which these people cling together, marrying only among
 themselves and keeping themselves apart from us, gives a certain
@@ -2622,38 +2589,38 @@ feeling is unfounded. They are industrious and hard-working, though
 they are, I own, somewhat disposed to resist authority, and there is
 more difficulty in obtaining the quota of men from Goshen for the
 execution of public works than from any other of the provinces of
-Egypt."
+Egypt.”
 
-"Do they differ from us in appearance, father?"
+“Do they differ from us in appearance, father?”
 
-"Considerably, Chebron. They are somewhat fairer than we are, their
+“Considerably, Chebron. They are somewhat fairer than we are, their
 noses are more aquiline, and they are physically stronger. They do not
 shave their heads as we do, and they generally let the hair on their
 faces grow. For a long time after their settlement I believe that they
 worshiped their own gods, or rather their own God, but they have long
-adopted our religion."
+adopted our religion.”
 
-"Surely that must be wrong," Chebron said. "Each nation has its gods,
+“Surely that must be wrong,” Chebron said. “Each nation has its gods,
 and if a people forsake their own gods it is not likely that other
-gods would care for them as they do for their own people."
+gods would care for them as they do for their own people.”
 
-"It is a difficult question, Chebron, and one which it is best for you
+“It is a difficult question, Chebron, and one which it is best for you
 to leave alone at present. You will soon enter into the lower grade of
 the priesthood, and although if you do not pass into the upper grades
 you will never know the greater mysteries, you will yet learn enough
-to enlighten you to some extent."
+to enlighten you to some extent.”
 
 Chebron was too well trained in the respect due to a parent to ask
 further questions, but he renewed the subject with Amuba as they
 strolled in the garden together afterward.
 
-"I wonder how each nation found out who were the gods who specially
-cared for them, Amuba?"
+“I wonder how each nation found out who were the gods who specially
+cared for them, Amuba?”
 
-"I have no idea," Amuba, who had never given the subject a thought,
-replied. "You are always asking puzzling questions, Chebron."
+“I have no idea,” Amuba, who had never given the subject a thought,
+replied. “You are always asking puzzling questions, Chebron.”
 
-"Well, but it must have been somehow," Chebron insisted. "Do you
+“Well, but it must have been somehow,” Chebron insisted. “Do you
 suppose that any one ever saw our gods? and if not, how do people know
 that one has the head of a dog and another of a cat, or what they are
 like? Are some gods stronger than others, because all people offer
@@ -2662,27 +2629,27 @@ Some are beaten and some are victorious; some win to-day and lose
 to-morrow. Is it that these gods are stronger one day than another, or
 that they do not care to help their people sometimes? Why do they not
 prevent their temples from being burned and their images from being
-thrown down? It is all very strange."
+thrown down? It is all very strange.”
 
-"It is all very strange, Chebron. I was not long ago asking Jethro
+“It is all very strange, Chebron. I was not long ago asking Jethro
 nearly the same question, but he could give me no answer. Why do you
-not ask your father. He is one of the wisest of the Egyptians."
+not ask your father. He is one of the wisest of the Egyptians.”
 
-"I have asked my father, but he will not answer me," Chebron said
-thoughtfully. "I think sometimes that it is because I have asked these
+“I have asked my father, but he will not answer me,” Chebron said
+thoughtfully. “I think sometimes that it is because I have asked these
 questions that he does not wish me to become a high priest. I did not
 mean anything disrespectful to the gods. But somehow when I want to
 know things, and he will not answer me, I think he looks sadly, as if
-he was sorry at heart that he could not tell me what I want to know."
+he was sorry at heart that he could not tell me what I want to know.”
 
-"Have you ever asked your brother Neco?"
+“Have you ever asked your brother Neco?”
 
-"Oh, Neco is different," Chebron said with an accent almost of
-disdain. "Neco gets into passions and threatens me with all sorts of
+“Oh, Neco is different,” Chebron said with an accent almost of
+disdain. “Neco gets into passions and threatens me with all sorts of
 things; but I can see he knows no more about it than I do, for he has
 a bewildered look in his face when I ask him these things, and once or
 twice he has put his hands to his ears and fairly run away, as if I
-was saying something altogether profane and impious against the gods."
+was saying something altogether profane and impious against the gods.”
 
 On the following day the high priest and his party started for Goshen.
 The first portion of the journey was performed by water. The craft was
@@ -2715,7 +2682,7 @@ basking on the surface of the river, and told him of their habits and
 how they were captured by the fowlers; he pointed out the great tombs
 to him, and told him by whom they were built.
 
-"The largest, my son, are monuments of pride and folly. The greatest
+“The largest, my son, are monuments of pride and folly. The greatest
 of the pyramids was built by a king who thought it would immortalize
 him; but so terrible was the labor that its construction inflicted
 upon the people that it caused him to be execrated, and he was never
@@ -2728,27 +2695,27 @@ for himself, or which his successor raises to him; but if the answer
 is that he has reigned ill, the sacred rites in his honor are omitted
 and the mausoleum he has raised stands empty forever.
 
-"There are few, indeed, of our kings who have thus merited the
+“There are few, indeed, of our kings who have thus merited the
 execration of their people, for as a rule the careful manner in which
 they are brought up, surrounded by youths chosen for their piety and
 learning, and the fact that they, like the meanest of their subjects,
 are bound to respect the laws of the land, act as sufficient check
 upon them. But there is no doubt that the knowledge that after death
 they must be judged by the people exercises a wholesome restraint
-even upon the most reckless."
+even upon the most reckless.”
 
-"I long to see the pyramids," Chebron said. "Are they built of brick
+“I long to see the pyramids,” Chebron said. “Are they built of brick
 or stone? for I have been told that their surface is so smooth and
-shiny that they look as if cut from a single piece."
+shiny that they look as if cut from a single piece.”
 
-"They are built of vast blocks of stone, each of which employed the
+“They are built of vast blocks of stone, each of which employed the
 labor of many hundreds of men to transport from the quarries where
-they were cut."
+they were cut.”
 
-"Were they the work of slaves or of the people at large?"
+“Were they the work of slaves or of the people at large?”
 
-"Vast numbers of slaves captured in war labored at them," the priest
-replied. "But numerous as these were they were wholly insufficient for
+“Vast numbers of slaves captured in war labored at them,” the priest
+replied. “But numerous as these were they were wholly insufficient for
 the work, and well-nigh half the people of Egypt were forced to leave
 their homes to labor at them. So great was the burden and distress
 that even now the builders of these pyramids are never spoken of save
@@ -2756,34 +2723,34 @@ with curses; and rightly so, for what might not have been done with
 the same labor usefully employed! Why, the number of the canals in the
 country might have been doubled and the fertility of the soil vastly
 increased. Vast tracts might have been reclaimed from the marshes and
-shallow lakes, and the produce of the land might have been doubled."
+shallow lakes, and the produce of the land might have been doubled.”
 
-"And what splendid temples might have been raised!" Chebron said
+“And what splendid temples might have been raised!” Chebron said
 enthusiastically.
 
-"Doubtless, my son," the priest said quietly after a slight pause.
-"But though it is meet and right that the temples of the gods shall
+“Doubtless, my son,” the priest said quietly after a slight pause.
+“But though it is meet and right that the temples of the gods shall
 be worthy of them, still, as we hold that the gods love Egypt and
 rejoice in the prosperity of the people, I think that they might have
 preferred so vast an improvement as the works I speak of would have
 effected in the condition of the people, even to the raising of long
-avenues of sphinxes and gorgeous temples in their own honor."
+avenues of sphinxes and gorgeous temples in their own honor.”
 
-"Yes, one would think so," Chebron said thoughtfully. "And yet,
+“Yes, one would think so,” Chebron said thoughtfully. “And yet,
 father, we are always taught that our highest duty is to pay honor to
 the gods, and that in no way can money be so well spent as in raising
-fresh temples and adding to the beauty of those that exist."
+fresh temples and adding to the beauty of those that exist.”
 
-"Our highest duty is assuredly to pay honor to the gods, Chebron; but
+“Our highest duty is assuredly to pay honor to the gods, Chebron; but
 how that honor can be paid most acceptably is another and deeper
 question which you are a great deal too young to enter upon. It will
 be time enough for you to do that years hence. There, do you see that
 temple standing on the right bank of the river? That is where we stop
 for the night. My messenger will have prepared them for our coming,
-and all will be in readiness for us."
+and all will be in readiness for us.”
 
 As they approached the temple they saw a number of people gathered on
-the great stone steps reaching down to the water's edge, and strains
+the great stone steps reaching down to the water’s edge, and strains
 of music were heard. On landing Ameres was greeted with the greatest
 respect by the priests all bowing to the ground, while those of
 inferior order knelt with their faces to the earth, and did not raise
@@ -2805,7 +2772,7 @@ food from the high table was served to him. Amuba and the rest of the
 suit of the high priest were served in another apartment. As soon as
 Chebron had finished he joined Amuba.
 
-"Let us slip away," he said. "The feasting will go on for hours, and
+“Let us slip away,” he said. “The feasting will go on for hours, and
 then there will be music far on into the night. My father will be
 heartily tired of it all; for he loves plain food, and thinks that the
 priests should eat none other. Still, as it would not be polite for a
@@ -2814,11 +2781,11 @@ through it all. I have heard him say that it is one of the greatest
 trials of his position that whenever he travels people seem to think
 that a feast must be prepared for him; whereas I know he would rather
 sit down to a dish of boiled lentils and water than have the richest
-dishes set before him."
+dishes set before him.”
 
-"Is it going to be like this all the journey?" Amuba asked.
+“Is it going to be like this all the journey?” Amuba asked.
 
-"Oh, no! I know that all the way down the river we shall rest at a
+“Oh, no! I know that all the way down the river we shall rest at a
 temple, for did my father not do so the priests would regard it as
 a slight; but then we leave the boat and journey in chariots or
 bullock-carts. When we reach Goshen we shall live in a little house
@@ -2827,7 +2794,7 @@ no more fuss and ceremony than we do at our own farm. Then he will
 be occupied with the affairs of the estates and in the works of
 irrigation; and although we shall be with him when he journeys about,
 as I am to begin to learn the duties of a superintendent, I expect we
-shall have plenty of time for amusement and sport."
+shall have plenty of time for amusement and sport.”
 
 They strolled for an hour or two on the bank of the river, for the
 moon was shining brightly and many boats were passing up and down;
@@ -2864,17 +2831,17 @@ temple. Chebron and Amuba visited all the temples and public
 buildings, and one day went out to inspect the great pyramids attended
 by Jethro.
 
-"This surpasses anything I have seen," Jethro said as they stood at
-the foot of the great pyramid of Cheops. "What a wonderful structure,
-but what a frightful waste of human labor!"
+“This surpasses anything I have seen,” Jethro said as they stood at
+the foot of the great pyramid of Cheops. “What a wonderful structure,
+but what a frightful waste of human labor!”
 
-"It is marvelous, indeed," Amuba said. "What wealth and power a
+“It is marvelous, indeed,” Amuba said. “What wealth and power a
 monarch must have had to raise such a colossal pile! I thought you
 said, Chebron, that your kings were bound by laws as well as other
 people. If so, how could this king have exacted such terrible toil and
-labor from his subjects as this must have cost?"
+labor from his subjects as this must have cost?”
 
-"Kings should be bound by the laws," Chebron replied; "but there are
+“Kings should be bound by the laws,” Chebron replied; “but there are
 some so powerful and haughty that they tyrannize over the people.
 Cheops was one of them. My father has been telling me that he ground
 down the people to build this wonderful tomb for himself. But he had
@@ -2885,13 +2852,13 @@ had built for himself. I know not where his remains rest, but this
 huge pyramid stands as an eternal monument of the failure of human
 ambition--the greatest and costliest tomb in the world, but without an
 occupant, save that Theliene, one of his queens, was buried here in a
-chamber near that destined for the king."
+chamber near that destined for the king.”
 
-"The people did well," Jethro said heartily; "but they would have done
+“The people did well,” Jethro said heartily; “but they would have done
 better still had they risen against him and cut off his head directly
-they understood the labor he was setting them to do."
+they understood the labor he was setting them to do.”
 
-On leaving Memphis one more day's journey was made by water, and the
+On leaving Memphis one more day’s journey was made by water, and the
 next morning the party started by land. Ameres rode in a chariot,
 which was similar in form to those used for war, except that the sides
 were much higher, forming a sort of deep open box, against which those
@@ -2912,8 +2879,8 @@ cook and barber were among those who traveled in the train of Ameres.
 The overseer of the estate was in readiness to receive the high
 priest.
 
-"I have brought my son with me," Ameres said when the ceremonial
-observances and salutations were concluded. "He is going to commence
+“I have brought my son with me,” Ameres said when the ceremonial
+observances and salutations were concluded. “He is going to commence
 his studies in irrigation, but I shall not have time at present to
 instruct him. I wish him to become proficient in outdoor exercises,
 and beg you to procure men skilled in fishing, fowling, and hunting,
@@ -2921,7 +2888,7 @@ so that he can amuse his unoccupied hours with sport. At Thebes he has
 but rare opportunities for these matters; for, excepting in the
 preserves, game has become well-nigh extinct, while as for fowling,
 there is none of it to be had in Upper Egypt, while here in the
-marshes birds abound."
+marshes birds abound.”
 
 The superintendent promised that suitable men should be forthcoming,
 one of each caste; for in Egypt men always followed the occupation of
@@ -2937,7 +2904,7 @@ devastated the fields, was a part of the business of every villager.
 The country where they now were was for the most part well cultivated
 and watered by the canals, which were filled when the Nile was high.
 
-A day's journey to the north lay Lake Menzaleh--a great shallow lagoon
+A day’s journey to the north lay Lake Menzaleh--a great shallow lagoon
 which stretched away to the Great Sea, from which it was separated
 only by a narrow bank of sand. The canals of the Nile reached nearly
 to the edge of this, and when the river rose above its usual height
@@ -2961,20 +2928,20 @@ waters of the Southern Sea were driven up the gulf with force, the
 salt water flowed into Lake Timsah, so called because it swarmed with
 crocodiles.
 
-"I shall be busy for some days, to begin with," Ameres said to his son
-on the evening of their arrival, "and it will therefore be a good
+“I shall be busy for some days, to begin with,” Ameres said to his son
+on the evening of their arrival, “and it will therefore be a good
 opportunity for you to see something of the various branches of sport
 that are to be enjoyed in this part of Egypt. The steward will place
 men at your disposal, and you can take with you Amuba and Jethro. He
 will see that there are slaves to carry provisions and tents, for it
 will be necessary for much of your sport that you rise early, and not
-improbably you may have to sleep close at hand."
+improbably you may have to sleep close at hand.”
 
 In the morning Chebron had an interview with the steward, who told him
 that he had arranged the plan for an expedition.
 
-"You will find little about here, my lord," he said, "beyond such game
-as you would obtain near Thebes. But a day's journey to the north you
+“You will find little about here, my lord,” he said, “beyond such game
+as you would obtain near Thebes. But a day’s journey to the north you
 will be near the margin of the lake, and there you will get sport of
 all kinds, and can at your will fish in its waters, snare waterfowl,
 hunt the great river-horse in the swamps, or chase the hyena in the
@@ -2983,23 +2950,23 @@ and in an hour the slaves with the provisions will be ready to start.
 The hunters of this part of the country will be of little use to you,
 so I have ordered one of my chief men to accompany you.
 
-"He will see that when you arrive you obtain men skilled in the sport
+“He will see that when you arrive you obtain men skilled in the sport
 and acquainted with the locality and the habits of the wild creatures
 there. My lord your father said you would probably be away for a week,
-and that on your return you would from time to time have a day's
+and that on your return you would from time to time have a day’s
 hunting in these parts. He thought that as your time will be more
 occupied then it were better that you should make this distant
-expedition to begin with."
+expedition to begin with.”
 
 An hour later some twenty slaves drew up before the house, carrying on
 their heads provisions, tents, and other necessaries. A horse was
 provided for Chebron, but he decided that he would walk with Amuba.
 
-"There is no advantage in going on a horse," he said, "when you have
+“There is no advantage in going on a horse,” he said, “when you have
 to move at the pace of footmen, and possibly we may find something to
-shoot on the way."
+shoot on the way.”
 
-The leader of the party, upon hearing Chebron's decision, told him
+The leader of the party, upon hearing Chebron’s decision, told him
 that doubtless when they left the cultivated country, which extended
 but a few miles further north, game would be found. Six dogs
 accompanied them. Four of them were powerful animals, kept for the
@@ -3012,29 +2979,29 @@ held to be sacred. In all they were kept as companions and friends in
 the house as well as for the purposes of the chase. The season was the
 cold one, and the heat was so much less than they were accustomed to
 at Thebes--where the hills which inclosed the plain on which the city
-was built cut off much of the air, and seemed to reflect the sun's
+was built cut off much of the air, and seemed to reflect the sun’s
 rays down upon it--that the walk was a pleasant one.
 
 Chebron and Amuba, carrying their bows, walked along, chatting gayly,
 at the head of the party. Jethro and Rabah the foreman came next. Then
 followed two slaves, leading the dogs in leashes, ready to be slipped
-at a moment's notice, while the carriers followed in the rear.
+at a moment’s notice, while the carriers followed in the rear.
 Occasionally they passed through scattered villages, where the women
 came to their doors to look at the strangers, and where generally
 offerings of milk and fruit were made to them. The men were for the
 most part at work in the fields.
 
-"They are a stout-looking race. Stronger and more bony than our own
-people," Chebron remarked to the leader of the party.
+“They are a stout-looking race. Stronger and more bony than our own
+people,” Chebron remarked to the leader of the party.
 
-"They are stubborn to deal with," he replied. "They till their ground
+“They are stubborn to deal with,” he replied. “They till their ground
 well, and pay their portion of the produce without grumbling, but when
 any extra labor is asked of them there is sure to be trouble. It is
 easier to manage a thousand Egyptian peasants than a hundred of these
 Israelites, and if forced labor is required for the public service it
 is always necessary to bring down the troops before we can obtain it.
 
-"But indeed they are hardly treated fairly, and have suffered much.
+“But indeed they are hardly treated fairly, and have suffered much.
 They arrived in Egypt during the reign of Usertuen I., and had land
 allotted to them. During the reign of the king and other successors of
 his dynasty they were held in favor and multiplied greatly; but when
@@ -3046,41 +3013,41 @@ occupied it for long periods, regarded them with hostility, and have
 treated them rather as prisoners of war than as a portion of the
 people. Many burdens have been laid upon them. They have had to give
 far more than their fair share of labor toward the public works, the
-making of bricks, and the erection of royal tombs and pyramids."
+making of bricks, and the erection of royal tombs and pyramids.”
 
-"It is strange that they do not shave their heads as do our people,"
+“It is strange that they do not shave their heads as do our people,”
 Chebron said.
 
-"But I do not," Amuba laughed, "nor Jethro."
+“But I do not,” Amuba laughed, “nor Jethro.”
 
-"It is different with you," Chebron replied. "You do not labor and get
+“It is different with you,” Chebron replied. “You do not labor and get
 the dust of the soil in your hair. Besides, you do keep it cut quite
 short. Still, I think you would be more comfortable if you followed
-our fashion."
+our fashion.”
 
-"It is all a matter of habit," Amuba replied. "To us, when we first
+“It is all a matter of habit,” Amuba replied. “To us, when we first
 came here, the sight of all the poorer people going about with their
-heads shaven was quite repulsive--and as for comfort, surely one's own
+heads shaven was quite repulsive--and as for comfort, surely one’s own
 hair must be more comfortable than the great wigs that all of the
-better class wear."
+better class wear.”
 
-"They keep off the sun," Chebron said, "when one is out of doors, and
+“They keep off the sun,” Chebron said, “when one is out of doors, and
 are seldom worn in the house, and then when one comes in one can wash
-off the dust."
+off the dust.”
 
-"I can wash the dust out of my hair," Amuba said. "Still, I do think
+“I can wash the dust out of my hair,” Amuba said. “Still, I do think
 that these Israelites wear their hair inconveniently long; and yet the
 long plaits that their women wear down their back are certainly
-graceful, and the women themselves are fair and comely."
+graceful, and the women themselves are fair and comely.”
 
-Chebron shook his head. "They may be fair, Amuba, but I should think
+Chebron shook his head. “They may be fair, Amuba, but I should think
 they would make very troublesome wives. They lack altogether the
 subdued and submissive look of our women. They would, I should say,
 have opinions of their own, and not be submissive to their lords; is
-that not so, Rabah?"
+that not so, Rabah?”
 
-"The women, like the men, have spirit and fire," the foreman answered,
-"and have much voice in all domestic matters; but I do not know that
+“The women, like the men, have spirit and fire,” the foreman answered,
+“and have much voice in all domestic matters; but I do not know that
 they have more than with us. They can certainly use their tongues; for
 at times, when soldiers have been here to take away gangs of men for
 public works, they have had more trouble with them than with the men.
@@ -3089,29 +3056,29 @@ women gather at a little distance and scream curses and abuse at the
 troops, and sometimes even pelt them with stones, knowing that the
 soldiers will not draw weapon upon them, although not infrequently it
 is necessary in order to put a stop to the tumult to haul two or three
-of their leaders off to prison."
+of their leaders off to prison.”
 
-"I thought they were viragoes," Chebron said with a laugh. "I would
+“I thought they were viragoes,” Chebron said with a laugh. “I would
 rather hunt a lion than have the women of one of these villages set
-upon me."
+upon me.”
 
 In a few miles cultivation became more rare; sandhills took the place
 of the level fields, and only here and there in the hollows were
 patches of cultivated ground. Rabah now ordered the slave leading the
 two fleet dogs to keep close up and be in readiness to slip them.
 
-"We may see deer at any time now," he said. "They abound in these
+“We may see deer at any time now,” he said. “They abound in these
 sandy deserts which form their shelter, and yet are within easy
 distance of fields where when such vegetation as is here fails them
-they can go for food."
+they can go for food.”
 
 A few minutes later a deer started from a clump of bushes. The dogs
 were instantly let slip and started in pursuit.
 
-"Hurry on a hundred yards and take your position on that mound!" Rabah
+“Hurry on a hundred yards and take your position on that mound!” Rabah
 exclaimed to Chebron, while at the same time he signaled to the slaves
-behind to stop. "The dogs know their duty, and you will see they will
-presently drive the stag within shot."
+behind to stop. “The dogs know their duty, and you will see they will
+presently drive the stag within shot.”
 
 Chebron called Amuba to follow him and ran forward. By the time they
 reached the mound the stag was far away, with the dogs laboring in
@@ -3125,8 +3092,8 @@ of the dogs was some twenty yards behind the stag; the other was out
 on its flank at about the same distance away, and was evidently aiding
 in turning it toward the spot where the boys were standing.
 
-"We will shoot together," Chebron said. "It will come within fifty
-yards of us."
+“We will shoot together,” Chebron said. “It will come within fifty
+yards of us.”
 
 They waited until the stag was abreast of them. The dog on its flank
 had now fallen back to the side of his companion as if to leave the
@@ -3139,9 +3106,9 @@ his post behind some bushes to the left of the clump in readiness to
 shoot should the others miss, and his arrow had brought the stag to
 the ground.
 
-"Well done, Jethro!" Amuba shouted. "It is so long since I was out
+“Well done, Jethro!” Amuba shouted. “It is so long since I was out
 hunting that I seem to have lost my skill; but it matters not since we
-have brought him down."
+have brought him down.”
 
 The dogs stood quiet beside the deer that was struggling on the
 ground, being too well trained to interfere with it. Jethro ran out
@@ -3149,18 +3116,18 @@ and cut its throat. The others were soon standing beside it. It was
 of a species smaller than those to which the deer of Europe belong,
 with two long straight horns.
 
-"It will make a useful addition to our fare to-night," Rabah said,
-"although, perhaps, some of the other sorts are better eating."
+“It will make a useful addition to our fare to-night,” Rabah said,
+“although, perhaps, some of the other sorts are better eating.”
 
-"Do the dogs never pull them down by themselves?" Amuba asked.
+“Do the dogs never pull them down by themselves?” Amuba asked.
 
-"Very seldom. These two are particularly fleet, but I doubt whether
+“Very seldom. These two are particularly fleet, but I doubt whether
 they would have caught it. These deer can run for a long time, and
 although they will let dogs gain upon them they can leave them if they
 choose. Still I have known this couple run down a deer when they could
 not succeed in driving it within bowshot; but they know very well they
 ought not to do so, for, of course, deer are of no use for food unless
-the animals are properly killed and the blood allowed to escape."
+the animals are properly killed and the blood allowed to escape.”
 
 Several other stags were startled, but these all escaped, the dogs
 being too fatigued with their first run to be able to keep up with
@@ -3175,17 +3142,17 @@ heavy dogs such as those the party had with them.
 After walking some fifteen miles the lads stopped suddenly on the brow
 of a sandhill. In front of them was a wide expanse of water bordered
 by a band of vegetation. Long rushes and aquatic plants formed a band
-by the water's edge, while here and there huts with patches of
+by the water’s edge, while here and there huts with patches of
 cultivated ground dotted the country.
 
-"We are at the end of our journey," Rabah said. "These huts are
+“We are at the end of our journey,” Rabah said. “These huts are
 chiefly inhabited by fowlers and fishermen. We will encamp at the foot
 of this mound. It is better for us not to go too near the margin of
 the water, for the air is not salubrious to those unaccustomed to it.
 The best hunting ground lies a few miles to our left, for there, when
 the river is high, floods come down through a valley which is at all
 times wet and marshy. There we may expect to find game of all kinds in
-abundance."
+abundance.”
 
 
 
@@ -3202,8 +3169,8 @@ time in searching for it, and Rabah went off to search for fish and
 fowl. He returned in half an hour with a peasant carrying four ducks
 and several fine fish.
 
-"We shall do now," he said; "with these and the stag our larder is
-complete. Everything but meat we have brought with us."
+“We shall do now,” he said; “with these and the stag our larder is
+complete. Everything but meat we have brought with us.”
 
 Chebron, although he had kept on bravely, was fatigued with his walk
 and was glad to throw himself down on the sand and enjoy the prospect,
@@ -3225,26 +3192,26 @@ Sometimes with loud cries a number would rise on the wing, and either
 make off in a straight line across the water or circle round and
 settle again when they found that their alarm was groundless.
 
-"It is lovely, is it not?" he exclaimed to Amuba, who was standing
+“It is lovely, is it not?” he exclaimed to Amuba, who was standing
 beside him leaning on his bow and looking over the water.
 
 Amuba did not reply immediately, and Chebron looking up saw that there
 were tears on his cheeks.
 
-"What is it, Amuba?" he asked anxiously.
+“What is it, Amuba?” he asked anxiously.
 
-"It is nothing, Chebron; but the sight of this wide water takes my
+“It is nothing, Chebron; but the sight of this wide water takes my
 thoughts homeward. Our city stood on a sea like this, not so large as
 they say is this Great Sea we are looking at, but far too large for
 the eye to see across, and it was just such a view as this that I
 looked upon daily from the walls of our palace, save that the shores
-were higher."
+were higher.”
 
-"Maybe you will see it again some day, Amuba," Chebron said gently.
+“Maybe you will see it again some day, Amuba,” Chebron said gently.
 
 Amuba shook his head.
 
-"I fear the chances are small indeed, Chebron. Jethro and I have
+“I fear the chances are small indeed, Chebron. Jethro and I have
 talked it over hundreds of times, and on our route hither we had
 determined that if we fell into the hands of harsh masters, we would
 at all hazards try some day to make our escape; but the journey is
@@ -3255,13 +3222,13 @@ have tried it. As it is, we are well contented with our lot, and
 should be mad indeed to forsake it on the slender chances of finding
 our way back to the land of the Rebu, where, indeed, even if we
 reached it, I might not be well received, for who knows what king may
-now be reigning there?"
+now be reigning there?”
 
-"And if you could get away and were sure of arriving there safely,
+“And if you could get away and were sure of arriving there safely,
 would you exchange all the comforts of a civilized country like Egypt
-for a life such as you have described to me among your own people?"
+for a life such as you have described to me among your own people?”
 
-"There can be no doubt, Chebron, that your life here is far more
+“There can be no doubt, Chebron, that your life here is far more
 luxurious and that you are far more civilized than the Rebu. By the
 side of your palaces our houses are but huts. We are ignorant even of
 reading and writing. A pile of rushes for our beds and a rough table
@@ -3279,15 +3246,15 @@ nowhere find a country like Egypt. I suppose it is the people more
 than the country, the familiar language, and the familiar faces and
 ways. I grant freely that the Egyptians are a far greater people than
 we, more powerful, more learned, the masters of many arts, the owners
-of many comforts and luxuries, and yet one longs sometimes for one's
-free life among the Rebu."
+of many comforts and luxuries, and yet one longs sometimes for one’s
+free life among the Rebu.”
 
-"One thing is, Amuba, you were a prince there and you are not here.
+“One thing is, Amuba, you were a prince there and you are not here.
 Had you been but a common man, born to labor, to toil, or to fight at
 the bidding of your king, you might perhaps find that the life even of
-an Egyptian peasant is easier and more pleasant than yours was."
+an Egyptian peasant is easier and more pleasant than yours was.”
 
-"That may be," Amuba said thoughtfully, "and yet I think that the very
+“That may be,” Amuba said thoughtfully, “and yet I think that the very
 poorest among us was far freer and more independent than the richest
 of your Egyptian peasants. He did not grovel on the ground when the
 king passed along. It was open to him if he was braver than his
@@ -3296,29 +3263,29 @@ or fashion arms as he chose; his life was not tied down by usage or
 custom. He was a man, a poor one, perhaps--a half-savage one, if you
 will--but he was a man, while your Egyptian peasants, free as they may
 be in name, are the very slaves of law and custom. But I see that the
-meal is ready, and I have a grand appetite."
+meal is ready, and I have a grand appetite.”
 
-"So have I, Amuba. It is almost worth while walking a long way for the
-sake of the appetite one gets at the end."
+“So have I, Amuba. It is almost worth while walking a long way for the
+sake of the appetite one gets at the end.”
 
 The meal was an excellent one. One of the slaves who had been brought
 was an adept at cooking, and fish, birds, and venison were alike
 excellent, and for once the vegetables that formed so large a portion
 of the ordinary Egyptian repast were neglected.
 
-"What are we going to do to-morrow, Rabah?" Chebron asked after the
+“What are we going to do to-morrow, Rabah?” Chebron asked after the
 meal was concluded.
 
-"I have arranged for to-morrow, if such is your pleasure, my lord,
+“I have arranged for to-morrow, if such is your pleasure, my lord,
 that you shall go fowling. A boat will take you along the lake to a
 point about three miles off where the best sport is to be had; then
 when the day is over it will carry you on another eight miles to the
 place I spoke to you of where good sport was to be obtained. I shall
 meet you on your landing there, and will have everything in readiness
-for you."
+for you.”
 
-"That will do well," Chebron said. "Amuba and Jethro, you will, of
-course, come with me."
+“That will do well,” Chebron said. “Amuba and Jethro, you will, of
+course, come with me.”
 
 As soon as it was daylight Rabah led Chebron down to the lake, and the
 lad with Amuba and Jethro entered the boat, which was constructed of
@@ -3347,17 +3314,17 @@ that the boat was not making out into the deeper part of the lake, but
 was skirting the edge, keeping only a few yards out from the band of
 rushes at its margin.
 
-"Do you keep this distance all the way?" Chebron asked the man with
+“Do you keep this distance all the way?” Chebron asked the man with
 the pole.
 
 The man nodded.
 
-"As long as we are close to the rushes the waterfowl do not notice our
+“As long as we are close to the rushes the waterfowl do not notice our
 approach, while were we to push out into the middle they might take
 the alarm; although we often do capture them in that way, but in that
 case we get to windward of the flock we want to reach, and then drift
 down slowly upon them, but we shall get more sport now by keeping
-close in. The birds are numerous, and you will soon be at work."
+close in. The birds are numerous, and you will soon be at work.”
 
 In five minutes the man at the bow motioned his passengers that they
 were approaching a flock of waterfowl. Each of them took up his bow
@@ -3393,11 +3360,11 @@ greater part of their arrows, as all which failed to strike the bird
 aimed at went far down into the deep mud at the bottom and could not
 be recovered.
 
-"Now let the men show us their skill with their throwing-sticks,"
-Chebron said. "You will see they will do better with them than we with
-our arrows."
+“Now let the men show us their skill with their throwing-sticks,”
+Chebron said. “You will see they will do better with them than we with
+our arrows.”
 
-The men at once turned the boat's head toward a patch of rushes
+The men at once turned the boat’s head toward a patch of rushes
 growing from the shallow water a hundred yards out in the lake.
 Numbers of ducks and geese were feeding round it, and the whole rushes
 were in movement from those swimming and feeding among them, for the
@@ -3425,17 +3392,17 @@ flying away, but the greater part were either killed by the cats, or
 knocked on the head by the poles of the two fowlers. Altogether
 twenty-seven birds were added to the store in the boat.
 
-"That puts our arrows to shame altogether, Amuba," Chebron said. "I
+“That puts our arrows to shame altogether, Amuba,” Chebron said. “I
 have always heard that the fowlers on these lakes were very skilled
 with these throwing-sticks of theirs, but I could not have believed it
 possible that two men should in so short a space have effected such a
 slaughter; but then I had no idea of the enormous quantities of birds
-on these lakes."
+on these lakes.”
 
 Jethro was examining the sticks which, as well as the ducks, had been
 retrieved by the cats.
 
-"They are curious things," he said to Amuba. "I was thinking before
+“They are curious things,” he said to Amuba. “I was thinking before
 the men used them that straight sticks would be much better, and was
 wondering why they chose curved wood, but I have no doubt now the
 shape has something to do with it. You see, as the men threw they gave
@@ -3448,25 +3415,25 @@ have knocked down six birds. I will practice with these things, and if
 I ever get back home I will teach their use to our people. There are
 almost as many waterfowl on our sea as there are here. I have seen it
 almost black with them down at the southern end, where it is bordered
-by swamps and reed-covered marshes."
+by swamps and reed-covered marshes.”
 
-"How do they catch them there, Jethro?" Chebron asked.
+“How do they catch them there, Jethro?” Chebron asked.
 
-"They net them in decoys, and sometimes wade out among them with their
+“They net them in decoys, and sometimes wade out among them with their
 heads hidden among floating boughs, and so get near enough to seize
 them by the legs and pull them under water; in that way a man will
-catch a score of them before their comrades are any the wiser."
+catch a score of them before their comrades are any the wiser.”
 
-"We catch them the same way here," one of the fowlers who had been
-listening remarked. "We weave little bowers just large enough for our
+“We catch them the same way here,” one of the fowlers who had been
+listening remarked. “We weave little bowers just large enough for our
 heads and shoulders to go into, and leave three or four of them
 floating about for some days near the spot where we mean to work. The
 wild fowl get accustomed to them, and after that we can easily go
-among them and capture numbers."
+among them and capture numbers.”
 
-"I should think fowling must be a good trade," Chebron said.
+“I should think fowling must be a good trade,” Chebron said.
 
-"It is good enough at times," the man replied; "but the ducks are not
+“It is good enough at times,” the man replied; “but the ducks are not
 here all the year. The long-legged birds are always to be found here
 in numbers, but the ducks are uncertain, so are the geese. At certain
 times in the year they leave us altogether. Some say they go across
@@ -3487,21 +3454,21 @@ circumstances there is no hope of the fowl keeping good during the
 long passage up the river to Thebes. In fact, were it not for our
 decoys we should starve. In these, of course, we take them alive, and
 send them in baskets to Thebes, and in that way get a fair price for
-them."
+them.”
 
-"What sort of decoys do you use?" Jethro asked.
+“What sort of decoys do you use?” Jethro asked.
 
-"Many kinds," the man replied. "Sometimes we arch over the rushes, tie
+“Many kinds,” the man replied. “Sometimes we arch over the rushes, tie
 them together at the top so as to form long passages over little
 channels among the rushes; then we strew corn over the water, and
 place near the entrance ducks which are trained to swim about outside
 until a flock comes near; then they enter the passage feeding, and the
 others follow. There is a sort of door which they can push aside
-easily as they pass up, but cannot open on their return."
+easily as they pass up, but cannot open on their return.”
 
-"That is the sort of decoy they use in our country," Jethro said.
+“That is the sort of decoy they use in our country,” Jethro said.
 
-"Another way," the fowler went on, "is to choose a spot where the
+“Another way,” the fowler went on, “is to choose a spot where the
 rushes form a thick screen twenty yards deep along the bank; then a
 light net two or three hundred feet long is pegged down on to the
 shore behind them, and thrown over the tops of the rushes, reaching to
@@ -3522,13 +3489,13 @@ the net. With luck two or three catches can be made in a day, and a
 thousand ducks and sometimes double that number can be captured. Then
 they are put into flat baskets just high enough for them to stand in
 with their heads out through the openings at the top, and so put on
-board the boat and taken up the Nile."
+board the boat and taken up the Nile.”
 
-"Yes, I have often seen the baskets taken out of the boats," Chebron
-said, "and thought how cruel it was to pack them so closely. But how
-do they feed them for they must often be a fortnight on the way?"
+“Yes, I have often seen the baskets taken out of the boats,” Chebron
+said, “and thought how cruel it was to pack them so closely. But how
+do they feed them for they must often be a fortnight on the way?”
 
-"The trader who has bought them of us and other fowlers waits until he
+“The trader who has bought them of us and other fowlers waits until he
 has got enough together to freight a large craft--for it would not pay
 to work upon a small scale--accompanies them up the river, and feeds
 them regularly with little balls made of moistened flour, just in the
@@ -3539,9 +3506,9 @@ or three boys to help him, for it is no light matter to feed such a
 number, and each must have a little water as well as the meal. It
 seems strange to us here, where fowl are so abundant, that people
 should raise and feed them just as if they were bullocks. But I
-suppose it is true."
+suppose it is true.”
 
-"It is quite true," Chebron replied. "Amuba and I went to one of the
+“It is quite true,” Chebron replied. “Amuba and I went to one of the
 great breeding-farms two or three months ago. There are two sorts--one
 where they hatch, the other where they fat them. The one we went to
 embraced both branches, but this is unusual. From the hatching-places
@@ -3554,7 +3521,7 @@ right; but of course men who pass their lives at this work can
 regulate it exactly, and know by the feel just what is the heat at
 which the eggs should be kept.
 
-"There are eight or ten such chambers in the place we visited, so that
+“There are eight or ten such chambers in the place we visited, so that
 every two or three days one or other of them hatches out and is ready
 for fresh eggs to be put down. The people who send the eggs come in at
 the proper time and receive each a number of chickens in proportion to
@@ -3569,48 +3536,48 @@ many of the eggs they have themselves bought. They are thus able to
 give the right number to their customers even if the eggs have not
 turned out well.
 
-"Those that remain after the proper number has been given to the
+“Those that remain after the proper number has been given to the
 farmers the breeders sell to them or to others, it being no part of
 their business to bring up the chickens. The fattening business is
 quite different. At these places there are long rows of little boxes
 piled up on each other into a wall five feet high. The door of each of
 these boxes has a hole in it through which the fowl can put its head,
 with a little sort of shutter that closes down on it. A fowl is placed
-in each boX. Then the attendants go around two together; one carries a
+in each box. Then the attendants go around two together; one carries a
 basket filled with little balls of meal, the other lifts the shutter,
 and as the fowl puts its head out catches it by the neck, makes it
 open its beak, and with his other hand pushes the ball of meal down
 its throat. They are so skillful that the operation takes scarce a
 moment; then they go on to the next, and so on down the long rows
 until they have fed the last of those under their charge. Then they
-begin again afresh."
+begin again afresh.”
 
-"Why do they keep them in the dark?" the fowler asked.
+“Why do they keep them in the dark?” the fowler asked.
 
-"They told us that they did it because in the dark they were not
+“They told us that they did it because in the dark they were not
 restless, and slept all the time between their meals. Then each time
 the flap is lifted they think it is daylight, and pop out their heads
 at once to see. In about ten days they get quite fat and plump, and
-are ready for market."
+are ready for market.”
 
-"It seems a wonderful deal of trouble," the fowler said. "But I
+“It seems a wonderful deal of trouble,” the fowler said. “But I
 suppose, as they have a fine market close at hand, and can get good
 prices, it pays them. It seems more reasonable to me than the hatching
 business. Why they should not let the fowls hatch their own eggs is
-more than I can imagine."
+more than I can imagine.”
 
-"Fowls will lay a vastly greater number of eggs than they will hatch,"
-Chebron said. "A well-fed fowl should lay two hundred and fifty eggs
+“Fowls will lay a vastly greater number of eggs than they will hatch,”
+Chebron said. “A well-fed fowl should lay two hundred and fifty eggs
 in the year; and, left to herself, she will not hatch more than two
 broods of fifteen eggs in each. Thus, you see, as it pays the
 peasants much better to rear fowls than to sell eggs, it is to their
 profit to send their eggs to the hatching-places, and so to get a
-hundred and twenty-five chickens a year instead of thirty."
+hundred and twenty-five chickens a year instead of thirty.”
 
-"I suppose it does," the fowler agreed. "But here we are, my lord, at
+“I suppose it does,” the fowler agreed. “But here we are, my lord, at
 the end of our journey. There is the point where we are to land, and
 your servant who hired us is standing there in readiness for you. I
-hope that you are satisfied with your day's sport."
+hope that you are satisfied with your day’s sport.”
 
 Chebron said they had been greatly pleased, and in a few minutes the
 boat reached the landing-place, where Rabah was awaiting them. One of
@@ -3619,28 +3586,28 @@ accompanied them to the spot Rabah had chosen for the encampment. Like
 the last, it stood at the foot of the sandhills, a few hundred yards
 from the lake.
 
-"Is the place where we are going to hunt near here?" was Chebron's
+“Is the place where we are going to hunt near here?” was Chebron’s
 first question.
 
-"No, my lord; it is two miles away. But, in accordance with your
+“No, my lord; it is two miles away. But, in accordance with your
 order last night, I have arranged for you to fish to-morrow. In the
 afternoon I will move the tents a mile nearer to the country where you
 will hunt, but it is best not to go too close, for near the edge of
 these great swamps the air is unhealthy to those who are not
-accustomed to it."
+accustomed to it.”
 
-"I long to get at the hunting," Chebron said; "but it is better, as
-you say, to have the day's fishing first, for the work would seem tame
+“I long to get at the hunting,” Chebron said; “but it is better, as
+you say, to have the day’s fishing first, for the work would seem tame
 after the excitement of hunting the river-horse. We shall be glad of
 our dinner as soon as we can get it, for although we have done justice
 to the food you put on board, we are quite ready again. Twelve hours
-of this fresh air from the sea gives one the appetite of a hyena."
+of this fresh air from the sea gives one the appetite of a hyena.”
 
-"Everything is already in readiness, my lord. I thought it better not
+“Everything is already in readiness, my lord. I thought it better not
 to wait for the game you brought home, which will do well to-morrow,
 and so purchased fish and fowl from the peasants. As we have seen your
 boat for the last two or three hours, we were able to calculate the
-time of your arrival, and thus have everything in readiness."
+time of your arrival, and thus have everything in readiness.”
 
 The dinner was similar to that on the previous day, except that a hare
 took the place of the venison--a change for the better, as the hare
@@ -3661,7 +3628,7 @@ could see to the bottom, and with their spears they struck at the fish
 swimming there. At first they were uniformly unsuccessful, as they
 were ignorant that allowance must be made for diffraction, and were
 puzzled at finding that their spears instead of going straight down at
-the fish they struck at seemed to bend off at an angle at the water's
+the fish they struck at seemed to bend off at an angle at the water’s
 edge. The fishermen, however, explained to them that an allowance must
 be made for this, the allowance being all the greater the greater the
 distance the fish was from the boat, and that it was only when it lay
@@ -3676,16 +3643,16 @@ from six to eight men. Two had come from either direction, and when
 they neared each other volleys of abuse were exchanged between their
 occupants.
 
-"What is all this about?" Chebron asked as the two fishermen laid by
+“What is all this about?” Chebron asked as the two fishermen laid by
 their spears, and with faces full of excitement turned round to watch
 the boats.
 
-"The boats come from two villages, my lord, between which at present
+“The boats come from two villages, my lord, between which at present
 there is a feud arising out of some fishing-nets that were carried
 away. They sent a regular challenge to each other a few days since, as
 is the custom here, and their champions are going to fight it out. You
 see the number of men on one side are equal to those on the other, and
-the boats are about the same size."
+the boats are about the same size.”
 
 Amuba and Jethro looked on with great interest, for they had seen
 painted on the walls representations of these fights between boatmen,
@@ -3704,13 +3671,13 @@ combatants being knocked into the water, others fell prostrate in
 their boats, while some dropped their long staves after a disabling
 blow on the arm.
 
-"It is marvelous that they do not all kill each other," Jethro said.
-"Surely this shaving of the head, Amuba, which has always struck us as
+“It is marvelous that they do not all kill each other,” Jethro said.
+“Surely this shaving of the head, Amuba, which has always struck us as
 being very peculiar, has its uses, for it must tend to thicken the
 skull, for surely the heads of no other men could have borne such
-blows without being crushed like water-jars."
+blows without being crushed like water-jars.”
 
-That there was certainly some ground for Jethro's supposition is
+That there was certainly some ground for Jethro’s supposition is
 proved by the fact that Herodotus, long afterward writing of the
 desperate conflicts between the villagers of Egypt, asserted that
 their skulls were thicker than those of any other people.
@@ -3723,75 +3690,75 @@ separated, no advantage resting with either party; and still shouting
 defiance and jeers at each other, the men poled in the direction of
 their respective villages.
 
-"Are such desperate fights as these common?" Chebron asked the
+“Are such desperate fights as these common?” Chebron asked the
 fishermen.
 
-"Yes; there are often quarrels," one of them replied, quietly resuming
-his fishing as if nothing out of the ordinary way had taken place. "If
+“Yes; there are often quarrels,” one of them replied, quietly resuming
+his fishing as if nothing out of the ordinary way had taken place. “If
 they are water-side villages their champions fight in boats, as you
 have seen; if not, equal parties meet at a spot halfway between the
 villages and decide it on foot. Sometimes they fight with short
 sticks, the hand being protected by a basket hilt, while on the left
 arm a piece of wood, extending from the elbow to the tips of the
 fingers, is fastened on by straps serving as a shield; but more
-usually they fight with the long pole, which we call the neboot."
+usually they fight with the long pole, which we call the neboot.”
 
-"It is a fine weapon," Jethro said, "and they guard their heads with
+“It is a fine weapon,” Jethro said, “and they guard their heads with
 it admirably, sliding their hands far apart. If I were back again,
 Amuba, I should like to organize a regiment of men armed with those
 weapons. It would need that the part used as a guard should be covered
 with light iron to prevent a sword or ax from cutting through it; but
 with that addition they would make splendid weapons, and footmen armed
 with sword and shield would find it hard indeed to repel an assault by
-them."
+them.”
 
-"The drawback would be," Amuba observed, "that each man would require
+“The drawback would be,” Amuba observed, “that each man would require
 so much room to wield his weapon that they must stand far apart, and
-each would be opposed to three or four swordsmen in the enemy's line."
+each would be opposed to three or four swordsmen in the enemy’s line.”
 
-"That is true, Amuba, and you have certainly hit upon the weak point
+“That is true, Amuba, and you have certainly hit upon the weak point
 in the use of such a weapon; but for single combat, or the fighting of
 broken ranks, they would be grand. When we get back to Thebes if I can
 find any peasant who can instruct me in the use of these neboots I
-will certainly learn it."
+will certainly learn it.”
 
-"You ought to make a fine player," one of the fishermen said, looking
-at Jethro's powerful figure. "I should not like a crack on the head
+“You ought to make a fine player,” one of the fishermen said, looking
+at Jethro’s powerful figure. “I should not like a crack on the head
 from a neboot in your hands. But the sun is getting low, and we had
-best be moving to the point where you are to disembark."
+best be moving to the point where you are to disembark.”
 
-"We have had another capital day, Rabah," Chebron said when they
-reached their new encampment. "I hope that the rest will turn out as
-successful."
+“We have had another capital day, Rabah,” Chebron said when they
+reached their new encampment. “I hope that the rest will turn out as
+successful.”
 
-"I think that I can promise you that they will, my lord. I have been
+“I think that I can promise you that they will, my lord. I have been
 making inquiries among the villagers, and find that the swamp in the
-river bed abounds with hippopotami."
+river bed abounds with hippopotami.”
 
-"How do you hunt them--on foot?"
+“How do you hunt them--on foot?”
 
-"No, my lord. There is enough water in the river bed for the flat
+“No, my lord. There is enough water in the river bed for the flat
 boats made of bundles of rushes to pass up, while in many places are
-deep pools in which the animals lie during the heat of the day."
+deep pools in which the animals lie during the heat of the day.”
 
-"Are they ferocious animals?" Amuba asked. "I have never yet seen one;
+“Are they ferocious animals?” Amuba asked. “I have never yet seen one;
 for though they say that they are common in the Upper Nile, as well as
 found in swamps like this at its mouth, there are none anywhere in the
 neighborhood of Thebes. I suppose that there is too much traffic for
-them, and that they are afraid of showing themselves in such water."
+them, and that they are afraid of showing themselves in such water.”
 
-"There would be no food for them," Rabah said. "They are found only in
+“There would be no food for them,” Rabah said. “They are found only in
 swamps like this, or in places on the Upper Nile where the river is
 shallow and bordered with aquatic plants, on whose roots they
 principally live. They are timid creatures and are found only in
 little-frequented places. When struck they generally try to make their
 escape; for although occasionally they will rush with their enormous
 mouth open at a boat, tear it in pieces, and kill the hunter, this
-very seldom happens. As a rule they try only to fly."
+very seldom happens. As a rule they try only to fly.”
 
-"They must be cowardly beasts!" Jethro said scornfully. "I would
+“They must be cowardly beasts!” Jethro said scornfully. “I would
 rather hunt an animal, be it ever so small, that will make a fight for
-its life. However, we shall see."
+its life. However, we shall see.”
 
 Upon the following morning they started for the scene of action. An
 exclamation of surprise broke from them simultaneously when, on
@@ -3799,7 +3766,7 @@ ascending a sandhill, they saw before them a plain a mile wide
 extending at their feet. It was covered with rushes and other aquatic
 plants, and extended south as far as the eye could see.
 
-"For one month in the year," Rabah said, "this is a river, for eleven
+“For one month in the year,” Rabah said, “this is a river, for eleven
 it is little more than a swamp, though the shallower boats can make
 their way up it many miles. But a little water always finds its way
 down, either from the Nile itself or from the canals. It is one of the
@@ -3808,14 +3775,14 @@ none are allowed to hunt them unless they are of sufficient rank to
 obtain the permission of the governor of the province. The steward
 wrote for and obtained this as soon as he knew by letter from your
 father that you were accompanying him and would desire to have some
-sport."
+sport.”
 
-"Are there crocodiles there?" Amuba asked.
+“Are there crocodiles there?” Amuba asked.
 
-"Many," Rabah replied, "although few are now found in the lakes. The
+“Many,” Rabah replied, “although few are now found in the lakes. The
 people here are not like those of the Theban zone, who hold them in
 high respect--here they regard them as dangerous enemies, and kill
-them without mercy."
+them without mercy.”
 
 
 
@@ -3837,26 +3804,26 @@ that when the animal was struck the shaft would drop out, leaving the
 head imbedded in its flesh. To the head was attached a cord which was
 wound up on a spindle passing through a handle.
 
-"Those rafts do not look as if they would carry three," Chebron said.
+“Those rafts do not look as if they would carry three,” Chebron said.
 
-"They will do so at a push," the man replied; "but they are better
-with two only."
+“They will do so at a push,” the man replied; “but they are better
+with two only.”
 
-"I will stop onshore, with your permission, Chebron," Jethro said. "I
+“I will stop onshore, with your permission, Chebron,” Jethro said. “I
 see there are a number of men here with ropes. I suppose they have
-something to do with the business, and I will accompany them."
+something to do with the business, and I will accompany them.”
 
-"The ropes are for hauling the beasts ashore after we have struck
-them."
+“The ropes are for hauling the beasts ashore after we have struck
+them.”
 
-"Well, I will go and help pull them. I can do my share at that, and
+“Well, I will go and help pull them. I can do my share at that, and
 should be of no use on one of those little rafts; indeed, I think
-that my weight would bury it under the water."
+that my weight would bury it under the water.”
 
-"We have been out this morning, my lord," the boatman said, addressing
-Chebron, "and have found out that there is a river-horse lying in a
+“We have been out this morning, my lord,” the boatman said, addressing
+Chebron, “and have found out that there is a river-horse lying in a
 pool a mile up the river. I think he is a large one and will give us
-good sport."
+good sport.”
 
 Chebron and Amuba now took their places on the two rafts; and the men,
 laying down the spears and taking the poles, pushed off from the
@@ -3867,7 +3834,7 @@ deepened so much that the poles could scarce touch the bottom. Not a
 word was spoken, as the men had warned them that the slightest noise
 would scare the hippopotami and cause them to sink to the bottom of
 the pools, where they would be difficult to capture. After half an
-hour's poling they reached a pool larger than any that they had
+hour’s poling they reached a pool larger than any that they had
 hitherto passed, and extending on one side almost to the bank of the
 river.
 
@@ -3878,7 +3845,7 @@ animal, it would be folly for him to engage in such an adventure. The
 man nodded, for he had indeed been doubting as to the course which the
 affair would take, for it needed a thrust with a very powerful arm to
 drive the spear through the thick hide of the hippopotamus. Amuba
-imitated Chebron's example, preferring to be a spectator instead of an
+imitated Chebron’s example, preferring to be a spectator instead of an
 actor in this unknown sport.
 
 For three or four minutes the boats lay motionless, then a blowing
@@ -3887,7 +3854,7 @@ two lumps of black mud projecting an inch or two above the water near
 the margin of the rushes. They could not have believed that these
 formed part of an animal but that slight ripples widening out on the
 glassy water showed that there had been a movement at the spot
-indicated. With a noiseless push Chebron's hunter sent the boat in
+indicated. With a noiseless push Chebron’s hunter sent the boat in
 that direction, and then handed the end of the pole to Chebron,
 signing to him to push the boat back when he gave the signal.
 
@@ -3895,78 +3862,78 @@ When within ten yards of the two little black patches there was a
 sudden movement; they widened into an enormous head, and a huge beast
 rose to his feet, startled at the discovery he had just made that men
 were close at hand. In an instant the hunter hurled his spear with all
-his force. Tough as was the animal's hide, the sharp head cut its way
+his force. Tough as was the animal’s hide, the sharp head cut its way
 through. With a roar the beast plunged into the rushes, the shaft of
 the spear falling out of its socket as it did so, and the strong cord
 ran out rapidly from the reel held by the hunter. Presently the strain
-ceased. "He has laid down again in shelter," the hunter said; "we will
-now follow him and give him a second spear."
+ceased. “He has laid down again in shelter,” the hunter said; “we will
+now follow him and give him a second spear.”
 
 Pushing the rushes aside the boat was forced along until they again
 caught sight of the hippopotamus, that was standing up to its belly in
 water.
 
-"Is he going to charge?" Chebron asked, grasping a spear.
+“Is he going to charge?” Chebron asked, grasping a spear.
 
-"No, there is little chance of that. Should he do so and upset the
+“No, there is little chance of that. Should he do so and upset the
 boat, throw yourself among the rushes and lie there with only your
 face above water. I will divert his attention and come back and get
-you into the boat when he has made off."
+you into the boat when he has made off.”
 
 Another spear was thrown with good effect. There was a roar and a
 great splash. Chebron thought that the animal was upon them; but he
 turned off and dashed back to the pool where he had been first lying.
 
-"I thought that was what he would do," the hunter said. "They always
+“I thought that was what he would do,” the hunter said. “They always
 seek shelter in the bottom of the deep pools; and here, you see, the
-water is not deep enough to cover him."
+water is not deep enough to cover him.”
 
 The boat again followed the hippopotamus. Amuba was still on his raft
 on the pool.
 
-"What has become of him?" Chebron asked as they passed beyond the
+“What has become of him?” Chebron asked as they passed beyond the
 rushes.
 
-"He has sunk to the bottom of the pool," Amuba replied. "He gave me a
+“He has sunk to the bottom of the pool,” Amuba replied. “He gave me a
 start, I can tell you. We heard him bursting through the rushes, and
 then he rushed out with his mouth open--a mouth like a cavern; and
 then, just as I thought he was going to charge us, he turned off and
-sank to the bottom of the pool."
+sank to the bottom of the pool.”
 
-"How long will he lie there?" Chebron asked the hunter.
+“How long will he lie there?” Chebron asked the hunter.
 
-"A long time if he is left to himself, but we are going to stir him
-up."
+“A long time if he is left to himself, but we are going to stir him
+up.”
 
 So saying he directed the boat toward the rushes nearest to the bank
 and pushed the boat through them.
 
-"Oh, here you are, Jethro!" Chebron said, seeing the Rebu and the men
+“Oh, here you are, Jethro!” Chebron said, seeing the Rebu and the men
 he had accompanied standing on the bank.
 
-"What has happened, Chebron--have you killed one of them? We heard a
-sort of roar and a great splashing."
+“What has happened, Chebron--have you killed one of them? We heard a
+sort of roar and a great splashing.”
 
-"We have not killed him, but there are two spear-heads sticking into
-him."
+“We have not killed him, but there are two spear-heads sticking into
+him.”
 
 The hunter handed the cords to the men and told them to pull steadily,
 but not hard enough to break the cords. Then he took from them the end
 of the rope they carried and poled back into the pool.
 
-"Those cords are not strong enough to pull the great beast to the
-shore, are they?" Chebron asked.
+“Those cords are not strong enough to pull the great beast to the
+shore, are they?” Chebron asked.
 
-"Oh, no, they would not move him; but by pulling on them it causes the
+“Oh, no, they would not move him; but by pulling on them it causes the
 spear-heads to give him pain, he gets uneasy, and rises to the surface
 in anger. Then, you see, I throw this noose over his head, and they
-can pull upon that."
+can pull upon that.”
 
-In two or three minutes the animal's head appeared above the water.
+In two or three minutes the animal’s head appeared above the water.
 The instant it did so the hunter threw the noose. The aim was correct,
 and with a jerk he tightened it round the neck.
 
-"Now pull!" he shouted.
+“Now pull!” he shouted.
 
 The peasants pulled, and gradually the hippopotamus was drawn toward
 the bank, although struggling to swim in the opposite direction.
@@ -3979,9 +3946,9 @@ peasants regained their feet and pulled on the rope and cords. Again
 the hippopotamus rose and was dragged to the shallow, only to break
 away again. For eight or ten times this happened.
 
-"He is getting tired now," the hunter said. "Next time or the time
+“He is getting tired now,” the hunter said. “Next time or the time
 after they will get him on shore. We will land then and attack him
-with spears and arrows."
+with spears and arrows.”
 
 The hippopotamus was indeed exhausted, and allowed itself to be
 dragged ashore at the next effort without opposition. As soon as it
@@ -4001,15 +3968,15 @@ The peasants sent up a shout of joy, for the flesh of the hippopotamus
 is by no means bad eating, and here was a store of food sufficient for
 the whole neighborhood.
 
-"Shall we search for another, my lord?" the hunter asked Chebron.
+“Shall we search for another, my lord?” the hunter asked Chebron.
 
-"No. I think I have had enough of this. There is no fun in killing an
+“No. I think I have had enough of this. There is no fun in killing an
 animal that has not spirit to defend itself. What do you think,
-Amuba?"
+Amuba?”
 
-"I quite agree with you, Chebron. One might almost as well slaughter a
-cow. What is that?" he exclaimed suddenly as a loud scream was heard
-at a short distance away. "It is a woman's voice."
+“I quite agree with you, Chebron. One might almost as well slaughter a
+cow. What is that?” he exclaimed suddenly as a loud scream was heard
+at a short distance away. “It is a woman’s voice.”
 
 Chebron darted off in full speed in the direction of the sound,
 closely followed by Amuba and Jethro. They ran about a hundred yards
@@ -4025,7 +3992,7 @@ behind, and these also attacked him. The crocodile seeing this
 accession of enemies now set out for the river, snapping its jaws
 together.
 
-"Mind its tail!" one of the hunters exclaimed, running up.
+“Mind its tail!” one of the hunters exclaimed, running up.
 
 But the warning was too late, for the next moment Amuba received a
 tremendous blow which sent him to the ground. The hunter at the same
@@ -4034,8 +4001,8 @@ back of its leg. Jethro followed his example on the other side. The
 animal checked its flight, and turning round and round lashed with its
 tail in all directions.
 
-"Keep clear of it!" the hunter shouted. "It is mortally wounded and
-will need no more blows."
+“Keep clear of it!” the hunter shouted. “It is mortally wounded and
+will need no more blows.”
 
 In fact, the crocodile had received its death-wound. Its movements
 became more languid, it ceased to lash its tail, though it still
@@ -4043,44 +4010,44 @@ snapped at those nearest to it, but gradually this action also ceased,
 its head sank, and it was dead. Jethro as soon as he had delivered his
 blow ran to Amuba.
 
-"Are you hurt?" he asked anxiously.
+“Are you hurt?” he asked anxiously.
 
-"No, I don't think so," Amuba gasped. "The brute has knocked all the
-breath out of my body; but that's better than if he had hit me in the
+“No, I don’t think so,” Amuba gasped. “The brute has knocked all the
+breath out of my body; but that’s better than if he had hit me in the
 leg, for I think he would have broken it had he done so. How is the
-woman--is she dead?"
+woman--is she dead?”
 
-"I have not had time to see," Jethro replied. "Let me help you to your
+“I have not had time to see,” Jethro replied. “Let me help you to your
 feet, and let us see if any of your ribs are broken. I will see about
-her afterward."
+her afterward.”
 
 Amuba on getting up declared that he did not think he was seriously
 hurt, although unable for the time to stand upright.
 
-"I expect I am only bruised, Jethro. It was certainly a tremendous
+“I expect I am only bruised, Jethro. It was certainly a tremendous
 whack he gave me, and I expect I shall not be able to take part in any
 sporting for the next few days. The crocodile was worth a dozen
-hippopotami. There was some courage about him."
+hippopotami. There was some courage about him.”
 
 They now walked across to Chebron, who was stooping over the figure of
-the crocodile's victim.
+the crocodile’s victim.
 
-"Why, she is but a girl!" Amuba exclaimed. "She is no older than your
-sister, Chebron."
+“Why, she is but a girl!” Amuba exclaimed. “She is no older than your
+sister, Chebron.”
 
-"Do you think she is dead?" Chebron asked in hushed tones.
+“Do you think she is dead?” Chebron asked in hushed tones.
 
-"I think she has only fainted," Jethro replied. "Here," he shouted to
-one of the peasants who were gathered round the crocodile, "one of you
-run down to the water and bring up a gourdful."
+“I think she has only fainted,” Jethro replied. “Here,” he shouted to
+one of the peasants who were gathered round the crocodile, “one of you
+run down to the water and bring up a gourdful.”
 
-"I don't think she is dead," Amuba said. "It seemed to me that the
-crocodile had seized her by the leg."
+“I don’t think she is dead,” Amuba said. “It seemed to me that the
+crocodile had seized her by the leg.”
 
-"We must carry her somewhere," Jethro said, "and get some woman to
-attend to her. I will see if there is a hut near." He sprang up to the
-top of some rising ground and looked round. "There is a cottage close
-at hand," he said as he returned. "I dare say she belongs there."
+“We must carry her somewhere,” Jethro said, “and get some woman to
+attend to her. I will see if there is a hut near.” He sprang up to the
+top of some rising ground and looked round. “There is a cottage close
+at hand,” he said as he returned. “I dare say she belongs there.”
 
 Bidding two of the peasants run to fetch some women, he lifted up the
 slight figure and carried her up the slope, the two lads following. On
@@ -4092,17 +4059,17 @@ ground lay around it. Jethro entered the cottage. On a settle at the
 further end a man was sitting. He was apparently of great age; his
 hair and long beard were snowy white.
 
-"What is it?" he exclaimed as Jethro entered. "Has the God of our
+“What is it?” he exclaimed as Jethro entered. “Has the God of our
 fathers again smitten me in my old age, and taken from me my pet lamb?
 I heard her cry, but my limbs have lost their power, and I could not
-rise to come to her aid."
+rise to come to her aid.”
 
-"I trust that the child is not severely injured," Jethro said. "We had
+“I trust that the child is not severely injured,” Jethro said. “We had
 just killed a hippopotamus when we heard her scream, and running up
 found a great crocodile dragging her to the river, but we soon made
 him drop her. I trust that she is not severely hurt. The beast seemed
 to us to have seized her by the leg. We have sent to fetch some women.
-Doubtless they will be here immediately. Ah! here's the water."
+Doubtless they will be here immediately. Ah! here’s the water.”
 
 He laid the girl down upon a couch in the corner of the room, and
 taking the gourd from the peasant who brought it sprinkled some water
@@ -4111,67 +4078,67 @@ some minutes before she opened her eyes, and just as she did so two
 women entered the hut. Leaving the girl to their care, Jethro and the
 boys left the cottage.
 
-"I trust that the little maid is not greatly hurt," Amuba said. "By
+“I trust that the little maid is not greatly hurt,” Amuba said. “By
 her dress it seems to me that she is an Israelite, though I thought we
 had left their land behind us on the other side of the desert. Still
 her dress resembles those of the women we saw in the village as we
 passed, and it is well for her it does so, for they wear more and
-thicker garments than the Egyptian peasant women, and the brute's
-teeth may not have torn her severely."
+thicker garments than the Egyptian peasant women, and the brute’s
+teeth may not have torn her severely.”
 
 In a few minutes one of the women came out and told them that the maid
-had now recovered and that she was almost unhurt. "The crocodile seems
+had now recovered and that she was almost unhurt. “The crocodile seems
 to have seized her by her garments rather than her flesh, and although
 the teeth have bruised her, the skin is unbroken. Her grandfather
-would fain thank you for the service you have rendered him."
+would fain thank you for the service you have rendered him.”
 
 They re-entered the cottage. The girl was sitting on the ground at her
-grandfather's feet holding one of his hands in hers, while with his
+grandfather’s feet holding one of his hands in hers, while with his
 other he was stroking her head. As they entered, the women, seeing
 that their services were no longer required, left the cottage.
 
-"Who are those to whom I owe the life of my grandchild?" the old man
+“Who are those to whom I owe the life of my grandchild?” the old man
 asked.
 
-"I am Chebron, the son of Ameres, the high priest of the temple of
+“I am Chebron, the son of Ameres, the high priest of the temple of
 Osiris at Thebes. These are my friends, Amuba and Jethro, two of the
-Rebu nation who were brought to Egypt and now live in my father's
-household."
+Rebu nation who were brought to Egypt and now live in my father’s
+household.”
 
-"We are his servants," Amuba said, "though he is good enough to call
-us his friends."
+“We are his servants,” Amuba said, “though he is good enough to call
+us his friends.”
 
-"'Tis strange," the old man said, "that the son of a priest of Osiris
+“’Tis strange,” the old man said, “that the son of a priest of Osiris
 should thus come to gladden the last few hours of one who has always
 withstood the Egyptian gods. And yet had the crocodile carried off my
 Ruth, it might have been better for her, seeing that ere the sun has
-risen and set many times she will be alone in the world."
+risen and set many times she will be alone in the world.”
 
 The girl uttered a little cry, and rising on her knees threw her arms
-round the old man's neck.
+round the old man’s neck.
 
-"It must be so, my Ruth. I have lived a hundred and ten years in this
+“It must be so, my Ruth. I have lived a hundred and ten years in this
 land of the heathen, and my course is run; and were it not for your
 sake I should be glad that it is so, for my life has been sorrow and
 bitterness. I call her my grandchild, but she is in truth the daughter
 of my grandchild, and all who stood between her and me have passed
 away before me and left us alone together. But she trusts in the God
-of Abraham, and he will raise up a protector for her."
+of Abraham, and he will raise up a protector for her.”
 
 Chebron, who had learned something of the traditions of the Israelites
-dwelling in Egypt, saw by the old man's words that Jethro's surmises
+dwelling in Egypt, saw by the old man’s words that Jethro’s surmises
 were correct and that he belonged to that race.
 
-"You are an Israelite," he said gently. "How is it that you are not
-dwelling among your people instead of alone among strangers?"
+“You are an Israelite,” he said gently. “How is it that you are not
+dwelling among your people instead of alone among strangers?”
 
-"I left them thirty years back when Ruth's mother was but a tottering
+“I left them thirty years back when Ruth’s mother was but a tottering
 child. They would not suffer me to dwell in peace among them, but
-drove me out because I testified against them."
+drove me out because I testified against them.”
 
-"Because you testified against them?" Chebron repeated in surprise.
+“Because you testified against them?” Chebron repeated in surprise.
 
-"Yes. My father was already an old man when I was born, and he was one
+“Yes. My father was already an old man when I was born, and he was one
 of the few who still clung to the faith of our fathers. He taught me
 that there was but one God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of
 Jacob, and that all other gods were but images of wood and stone. To
@@ -4180,7 +4147,7 @@ to the belief. The others had forgotten their God and worshiped the
 gods of the Egyptians. When I would speak to them they treated my
 words as ravings and as casting dishonor on the gods they served.
 
-"My sons went with the rest, but my daughter learned the true faith
+“My sons went with the rest, but my daughter learned the true faith
 from my lips and clung to it. She taught her daughter after her, and
 ten years ago, when she too lay dying, she sent Ruth by a messenger to
 me, praying me to bring her up in the faith of our fathers, and saying
@@ -4192,15 +4159,15 @@ exchange for fish with our neighbors. The child worships the God of
 our fathers, and has grown and thriven here for ten years; but my
 heart is heavy at the thought that my hours are numbered and that I
 see no way after me but that Ruth shall return to our people, who will
-assuredly in time wean her from her faith."
+assuredly in time wean her from her faith.”
 
-"Never, grandfather," the girl said firmly. "They may beat me and
-persecute me, but I will never deny my God."
+“Never, grandfather,” the girl said firmly. “They may beat me and
+persecute me, but I will never deny my God.”
 
-"They are hard people the Israelites," the old man said, shaking his
-head, "and they are stubborn and must needs prevail against one so
+“They are hard people the Israelites,” the old man said, shaking his
+head, “and they are stubborn and must needs prevail against one so
 tender. However, all matters are in the hands of God, who will again
-reveal himself in his due time to his people who have forgotten him."
+reveal himself in his due time to his people who have forgotten him.”
 
 Amuba, looking at the girl, thought that she had more power of
 resistance than the old man gave her credit for. Her face was of the
@@ -4210,11 +4177,11 @@ face was almost oval, with soft black hair, and delicately marked
 eyebrows running almost in a straight line below her forehead. Her
 eyes were large and soft, with long lashes veiling them, but there was
 a firmness about the lips and chin that spoke of a determined will,
-and gave strength to her declaration "Never."
+and gave strength to her declaration “Never.”
 
 There was silence a moment, and then Chebron said almost timidly:
 
-"My father, although high priest of Osiris, is not a bigot in his
+“My father, although high priest of Osiris, is not a bigot in his
 religion. He is wise and learned, and views all things temperately, as
 my friends here can tell you. He knows of your religion; for I have
 heard him say that when they first came into this land the Israelites
@@ -4222,11 +4189,11 @@ worshiped one God only. I have a sister who is of about the same age
 as Ruth, and is gentle and kind. I am sure that if I ask my father he
 will take your grandchild into his household to be a friend and
 companion to Mysa, and I am certain that he would never try to shake
-her religion, but would let her worship as she chooses."
+her religion, but would let her worship as she chooses.”
 
 The old man looked fixedly at Chebron.
 
-"Your speech is pleasant and kind, young sir, and your voice has an
+“Your speech is pleasant and kind, young sir, and your voice has an
 honest ring. A few years back I would have said that I would rather
 the maiden were dead than a handmaid in the house of an Egyptian; but
 as death approaches we see things differently, and it may be that she
@@ -4237,25 +4204,25 @@ Ruth, and it seems to me now that the way you have been brought hither
 in these latter days of my life is the answer to my prayer. Ruth, my
 child, you have heard the offer, and it is for you to decide. Will you
 go with this young Egyptian lord and serve his sister as a handmaiden,
-or will you return to the villages of our people?"
+or will you return to the villages of our people?”
 
 Ruth had risen to her feet now, and was looking earnestly at Chebron,
 then her eyes turned to the faces of Amuba and Jethro, and then slowly
 went back again to Chebron.
 
-"I believe that God has chosen for me," she said at last, "and has
+“I believe that God has chosen for me,” she said at last, “and has
 sent them here not only to save my life, but to be protectors to me;
 their faces are all honest and good. If the father of this youth will
 receive me, I will, when you leave me, go and be the handmaid of his
-daughter."
+daughter.”
 
-"It is well," the old man said. "Now I am ready to depart, for my
+“It is well,” the old man said. “Now I am ready to depart, for my
 prayers have been heard. May God deal with you and yours, Egyptian,
-even as you deal with my child."
+even as you deal with my child.”
 
-"May it be so," Chebron replied reverently.
+“May it be so,” Chebron replied reverently.
 
-"I can tell you," Jethro said to the old man, "that in no household in
+“I can tell you,” Jethro said to the old man, “that in no household in
 Egypt could your daughter be happier than in that of Ameres. He is the
 lord and master of Amuba and myself, and yet, as you see, his son
 treats us not as servants, but as friends. Ameres is one of the
@@ -4264,17 +4231,17 @@ am, I would lay down my life to shield her from harm. Your grandchild
 could not be in better hands. As to her religion, although Ameres has
 often questioned Amuba and myself respecting the gods of our people,
 he has never once shown the slightest desire that we should abandon
-them for those of Egypt."
+them for those of Egypt.”
 
-"And now," Chebron said, "we will leave you; for doubtless the
+“And now,” Chebron said, “we will leave you; for doubtless the
 excitement has wearied you, and Ruth needs rest and quiet after her
 fright. We are encamped a mile away near the lake, and will come and
-see you to-morrow."
+see you to-morrow.”
 
 Not a word was spoken for some time after they left the house, and
 then Chebron said:
 
-"It really would almost seem as if what that old man said was true,
+“It really would almost seem as if what that old man said was true,
 and that his God had sent us there that a protector might be found for
 his daughter. It was certainly strange that we should happen to be
 within sound of her voice when she was seized by that crocodile, and
@@ -4284,53 +4251,53 @@ moment, and, lastly, that we should be just in time to save her being
 dragged into the river. A crocodile might have carried her away ten
 thousand times without any one being within reach to save her and the
 chances were enormously against any one who did save her being in a
-position to offer her a suitable home at her grandfather's death."
+position to offer her a suitable home at her grandfather’s death.”
 
-"It is certainly strange. You do not think that your father will have
-any objection to take her?" Amuba asked.
+“It is certainly strange. You do not think that your father will have
+any objection to take her?” Amuba asked.
 
-"Oh, no; he may say that he does not want any more servants in the
+“Oh, no; he may say that he does not want any more servants in the
 house, but I am sure that when he sees her he will be pleased to have
 such a companion for Mysa. If it was my mother I do not know. Most
 likely she would say no; but when she hears that it has all been
 settled, she will not trouble one way or the other about it. I will
 write my father a letter telling him all about it, and send off one of
 the slaves with it at once. He can get back to-morrow, and it will
-gladden the old man's heart to know that it is all arranged. I wish to
-tell my father, too, of my trouble."
+gladden the old man’s heart to know that it is all arranged. I wish to
+tell my father, too, of my trouble.”
 
-"What trouble?" Amuba asked in surprise. "You have told me nothing
-about anything troubling you."
+“What trouble?” Amuba asked in surprise. “You have told me nothing
+about anything troubling you.”
 
-"Do you not understand, Amuba? I am in trouble because I struck the
-crocodile; it is an impious action, and yet what could I do?"
+“Do you not understand, Amuba? I am in trouble because I struck the
+crocodile; it is an impious action, and yet what could I do?”
 
 Amuba repressed an inclination to smile.
 
-"You could do nothing else, Chebron, for there was no time to mince
+“You could do nothing else, Chebron, for there was no time to mince
 matters. He was going too fast for you to explain to him that he was
 doing wrong in carrying off a girl, and you therefore took the only
 means in your power of stopping him; besides, the blow you dealt him
 did him no injury whatever. It was Jethro and the hunter who killed
-him."
+him.”
 
-"But had I not delayed his flight they could not have done so."
+“But had I not delayed his flight they could not have done so.”
 
-"That is true enough, Chebron; but in that case he would have reached
+“That is true enough, Chebron; but in that case he would have reached
 the water with his burden and devoured her at his leisure. Unless you
 think that his life is of much more importance than hers, I cannot see
-that you have anything to reproach yourself with."
+that you have anything to reproach yourself with.”
 
-"You do not understand me, Amuba," Chebron said pettishly. "Of course
+“You do not understand me, Amuba,” Chebron said pettishly. “Of course
 I do not think that the life of an ordinary animal is of as much
 importance as that of a human being; but the crocodiles are sacred,
-and misfortune falls upon those who injure them."
+and misfortune falls upon those who injure them.”
 
-"Then in that case, Chebron, misfortune must fall very heavily on the
+“Then in that case, Chebron, misfortune must fall very heavily on the
 inhabitants of those districts where the crocodile is killed wherever
 he is found. I have not heard that pestilence and famine visit those
 parts of Egypt with more frequency than they do the districts where
-the crocodile is venerated."
+the crocodile is venerated.”
 
 Chebron made no answer. What Amuba said was doubtless true; but upon
 the other hand, he had always been taught that the crocodile was
@@ -4339,72 +4306,72 @@ these creatures were destroyed in other parts of Egypt. It was another
 of the puzzles that he so constantly met with. After a long pause he
 replied:
 
-"It may seem to be as you say; but you see, Amuba, there are some
+“It may seem to be as you say; but you see, Amuba, there are some
 gods specially worshiped in one district, others in another. In the
 district that a god specially protects he would naturally be indignant
 were the animals sacred to him to be slain, while he might pay no heed
-to the doings in those parts in which he is little concerned."
+to the doings in those parts in which he is little concerned.”
 
-"In that case, Chebron, you can clearly set your mind at rest. Let us
+“In that case, Chebron, you can clearly set your mind at rest. Let us
 allow that it is wrong to kill a crocodile in the district in which he
 is sacred and where a god is concerned about his welfare, but that no
 evil consequences can follow the slaying of him in districts in which
 he is not sacred, and where his god, as you say, feels little interest
-in him."
+in him.”
 
-"I hope that is so, Amuba; and that as the crocodile is not a sacred
+“I hope that is so, Amuba; and that as the crocodile is not a sacred
 animal here no harm may come from my striking one, though I would give
 much that I had not been obliged to do so. I hope that my father will
-regard the matter in the same light."
+regard the matter in the same light.”
 
-"I have no doubt that he will do so, Chebron, especially as we agreed
-that you did no real harm to the beast."
+“I have no doubt that he will do so, Chebron, especially as we agreed
+that you did no real harm to the beast.”
 
-"Is it not strange, Jethro," Amuba said when Chebron had gone into the
-tent, "that wise and learned people like the Egyptians should be so
-silly regarding animals?"
+“Is it not strange, Jethro,” Amuba said when Chebron had gone into the
+tent, “that wise and learned people like the Egyptians should be so
+silly regarding animals?”
 
-"It is strange, Amuba, and it was hard to keep from laughing to hear
+“It is strange, Amuba, and it was hard to keep from laughing to hear
 you so gravely arguing the question with Chebron. If all the people
 held the same belief I should not be surprised; but as almost every
 animal worshiped in one of the districts is hated and slain in
 another, and that without any evil consequences arising, one would
 have thought that they could not but see for themselves the folly of
-their belief. What are we going to do to-morrow?"
+their belief. What are we going to do to-morrow?”
 
-"I do not think that it is settled; we have had one day at each of the
+“I do not think that it is settled; we have had one day at each of the
 sports. Rabah said that to-morrow we could either go out and see new
 modes of fishing, or accompany the fowlers and watch them catching
 birds in the clap nets, or go out into the desert and hunt ibex.
 Chebron did not decide, but I suppose when he has finished his letter
-we shall hear what he intends to do."
+we shall hear what he intends to do.”
 
 After Chebron had finished his letter, which was a long one, he called
 Rabah and asked him to dispatch it at once by the fleetest-footed of
 the slaves.
 
-"He will get there," he said, "before my father retires to rest. If he
+“He will get there,” he said, “before my father retires to rest. If he
 does not reply at once, he will probably answer in the morning, and at
-any rate the man ought to be back before midday."
+any rate the man ought to be back before midday.”
 
 At dinner Amuba asked Chebron whether he had decided what they should
 do the next day.
 
-"We might go and look at the men with the clap nets," Chebron
-answered. "They have several sorts in use, and take numbers of pigeons
+“We might go and look at the men with the clap nets,” Chebron
+answered. “They have several sorts in use, and take numbers of pigeons
 and other birds. I think that will be enough for to-morrow. We have
-had four days' hard work, and a quiet day will be pleasant, and if we
+had four days’ hard work, and a quiet day will be pleasant, and if we
 find the time goes slowly, we can take a boat across the lake and look
 at the Great Sea beyond the sandhills that divide the lake from it;
-beside, I hope we shall get my father's answer, and I should like some
+beside, I hope we shall get my father’s answer, and I should like some
 further talk with that old Israelite. It is interesting to learn about
 the religion that his forefathers believed in, and in which it seems
-that he and his grandchild are now the last who have faith."
+that he and his grandchild are now the last who have faith.”
 
-"It will suit me very well to have a quiet day, Chebron; for in any
+“It will suit me very well to have a quiet day, Chebron; for in any
 case I do not think I could have accompanied you. My ribs are sore
 from the whack the crocodile gave me with his tail, and I doubt
-whether I shall be able to walk to-morrow."
+whether I shall be able to walk to-morrow.”
 
 Indeed, the next morning Amuba was so stiff and sore that he was
 unable to rise from his couch.
@@ -4412,9 +4379,9 @@ unable to rise from his couch.
 Soon after breakfast the messenger returned, bringing a letter from
 Ameres. It was as follows:
 
-     "It seems to me, Chebron, that Mysa has no occasion for further
+     “It seems to me, Chebron, that Mysa has no occasion for further
      attendants; but as your story of this old Israelite and his
-     daughter interests me, and the girl is of Mysa's age and might
+     daughter interests me, and the girl is of Mysa’s age and might
      be a pleasant companion for her, I have no objection to her
      entering our household. I should have liked to talk with the
      old man himself, and to have heard from him more about the
@@ -4425,7 +4392,7 @@ Ameres. It was as follows:
      religion but that of Egypt. If you have further opportunity
      find out as much as you can from this old man upon the subject.
 
-     "Assure him from me that his daughter shall be kindly treated
+     “Assure him from me that his daughter shall be kindly treated
      in my household, and that no attempt whatever will be made to
      turn her from the religion she professes. As to your adventure
      with the crocodile, I do not think that your conscience need
@@ -4448,7 +4415,7 @@ Ameres. It was as follows:
      attendant, and that, should the girl arrive before my return,
      she is at once to assume that position.
 
-     "It would not do for her to come here were her grandfather to
+     “It would not do for her to come here were her grandfather to
      die before we leave for home. In the first place, she would be
      in the way, and in the second, her features and dress would
      proclaim her to be an Israelite. The people in the villages she
@@ -4460,29 +4427,29 @@ Ameres. It was as follows:
      respects it is better that she should proceed up the river to
      Thebes.
 
-     "As they are poor you had best leave a sum of money with them
+     “As they are poor you had best leave a sum of money with them
      to pay for her passage by boat, and for her support during the
      voyage. I find that I shall have finished with the steward
      earlier than I had expected, and shall be starting in about
      three days to inspect the canals and lay out plans for some
      fresh ones; therefore, if by that time you have had enough
-     sport to satisfy you, you had best journey back."
+     sport to satisfy you, you had best journey back.”
 
-"My father has consented," Chebron said joyously as he finished the
-letter. "I felt sure that he would; still, I was anxious till I got
+“My father has consented,” Chebron said joyously as he finished the
+letter. “I felt sure that he would; still, I was anxious till I got
 the letter, for it would have been a great disappointment to the old
 man could it not have been managed. I will go off and tell him at
 once. I shall not want you this morning, Jethro; so you can either
 stay here with Amuba or do some fishing or fowling on the lake. The
-boat is all in readiness, you know."
+boat is all in readiness, you know.”
 
 Chebron went off to the cottage. Ruth was in the garden tending the
 vegetables, and he stopped to speak to her before entering.
 
-"I have not heard yet," he said, "how it came about that you were
-seized by the crocodile."
+“I have not heard yet,” he said, “how it came about that you were
+seized by the crocodile.”
 
-"I hardly know how it was," she said. "I am in the habit of going down
+“I hardly know how it was,” she said. “I am in the habit of going down
 many times a day to fetch up water for the garden, and I always keep a
 lookout for these creatures before I fill my jar; but yesterday I had
 just gone round the corner of the sandhill when I was struck down with
@@ -4490,62 +4457,62 @@ a tremendous blow, and a moment afterward the creature seized me. I
 gave a scream; but I thought I was lost, for there are no neighbors
 within sound of the voice, and my grandfather has not been able to
 walk for months. Then I prayed as well as I could for the pain, and
-God heard me and sent you to deliver me."
+God heard me and sent you to deliver me.”
 
-"It is not often that they go up so far from the river, is it?"
+“It is not often that they go up so far from the river, is it?”
 
-"Not often. But yesterday we had a portion of a kid from a neighbor
+“Not often. But yesterday we had a portion of a kid from a neighbor
 and were cooking it, and perhaps the smell attracted the crocodile;
 for they say that they are quick at smell, and they have been known to
-go into cottages and carry off meat from before the fire."
+go into cottages and carry off meat from before the fire.”
 
-"I see you walk very lame still."
+“I see you walk very lame still.”
 
-"Yes. Grandfather would have me keep still for a day or two; but I
+“Yes. Grandfather would have me keep still for a day or two; but I
 think that as soon as the bruises die out and the pain ceases I shall
 be as well as ever. Beside, what would the garden do without water? My
 grandfather will be glad to see you, my lord; but he is rather more
 feeble than usual this morning. The excitement of yesterday has shaken
-him."
+him.”
 
 She led the way into the cottage.
 
-"Your granddaughter has told me you are not very strong to-day,"
+“Your granddaughter has told me you are not very strong to-day,”
 Chebron began.
 
-"At my age," the old man said, "even a little thing upsets one, and
+“At my age,” the old man said, “even a little thing upsets one, and
 the affair of yesterday was no little thing. I wonder much that the
-agitation did not kill me."
+agitation did not kill me.”
 
-"I have satisfactory news to give you," Chebron said. "I yesterday
-dispatched a message to my father, and have just received the answer."
+“I have satisfactory news to give you,” Chebron said. “I yesterday
+dispatched a message to my father, and have just received the answer.”
 And taking out the scroll he read aloud the portion in which Ameres
 stated his readiness to receive Ruth in his household, and his promise
 that no pressure whatever should be put upon her to abandon her
 religion.
 
-"The Lord be praised!" the old man exclaimed. "The very animals are
+“The Lord be praised!” the old man exclaimed. “The very animals are
 the instruments of his will, and the crocodile that threatened death
 to the child was, in truth, the answer sent to my prayer. I thank you,
 my young lord; and as you and yours deal with my child, so may the God
 of my fathers deal with you. But she may stay on with me for the
-little time that remains, may she not?"
+little time that remains, may she not?”
 
-"Surely. We should not think of taking her now. My father sends
+“Surely. We should not think of taking her now. My father sends
 instructions as to what she is to do, and money to pay for her journey
-up the Nile to Thebes. This is what he says." And he read the portion
-of the scroll relating to the journey. "And now," he said, "let me
+up the Nile to Thebes. This is what he says.” And he read the portion
+of the scroll relating to the journey. “And now,” he said, “let me
 read to you what my father says about your religion. He is ever a
 searcher after truth, and would fain that I should hear from your lips
 and repeat to him all that you can tell me relating to this God whom
-you worship."
+you worship.”
 
-"That will I with gladness, my young lord. The story is easily told,
+“That will I with gladness, my young lord. The story is easily told,
 for it is simple, and not like that of your religion with its many
-deities."
+deities.”
 
 Chebron took a seat upon a pile of rushes and prepared to listen to
-the old man's story of the God of the Israelites.
+the old man’s story of the God of the Israelites.
 
 
 
@@ -4575,26 +4542,26 @@ conduct her to him, and at the same time summon Chebron from his
 studies. The lad arrived first, and as Ruth entered presented her to
 his father.
 
-"Welcome, child, to this house," the high priest said. "I suppose by
+“Welcome, child, to this house,” the high priest said. “I suppose by
 your coming that the old man, your great-grandfather, of whom my son
-has spoken to me, is no more?"
+has spoken to me, is no more?”
 
-"He died a month since, my lord," Ruth replied; "but it was two weeks
-before I could find a passage in a boat coming hither."
+“He died a month since, my lord,” Ruth replied; “but it was two weeks
+before I could find a passage in a boat coming hither.”
 
-"Chebron, tell Mysa to come here," Ameres said, and the lad at once
+“Chebron, tell Mysa to come here,” Ameres said, and the lad at once
 fetched Mysa, who had already heard that an Israelite girl was coming
-to be her special attendant, and had been much interested in Chebron's
+to be her special attendant, and had been much interested in Chebron’s
 account of her and her rescue from the crocodile.
 
-"This is Ruth, Mysa," Ameres said when she entered, "who has come to
+“This is Ruth, Mysa,” Ameres said when she entered, “who has come to
 be with you. She has lost her last friend, and I need not tell you, my
 child, to be kind and considerate with her. You know what you would
 suffer were you to be placed among strangers, and how lonely you would
 be at first. She will be a little strange to our ways, but you will
-soon make her at home, I hope."
+soon make her at home, I hope.”
 
-"I will try and make her happy," Mysa replied, looking at her new
+“I will try and make her happy,” Mysa replied, looking at her new
 companion.
 
 Although the girls were about the same age, Ruth looked the elder of
@@ -4614,20 +4581,20 @@ free from all care and anxiety. Naturally, then, she felt as she
 looked at Ruth that she was a graver and more serious personage than
 she had expected to see.
 
-"I think I shall like you," she said when her examination was
-finished, "when we know each other a little better, and I hope you
-will like me; because, as my father says, we are to be together."
+“I think I shall like you,” she said when her examination was
+finished, “when we know each other a little better, and I hope you
+will like me; because, as my father says, we are to be together.”
 
-"I am sure we shall," Ruth replied, looking admiringly at Mysa's
-bright face. "I have never had anything to do with girls of my own
+“I am sure we shall,” Ruth replied, looking admiringly at Mysa’s
+bright face. “I have never had anything to do with girls of my own
 age, and you will find me clumsy at first; but I will do my best to
-please you, for your father and brother have been very good to me."
+please you, for your father and brother have been very good to me.”
 
-"There, take her away, Mysa. I have told your mother about her coming,
-and want to go on with my reading," Ameres said. "Show her your garden
+“There, take her away, Mysa. I have told your mother about her coming,
+and want to go on with my reading,” Ameres said. “Show her your garden
 and animals, and where she is to sleep; and give her in charge of old
 Male, who will see that she has all that she wants, and get suitable
-garments and all that is requisite."
+garments and all that is requisite.”
 
 Before many days were over Ruth became quite at home in her new abode.
 Her position was a pleasant one. She was at once companion and
@@ -4640,7 +4607,7 @@ cottage, with its hippopotami and crocodiles. Ruth brightened up
 greatly in her new surroundings, which to her were marvelous and
 beautiful; and she soon caught something of the cheerfulness of her
 young mistress, and the laughter of the two girls was often heard
-rising from Mysa's inclosure at the further end of the quiet garden.
+rising from Mysa’s inclosure at the further end of the quiet garden.
 
 Shortly after the return from their visit to Lower Egypt an important
 event took place, Chebron being initiated into the lowest grade of the
@@ -4767,7 +4734,7 @@ their bearing was very different.
 
 In their entertainments and feasts there was constant rivalry between
 them, although the wife of the high priest considered it nothing short
-of insolence that the wife of one inferior to her husband's rank
+of insolence that the wife of one inferior to her husband’s rank
 should venture to compete with her; while upon the other hand, the
 little airs of calm superiority her rival assumed when visiting her
 excited the deepest indignation and bitterness in the heart of the
@@ -4790,20 +4757,20 @@ an expression of remonstrance, for it was an understood thing that
 when occupied with his books he was on no account to be disturbed
 except upon business of importance.
 
-"You must not mind my disturbing you for once, Ameres; but an
+“You must not mind my disturbing you for once, Ameres; but an
 important thing has happened. Nicotis, the wife of Ptylus, has been
 here this afternoon, and what do you think she was the bearer of--a
 proposal from her husband and herself that their son Plexo should
-marry our Mysa."
+marry our Mysa.”
 
 Ameres uttered an exclamation of surprise and anger.
 
-"She is a child at present; the thing is ridiculous!"
+“She is a child at present; the thing is ridiculous!”
 
-"Not so much a child, Ameres, after all. She is nearer fifteen than
+“Not so much a child, Ameres, after all. She is nearer fifteen than
 fourteen, and betrothal often takes place a year earlier. I have been
 thinking for some time of talking the matter over with you, for it is
-fully time that we thought of her future."
+fully time that we thought of her future.”
 
 Ameres was silent. What his wife said was perfectly true, and Mysa
 had reached the age at which the Egyptian maidens were generally
@@ -4812,13 +4779,13 @@ had regarded Mysa as still a child, and his affections were centered
 in her and Chebron; for his eldest son, who resembled his mother in
 spirit, he had but little affection or sympathy.
 
-"Very well," he said at last in a tone of irritation very unusual to
-him, "if Mysa has reached the age when we must begin to think whom she
+“Very well,” he said at last in a tone of irritation very unusual to
+him, “if Mysa has reached the age when we must begin to think whom she
 is to marry, we will think of it, but there is no occasion whatever
 for haste. As to Plexo, I have marked him often when he has been here
 with Chebron, and I do not like his disposition. He is arrogant and
 overbearing, and, at the same time, shallow and foolish. Such is not
-the kind of youth to whom I shall give Mysa."
+the kind of youth to whom I shall give Mysa.”
 
 The answer did not quite satisfy his wife. She agreed with him in
 objecting to the proposed alliance, but on entirely different grounds.
@@ -4834,7 +4801,7 @@ aspired, and considered, indeed, that she ought to fill as the wife of
 Ameres, high priest of Osiris and one of the most trusted counselors
 of the king.
 
-Such result would certainly not flow from Mysa's marriage to the son
+Such result would certainly not flow from Mysa’s marriage to the son
 of one of less rank in the temple than her husband, and far inferior
 in public estimation. Being content, however, that her husband
 objected to the match on other grounds, she abstained from pressing
@@ -4842,47 +4809,47 @@ her own view of the subject, being perfectly aware that it was one
 with which Ameres would by no means sympathize. She therefore only
 said:
 
-"I am glad that you object to the match, Ameres, and am quite in
+“I am glad that you object to the match, Ameres, and am quite in
 accord with you in your opinion of the son of Ptylus. But what reason
-shall I give Nicotis for declining the connection?"
+shall I give Nicotis for declining the connection?”
 
-"The true one, of course!" Ameres said in surprise. "What other reason
+“The true one, of course!” Ameres said in surprise. “What other reason
 could there be? In respect to position no objection could arise, nor
 upon that of wealth. He is an only son, and although Ptylus may not
 have so large an income as myself (for I have had much state
 employment), he can certainly afford to place his son in at least as
 good a position as we can expect for Mysa. Were we to decline the
 proposal without giving a reason Ptylus would have good ground for
-offense."
+offense.”
 
-"I do not suppose, Amense, he will be pleased at fault being found
+“I do not suppose, Amense, he will be pleased at fault being found
 with his son, but that we cannot help. Parents cannot expect others
 to see their offspring with the same eyes that they do. I should
 certainly feel no offense were I to propose for a wife for Chebron to
 receive as an answer that he lacked some of the virtues the parents
 required in a husband for their daughter. I might consider that
 Chebron had those virtues, but if they thought otherwise why should I
-be offended?"
+be offended?”
 
-"It is not everyone who sees matters as you do, Ameres, and no one
+“It is not everyone who sees matters as you do, Ameres, and no one
 likes having his children slighted. Still, if it is your wish that I
 should tell Nicotis that you have a personal objection to her son, of
-course I will do so."
+course I will do so.”
 
-"Do not put it that light, Amense. It is not that I have a personal
+“Do not put it that light, Amense. It is not that I have a personal
 objection to him. I certainly do not like him, but that fact has
 nothing to do with my decision. I might like him very much, and yet
 consider that he would not make Mysa a good husband; or, on the other
 hand, I might dislike him personally, and yet feel that I could safely
-intrust Mysa's happiness to him. You will say, then, to Nicotis that
+intrust Mysa’s happiness to him. You will say, then, to Nicotis that
 from what I have seen of Plexo, and from what I have learned of his
 character, it does not appear to me that a union between him and Mysa
 would be likely to conduce to her happiness; and that, therefore, I
 decline altogether to enter into negotiations for the bringing about
-of such a marriage."
+of such a marriage.”
 
 Amense was well pleased, for she felt that this message, given in her
-husband's name, would be a great rebuff for her rival, and would far
+husband’s name, would be a great rebuff for her rival, and would far
 more than counterbalance the many triumphs she had gained over her by
 the recital of the number of banquets and entertainments in which she
 had taken part.
@@ -4891,9 +4858,9 @@ Had Amense been present when Nicotis informed Ptylus of the refusal of
 their proposal for the hand of Mysa, she might have felt that even the
 satisfaction of mortifying a rival may be dearly purchased.
 
-"You know the woman, Ptylus, and can picture to yourself the air of
+“You know the woman, Ptylus, and can picture to yourself the air of
 insolence with which she declined our proposal. I wished at the moment
-we had been peasants' wives instead of ladies of quality. I would have
+we had been peasants’ wives instead of ladies of quality. I would have
 given her cause to regret her insolence for a long time. As it was, it
 was as much as I could do to restrain myself, and to smile and say
 that perhaps, after all, the young people were not as well suited for
@@ -4902,12 +4869,12 @@ wishes of Plexo, having in our mind another alliance which would in
 every respect be more advantageous. Of course she replied that she was
 glad to hear it, but she could not but know that I was lying, for the
 lotus flower I was holding in my hand trembled with the rage that
-devoured me."
+devoured me.”
 
-"And it was, you say, against Plexo personally that the objection was
-made?" Ptylus said gloomily.
+“And it was, you say, against Plexo personally that the objection was
+made?” Ptylus said gloomily.
 
-"So she seemed to say. Of course she would not tell me that she had
+“So she seemed to say. Of course she would not tell me that she had
 set her mind on her daughter marrying one of the royal princes, though
 it is like enough that such is her thought, for the woman is pushing
 and ambitious enough for anything. She only said, in a formal sort of
@@ -4920,9 +4887,9 @@ being of one mind in all matters, he thought it better that the idea
 should be abandoned. I had a mind to tell her that Ameres did not seem
 to have acted upon those ideas in his own case, for everyone knows
 that he and Amense have not a thought in common--that she goes her way
-and he goes his."
+and he goes his.”
 
-"Let them both beware!" Ptylus said. "They shall learn that we are not
+“Let them both beware!” Ptylus said. “They shall learn that we are not
 to be insulted with impunity. This Ameres, whom the people regard as
 so holy, is at heart a despiser of the gods. Had he not been a
 favorite of Thotmes he would ere now have been disgraced and degraded,
@@ -4930,15 +4897,15 @@ and I should be high priest in his place; for his son, Neco, is too
 young for such a dignity. But he is ascending in the scale, and every
 year that his father lives and holds office he will come more and more
 to be looked upon as his natural successor. A few more years and my
-chance will be extinguished."
+chance will be extinguished.”
 
-"Then," Nicotis said decidedly, "Ameres must not hold office for many
+“Then,” Nicotis said decidedly, “Ameres must not hold office for many
 more years. We have talked the matter over and over again, and you
 have always promised me that some day I should be the wife of the high
 priest, and that Plexo should stand first in the succession of the
-office. It is high time that you carried your promises into effect."
+office. It is high time that you carried your promises into effect.”
 
-"It is time, Nicotis. This man has too long insulted the gods by
+“It is time, Nicotis. This man has too long insulted the gods by
 ministering at their services, when in his heart he was false to them.
 It shall be so no longer; this last insult to us decides me! Had he
 agreed to our proposal I would have laid aside my own claims, and with
@@ -4954,19 +4921,19 @@ assured that my promises shall be kept. I will be high priest; Plexo
 shall marry this child he fancies, for his doing so will not only
 strengthen my position, but render his own succession secure, by
 silencing those who might at my death seek to bring back the
-succession to Neco."
+succession to Neco.”
 
-"That is well, Ptylus. I have long wondered that you were content to
+“That is well, Ptylus. I have long wondered that you were content to
 be lorded over by Ameres. If I can aid you in any way be sure that I
 will do so. By the way, Amense invited us to a banquet she is about to
-give next week. Shall we accept the invitation?"
+give next week. Shall we accept the invitation?”
 
-"Certainly. We must not show that we are in any way offended at what
+“Certainly. We must not show that we are in any way offended at what
 has passed. As far as Ameres himself is concerned it matters not, for
 the man has so good an opinion of himself that nothing could persuade
 him that he has enemies; but it would not do, in view of what I have
 resolved upon, that any other should entertain the slightest suspicion
-that there exists any ill-feeling between us."
+that there exists any ill-feeling between us.”
 
 Great preparations were made by Amense for the banquet on the
 following week, for she had resolved that this should completely
@@ -5047,30 +5014,30 @@ them with wine and keeping them supplied with fresh flowers. A bard
 recited an ode in honor of the glories of King Thotmes, and it was not
 until late in the evening that the entertainment came to an end.
 
-"It has gone off splendidly," Amense said to Ameres when all was
+“It has gone off splendidly,” Amense said to Ameres when all was
 over, and the last guest had been helped away by his servants; for
-there were many who were unable to walk steadily unaided. "Nothing
+there were many who were unable to walk steadily unaided. “Nothing
 could have been better--it will be the talk of the whole town; and I
 could see Nicotis was devoured by envy and vexation. I do think great
 credit is due to me, Ameres, for you have really done nothing toward
-the preparations."
+the preparations.”
 
-"I am perfectly willing that you should have all the credit, Amense,"
-Ameres said wearily, "and I am glad that you are satisfied. To me the
+“I am perfectly willing that you should have all the credit, Amense,”
+Ameres said wearily, “and I am glad that you are satisfied. To me the
 whole thing is tedious and tiresome to a degree. All this
 superabundance of food, this too lavish use of wine, and the postures
 and antics of the actors and dancers is simply disgusting. However, if
-everyone else was pleased, of course I am content."
+everyone else was pleased, of course I am content.”
 
-"You are the most unsatisfactory husband a woman ever had," Amense
-said angrily. "I do believe you would be perfectly happy shut up in
+“You are the most unsatisfactory husband a woman ever had,” Amense
+said angrily. “I do believe you would be perfectly happy shut up in
 your study with your rolls of manuscript all your life, without seeing
 another human being save a black slave to bring you in bread and fruit
-and water twice a day."
+and water twice a day.”
 
-"I think I should, my dear," Ameres replied calmly. "At any rate, I
+“I think I should, my dear,” Ameres replied calmly. “At any rate, I
 should prefer it vastly to such a waste of time, and that in a form to
-me so disagreeable as that I have had to endure to-day."
+me so disagreeable as that I have had to endure to-day.”
 
 
 
@@ -5096,27 +5063,27 @@ when the moon threw her light upon them.
 On entering one of the inner courts they found a massive door in the
 wall standing ajar.
 
-"Where does this lead to?" Amuba asked.
+“Where does this lead to?” Amuba asked.
 
-"I do not know. I have never seen it open before. I think it must have
-been left unclosed by accident. We will see where it leads to."
+“I do not know. I have never seen it open before. I think it must have
+been left unclosed by accident. We will see where it leads to.”
 
 Opening it they saw in front of them a flight of stairs in the
 thickness of the wall.
 
-"It leads up to the roof," Chebron said in surprise. "I knew not there
+“It leads up to the roof,” Chebron said in surprise. “I knew not there
 were any stairs to the roof, for when repairs are needed the workmen
-mount by ladders."
+mount by ladders.”
 
-"Let us go up, Chebron; it will be curious to look down upon the
-courts."
+“Let us go up, Chebron; it will be curious to look down upon the
+courts.”
 
-"Yes, but we must be careful, Amuba; for, did any below catch sight of
-us, they might spread an alarm."
+“Yes, but we must be careful, Amuba; for, did any below catch sight of
+us, they might spread an alarm.”
 
-"We need only stay there a minute or two," Amuba urged. "There are so
+“We need only stay there a minute or two,” Amuba urged. “There are so
 few about that we are not likely to be seen, for if we walk
-noiselessly none are likely to cast their eyes so far upward."
+noiselessly none are likely to cast their eyes so far upward.”
 
 So saying Amuba led the way up the stairs, and Chebron somewhat
 reluctantly followed him. They felt their way as they went, and after
@@ -5128,51 +5095,51 @@ enable them to see where they were standing. Amuba crept out through
 the opening at the end. Beyond was a ledge a foot wide; beyond that
 rose a dome some six feet high and eight or ten feet along the ledge.
 
-"Come on, Chebron; there is plenty of room for both of us," he said,
+“Come on, Chebron; there is plenty of room for both of us,” he said,
 looking backward. Chebron at once joined him.
 
-"Where can we be?" Amuba asked. "There is the sky overhead. We are
+“Where can we be?” Amuba asked. “There is the sky overhead. We are
 twenty feet from the top of the wall, and where this ledge ends, just
 before it gets to the sides of this stone, it seems to go straight
-down."
+down.”
 
 Chebron looked round him.
 
-"This must be the head of one of the statues," he said after a pause.
-"What a curious place! I wonder what it can have been made for. See,
-there is a hole here!"
+“This must be the head of one of the statues,” he said after a pause.
+“What a curious place! I wonder what it can have been made for. See,
+there is a hole here!”
 
 Just in front of them was an opening of some six inches in diameter in
 the stone.
 
 Amuba pushed his hand down.
 
-"It seems to go a long way down," he said; "but it is narrowing," and
+“It seems to go a long way down,” he said; “but it is narrowing,” and
 removing his arm he looked down the hole.
 
-"There is an opening at the other end," he said; "a small narrow slit.
+“There is an opening at the other end,” he said; “a small narrow slit.
 It must have been made to enable any one standing here to see down,
-though I don't think they could see much through so small a hole. I
+though I don’t think they could see much through so small a hole. I
 should think, Chebron, if this is really the top of the head of one of
-the great figures, that slit must be where his lips are. Don't you
-think so?"
+the great figures, that slit must be where his lips are. Don’t you
+think so?”
 
 Chebron agreed that it was probable.
 
-"In that case," Amuba went on, "I should say that this hole must be
+“In that case,” Amuba went on, “I should say that this hole must be
 made to allow the priests to give answers through the mouth of the
 image to supplications made to it. I have heard that the images
 sometimes gave answers to the worshipers. Perhaps this is the secret
-of it."
+of it.”
 
 Chebron was silent. The idea was a painful one to him; for if this
 were so, it was evident that trickery was practiced.
 
-"I think we had better go," he said at last. "We have done wrong in
-coming up here."
+“I think we had better go,” he said at last. “We have done wrong in
+coming up here.”
 
-"Let me peep over the side first," Amuba said. "It seems to me that I
-can hear voices below."
+“Let me peep over the side first,” Amuba said. “It seems to me that I
+can hear voices below.”
 
 But the projection of the head prevented his seeing anything beyond.
 Returning he put his foot in the hole and raised himself sufficiently
@@ -5184,13 +5151,13 @@ its foot were seven or eight men, all of whom he knew by the whiteness
 of their garment to be priests. Listening intently he could
 distinctly hear their words. After waiting a minute he crawled back.
 
-"Come up here, Chebron; there is something important going on."
+“Come up here, Chebron; there is something important going on.”
 
 Chebron joined him, and the two, lying close together, looked down at
 the court.
 
-"I tell you we must do away with him," one of the group below said in
-tones louder than had been hitherto used. "You know as well as I do
+“I tell you we must do away with him,” one of the group below said in
+tones louder than had been hitherto used. “You know as well as I do
 that his heart is not in the worship of the gods. He has already shown
 himself desirous of all sorts of innovations, and unless we take
 matters in our hands there is no saying to what lengths he may go. He
@@ -5203,54 +5170,54 @@ induced to enter on some pretext or other, and then be slain without
 difficulty, and his body taken away by night and thrown into some of
 the disused catacombs.
 
-"It would be a nine days' wonder when he was missed, but no one could
+“It would be a nine days’ wonder when he was missed, but no one could
 ever learn the truth of his disappearance. I am ready to kill him with
 my own hands, and should regard the deed as one most pleasing to the
 gods. Therefore if you are ready to undertake the other arrangements,
 and two of you will join me in seeing that the deed is carried out
 without noise or outcry, I will take the matter in hand. I hate him,
 with his airs of holiness and his pretended love for the people.
-Besides, the good of our religion requires that he shall die."
+Besides, the good of our religion requires that he shall die.”
 
 There was a chorus of approbation from the others.
 
-"Leave me to determine the time and place," the speaker went on, "and
+“Leave me to determine the time and place,” the speaker went on, “and
 the excuse on which we will lead him to his doom. Those who will not
 be actually engaged with me in the business must be in the precincts
 of the place, and see that no one comes that way, and make some excuse
 or other should a cry by chance be heard, and must afterward set on
 foot all sorts of rumors to account for his actions. We can settle
 nothing to-night; but there is no occasion for haste, and on the third
-night hence we will again gather here."
+night hence we will again gather here.”
 
 Chebron touched Amuba, and the two crept back to where they had been
 standing on the ledge.
 
-"The villains are planning a murder in the very temple!" Chebron said.
-"I will give them a fright;" and applying his mouth to the orifice he
+“The villains are planning a murder in the very temple!” Chebron said.
+“I will give them a fright;” and applying his mouth to the orifice he
 cried:
 
-"Beware, sacrilegious wretches! Your plots shall fail and ruin fall
-upon you!"
+“Beware, sacrilegious wretches! Your plots shall fail and ruin fall
+upon you!”
 
-"Come on, Chebron!" Amuba exclaimed, pulling his garment. "Some of the
+“Come on, Chebron!” Amuba exclaimed, pulling his garment. “Some of the
 fellows may know the secret of this statue, and in that case they will
-kill us without mercy if they find us here."
+kill us without mercy if they find us here.”
 
 Passing through the opening they groped their way to the top of the
 stairs, hurried down these as fast as they could in the darkness, and
 issued out from the door.
 
-"I hear footsteps!" Amuba exclaimed as they did so. "Run for your
-life, Chebron!"
+“I hear footsteps!” Amuba exclaimed as they did so. “Run for your
+life, Chebron!”
 
 Just as they left the court they heard the noise of angry voices and
 hurried footsteps close by. At full speed they ran through several
 courts and apartments.
 
-"We had better hide, Amuba."
+“We had better hide, Amuba.”
 
-"It will be no use trying to do that. They will guard the entrance
+“It will be no use trying to do that. They will guard the entrance
 gates, give the alarm, and set all the priests on duty in the temple
 in search. No, come along quickly. They cannot be sure that it is we
 who spoke to them, and will probably wait until one has ascended the
@@ -5258,25 +5225,25 @@ stairs to see that no one is lurking there. I think we are safe for
 the moment; but there are no good hiding-places. I think you had
 better walk straight to the entrance, Chebron. Your presence here is
 natural enough, and those they post at the gates would let you pass
-out without suspicion. I will try and find myself a hiding-place."
+out without suspicion. I will try and find myself a hiding-place.”
 
-"I certainly will not do that, Amuba. I am not going to run away and
+“I certainly will not do that, Amuba. I am not going to run away and
 leave you in the scrape, especially as it was I who got us into it by
-my rashness."
+my rashness.”
 
-"Is there any place where workmen are engaged on the walls?" Amuba
+“Is there any place where workmen are engaged on the walls?” Amuba
 asked suddenly.
 
-"Yes, in the third court on the right after entering," Chebron
-replied. "They are repainting the figures on the upper part of the
-wall. I was watching them at work yesterday."
+“Yes, in the third court on the right after entering,” Chebron
+replied. “They are repainting the figures on the upper part of the
+wall. I was watching them at work yesterday.”
 
-"Then in that case there must be some ladders. With them we might get
+“Then in that case there must be some ladders. With them we might get
 away safely. Let us make for the court at once, but tread noiselessly,
 and if you hear a footstep approaching hide in the shadow behind the
 statue. Listen! they are giving the alarm. They know that their number
 would be altogether insufficient to search this great temple
-thoroughly."
+thoroughly.”
 
 Shouts were indeed heard, and the lads pressed on toward the court
 Chebron had spoken of. The temple now was echoing with sounds, for the
@@ -5285,14 +5252,14 @@ attending to the lights, had now been roused by one of their number,
 who ran in and told them some sacrilegious persons had made their way
 into the temple.
 
-"Here is the place," Chebron said, stopping at the foot of the wall.
+“Here is the place,” Chebron said, stopping at the foot of the wall.
 
 Here two or three long light ladders were standing. Some of these
 reached part of the distance only up the walls, but the top of one
 could be seen against the skyline.
 
-"Mount, Chebron! There is no time to loose. They may be here at any
-moment."
+“Mount, Chebron! There is no time to loose. They may be here at any
+moment.”
 
 Chebron mounted, followed closely by his companion. Just as he gained
 the top of the wall several men carrying torches ran into the court
@@ -5300,7 +5267,7 @@ and began to search along the side lying in shadow. Just as Amuba
 joined Chebron one of the searchers caught sight of them, and with a
 shout ran toward the ladder.
 
-"Pull, Chebron!" Amuba exclaimed as he tried to haul up the ladder.
+“Pull, Chebron!” Amuba exclaimed as he tried to haul up the ladder.
 
 Chebron at once assisted him, and the foot of the ladder was already
 many feet above the ground before the men reached it. The height of
@@ -5309,14 +5276,14 @@ ladder, it was as much as the lads could do to pull it up to the top.
 The wall was fully twelve feet in thickness, and as soon as the ladder
 was up Amuba said:
 
-"Keep away from the edge, Chebron, or it is possible that in this
+“Keep away from the edge, Chebron, or it is possible that in this
 bright moonlight we may be recognized. We must be going on at once.
-They will tie the short ladders together and be after us directly."
+They will tie the short ladders together and be after us directly.”
 
-"Which way shall we go?"
+“Which way shall we go?”
 
-"Toward the outer wall, as far as possible from the gate. Bring the
-ladder along."
+“Toward the outer wall, as far as possible from the gate. Bring the
+ladder along.”
 
 Taking it upon their shoulders they hurried along. Critical as the
 position was, Amuba could not help remarking on the singularity of
@@ -5324,33 +5291,33 @@ the scene. The massive walls were all topped with white cement and
 stretched like broad ribbons, crossing and recrossing each other in
 regular parallelograms on a black ground.
 
-Five minutes' running took them to the outer wall, and the ladder was
+Five minutes’ running took them to the outer wall, and the ladder was
 again lowered and they descended, and then stood at its foot for a
 moment to listen. Everything was still and silent.
 
-"It is lucky they did not think of sending men to watch outside the
+“It is lucky they did not think of sending men to watch outside the
 walls when they first caught sight of us, or we should have been
 captured. I expect they thought of nothing but getting down the other
 ladders and fastening them together. Let us make straight out and get
 well away from the temple, and then we will return to your house at
 our leisure. We had better get out of sight if we can before our
 pursuers find the top of the ladder, then as they will have no idea in
-which direction we have gone they will give up the chase."
+which direction we have gone they will give up the chase.”
 
-After an hour's walking they reached home. On the way they had
+After an hour’s walking they reached home. On the way they had
 discussed whether or not Chebron should tell Ameres what had taken
 place, and had agreed that it would be best to be silent.
 
-"Your father would not like to know that you have discovered the
+“Your father would not like to know that you have discovered the
 secret of the image, Chebron. If it was not for that I should say you
 had best have told him. But I do not see that it would do any good
 now. We do not know who the men were who were plotting or whom they
 were plotting against. But one thing is pretty certain, they will not
 try to carry out their plans now, for they cannot tell how much of
 their conversation was overheard, and their fear of discovery will put
-an end for the present to this scheme of theirs."
+an end for the present to this scheme of theirs.”
 
-Chebron agreed with Amuba's views, and it was decided to say nothing
+Chebron agreed with Amuba’s views, and it was decided to say nothing
 about the affair unless circumstances occurred which might alter their
 intentions. They entered the house quietly and reached their apartment
 without disturbing any of the inmates.
@@ -5358,18 +5325,18 @@ without disturbing any of the inmates.
 On the following morning one of the priests of the temple arrived at
 an early hour and demanded to see Ameres.
 
-"I have evil tidings to give you, my lord," he said. "Your son Neco
-has this morning been killed."
+“I have evil tidings to give you, my lord,” he said. “Your son Neco
+has this morning been killed.”
 
-"Neco killed?" Ameres repeated.
+“Neco killed?” Ameres repeated.
 
-"It is, alas! but too true, my lord. He left the house where he lives
+“It is, alas! but too true, my lord. He left the house where he lives
 with two other priests but a short distance from the gate of the
 temple at his usual hour. It was his turn to offer the sacrifices at
 dawn, and it must have been still dark when he left the house. As he
 did not arrive at the proper time a messenger was sent to fetch him,
 and he found him lying dead but a few paces from his own door, stabbed
-to the heart."
+to the heart.”
 
 Ameres waved his hand to signify that he would be alone, and sat down
 half-stunned by the sudden shock.
@@ -5381,7 +5348,7 @@ Chebron, the rigid respect and deference demanded by Egyptian custom
 on the part of sons toward their father, Neco had never responded to
 his advances and had been punctilious in all the observances practiced
 at the time. Except when absolutely commanded to do so, he had never
-taken a seat in his father's presence, had never addressed him unless
+taken a seat in his father’s presence, had never addressed him unless
 spoken to, had made his appearance only at stated times to pay his
 respects to him, and when dismissed had gladly hurried away to the
 priest who acted as his tutor.
@@ -5407,7 +5374,7 @@ Still the news of his sudden death was a great shock, and Ameres sat
 without moving for some minutes until a sudden outburst of cries in
 the house betokened that the messenger had told his tidings to the
 servants, and that these had carried them to their mistress. Ameres at
-once went to his wife's apartment and endeavored to console her, but
+once went to his wife’s apartment and endeavored to console her, but
 wholly without success.
 
 Amense was frantic with grief. Although herself much addicted to the
@@ -5416,8 +5383,8 @@ the ardor of Neco in the discharge of his religious duties had been a
 source of pride and gratification to her. Not only was it pleasant to
 hear her son spoken of as one of the most rising of the young
 priesthood, but she saw that he would make his way rapidly and would
-ere long become the recognized successor to his father's office.
-Chebron and Mysa bore the news of their brother's death with much more
+ere long become the recognized successor to his father’s office.
+Chebron and Mysa bore the news of their brother’s death with much more
 resignation. For the last three years they had scarcely seen him, and
 even when living at home there had been nothing in common between him
 and them. They were indeed more awed by the suddenness of his death
@@ -5534,7 +5501,7 @@ returned on foot to the house.
 
 During all this time no certain clew had been obtained as to the
 authors of the murder. Upon going up to the temple on the day of
-Neco's death Chebron found all sorts of rumors current. The affair of
+Neco’s death Chebron found all sorts of rumors current. The affair of
 the previous night had been greatly magnified, and it was generally
 believed that a strong party of men had entered the temple with the
 intention of carrying off the sacred vessels, but that they had been
@@ -5542,14 +5509,14 @@ disturbed just as they were going to break into the subterranean
 apartments where these were kept, and had then fled to the ladders and
 escaped over the wall before a sufficient force could be collected to
 detain them. It was generally supposed that this affair was in some
-way connected with the death of Neco. Upon Chebron's return with this
+way connected with the death of Neco. Upon Chebron’s return with this
 news he and Amuba agreed that it was necessary to inform Ameres at
 once of their doings on the previous night. After the evening meal
 was over Ameres called Chebron into his study.
 
-"Have you heard aught in the temple, Chebron, as to this strange
+“Have you heard aught in the temple, Chebron, as to this strange
 affair that took place there last night? I cannot see how it can have
-any connection with your brother's death; still, it is strange. Have
+any connection with your brother’s death; still, it is strange. Have
 you heard who first discovered these thieves last night? Some say that
 it was Ptylus, though what he should be doing there at that hour I
 know not. Four or five others are named by priests as having aroused
@@ -5562,16 +5529,16 @@ most strange, for none notified to me yesterday that they had occasion
 to be absent. What can be their motive in thus running away when
 naturally they would obtain praise and honor for having saved the
 vessels of the temple? Have you heard anything that would seem to
-throw any light upon the subject?"
+throw any light upon the subject?”
 
-"I have heard nothing, father; but I can tell you much. I should have
+“I have heard nothing, father; but I can tell you much. I should have
 spoken to you the first thing this morning had it not been for the
-news about Neco." Chebron then related to Ameres how he and Amuba had
+news about Neco.” Chebron then related to Ameres how he and Amuba had
 the night before visited the temple, ascended the stairs behind the
 image of the god, and overheard a plot to murder some unknown person.
 
-"This is an extraordinary tale, Chebron," Ameres said when he had
-brought his story to a conclusion. "You certainly would have been
+“This is an extraordinary tale, Chebron,” Ameres said when he had
+brought his story to a conclusion. “You certainly would have been
 slain had you been overtaken. How the door that led to the staircase
 came to be open I cannot imagine. The place is only used on very rare
 occasions, when it is deemed absolutely necessary that we should
@@ -5585,25 +5552,25 @@ Ptylus and the others would seem to show that they were conscious of
 guilt. Their presence in the temple so late was in itself singular;
 and, as you say, they cannot know how much of their conversation was
 overheard. Against whom their plot was directed I can form no idea;
-though, doubtless, it was a personage of high importance."
+though, doubtless, it was a personage of high importance.”
 
-"You do not think, father," Chebron said hesitatingly, "that the plot
+“You do not think, father,” Chebron said hesitatingly, “that the plot
 could have been to murder Neco? This is what Amuba and I thought when
-we talked it over this afternoon."
+we talked it over this afternoon.”
 
-"I do not think so," Ameres said after a pause. "It is hardly likely
+“I do not think so,” Ameres said after a pause. “It is hardly likely
 that four or five persons would plot together to carry out the murder
 of one in his position; it must be some one of far greater importance.
 Neco may not have been liked, but he was certainly held in esteem by
-all the priests in the temple."
+all the priests in the temple.”
 
-"You see, father," Chebron said, "that Ptylus is an ambitious man, and
+“You see, father,” Chebron said, “that Ptylus is an ambitious man, and
 may have hoped at some time or other to become high priest. Neco would
 have stood in his way, for, as the office is hereditary, if the eldest
 son is fitted to undertake it, Neco would almost certainly be
-selected."
+selected.”
 
-"That is true, Chebron, but I have no reason to credit Ptylus with
+“That is true, Chebron, but I have no reason to credit Ptylus with
 such wickedness; beside, he would hardly take other people into his
 confidence did he entertain such a scheme. Moreover, knowing that
 they were overheard last night, although they cannot tell how much may
@@ -5614,7 +5581,7 @@ hardly have met afterward and arranged this fresh scheme of murder.
 No. If Neco was killed by them, it must have been that they suspected
 that he was one of those who overheard them. His figure is not unlike
 yours. They may probably have obtained a glimpse of you on the walls,
-and have noticed your priest's attire. He was in the temple late, and
+and have noticed your priest’s attire. He was in the temple late, and
 probably left just before you were discovered. Believing, then, that
 they were overheard, and thinking that one of the listeners was Neco,
 they decided for their own safety to remove him. Of course it is mere
@@ -5639,9 +5606,9 @@ will never be sure as to how much is known of what passed between
 them, and whether those who overheard them may not be waiting for the
 commission of the crown to denounce them. In the meantime you will on
 no account renew your visit to the temple or enter it at any time,
-except when called upon to do so by your duties."
+except when called upon to do so by your duties.”
 
-The very day after Neco's funeral Mysa and her mother were thrown into
+The very day after Neco’s funeral Mysa and her mother were thrown into
 a flutter of excitement by a message which arrived from Bubastes. Some
 months before the sacred cat of the great temple there--a cat held in
 as high honor in Lower Egypt as the bull Apis in the Thebaid--had
@@ -5660,8 +5627,8 @@ and at each town they visited lists were brought to the priests of all
 the cats which, from size, shape, and color, could be considered as
 candidates for the office. As soon as one of the parties of the
 priests had reached Thebes Amense had sent to them a description of
-Mysa's great cat Paucis. Hitherto Amense had evinced no interest
-whatever in her daughter's pets, seldom going out into the garden,
+Mysa’s great cat Paucis. Hitherto Amense had evinced no interest
+whatever in her daughter’s pets, seldom going out into the garden,
 except to sit under the shade of the trees near the fountain for a
 short time in the afternoon when the sun had lost its power.
 
@@ -5680,7 +5647,7 @@ man as the high priest of Osiris.
 
 Amense received them with much honor, presented Mysa to them as the
 owner of the cat, and herself accompanied the priests in their visit
-to the home of Mysa's pets. Their report was most favorable. They had,
+to the home of Mysa’s pets. Their report was most favorable. They had,
 since they left Bubastes, seen no cat approaching Paucis in size and
 beauty, and although her markings were not precisely correct, they yet
 approximated very closely to the standard. They could say no more than
@@ -5727,7 +5694,7 @@ as Baste, Bubastes, or Pasht.
 
 As soon as the news was known, all the friends and acquaintances of
 the family flocked in to offer their congratulations; and so many
-visits were paid to Mysa's inclosure that even the tranquility of
+visits were paid to Mysa’s inclosure that even the tranquility of
 Paucis was disturbed by the succession of admirers, and Amense,
 declaring that she felt herself responsible for the animal being in
 perfect health when the priests arrived for it, permitted only the
@@ -5749,8 +5716,8 @@ advancing to meet them with demonstrations of welcome, remained close
 among the reeds, and even the ibis did not respond at once to their
 call.
 
-"They must have been alarmed at something," Chebron said the third
-morning. "Some bird of prey must have been swooping down upon them.
+“They must have been alarmed at something,” Chebron said the third
+morning. “Some bird of prey must have been swooping down upon them.
 See here, there are several feathers scattered about, and some of them
 are stained with blood. Look at that pretty drake that was brought to
 us by the merchants in trade with the far East. Its mate is missing.
@@ -5759,7 +5726,7 @@ must try to put a stop to it. This is the third morning that we have
 noticed the change in the behavior of the birds. Doubtless three of
 them have been carried off. Amuba and I will watch to-morrow with our
 bows and arrows and see if we cannot put an end to the marauder. If
-this goes on we shall lose all our pets."
+this goes on we shall lose all our pets.”
 
 Upon the following morning Chebron and Amuba went down to the
 inclosure soon after daybreak, and concealing themselves in some
@@ -5779,46 +5746,46 @@ dark object shot down from above. There was a frightened cry and a
 violent flapping as a large hawk suddenly seized one of the waterfowl
 and struck it to the ground. In an instant the watchers rose to their
 feet, and as the hawk rose with its prey in its talons they shot their
-arrows almost simultaneously. Amuba's arrow struck the hawk between
+arrows almost simultaneously. Amuba’s arrow struck the hawk between
 the wings, and the creature fell dead still clutching its prey.
-Chebron's arrow was equally well aimed, but it struck a twig which
+Chebron’s arrow was equally well aimed, but it struck a twig which
 deflected its course and it flew wide of the mark.
 
 Amuba gave a shout of triumph and leaped out from among the bushes.
 But he paused and turned as an exclamation of alarm broke from
 Chebron. To his astonishment, he saw a look of horror on his
-companion's face. His bow was still outstretched, and he stood as if
+companion’s face. His bow was still outstretched, and he stood as if
 petrified.
 
-"What's the matter, Chebron?" Amuba exclaimed. "What has happened? Has
-a deadly snake bit you? What is it, Chebron?"
+“What’s the matter, Chebron?” Amuba exclaimed. “What has happened? Has
+a deadly snake bit you? What is it, Chebron?”
 
-"Do you not see?" Chebron said in a low voice.
+“Do you not see?” Chebron said in a low voice.
 
-"I see nothing," Amuba replied, looking round, and at the same time
+“I see nothing,” Amuba replied, looking round, and at the same time
 putting another arrow into his bowstring ready to repel the attack of
-some dangerous creature. "Where is it? I can see nothing."
+some dangerous creature. “Where is it? I can see nothing.”
 
-"My arrow; it glanced off a twig and entered there; I saw one of the
-cats fall. I must have killed it."
+“My arrow; it glanced off a twig and entered there; I saw one of the
+cats fall. I must have killed it.”
 
 Two years before Amuba would have laughed at the horror which
-Chebron's face expressed at the accident of shooting a cat, but he had
+Chebron’s face expressed at the accident of shooting a cat, but he had
 been long enough in Egypt to know how serious were the consequences of
-such an act. Better by far that Chebron's arrow had lodged in the
+such an act. Better by far that Chebron’s arrow had lodged in the
 heart of a man. In that case an explanation of the manner in which the
 accident had occurred, a compensation to the relatives of the slain,
 and an expiatory offering at one of the temples would have been deemed
 sufficient to purge him from the offense; but to kill a cat, even by
 accident, was the most unpardonable offense an Egyptian could commit,
 and the offender would assuredly be torn to pieces by the mob. Knowing
-this, he realized at once the terrible import of Chebron's words.
+this, he realized at once the terrible import of Chebron’s words.
 
 For a moment he felt almost as much stunned as Chebron himself, but he
 quickly recovered his presence of mind.
 
-"There is only one thing to be done, Chebron; we must dig a hole and
-bury it at once. I will run and fetch a hoe."
+“There is only one thing to be done, Chebron; we must dig a hole and
+bury it at once. I will run and fetch a hoe.”
 
 Throwing down his bow and arrows he ran to the little shed at the
 other end of the garden where the implements were kept, bidding a
@@ -5826,52 +5793,52 @@ careless good-morning to the men who were already at work there. He
 soon rejoined Chebron, who had not moved from the spot from which he
 had shot the unlucky arrow.
 
-"Do you think this is best, Amuba? Don't you think I had better go and
-tell my father?"
+“Do you think this is best, Amuba? Don’t you think I had better go and
+tell my father?”
 
-"I do not think so, Chebron. Upon any other matter it would be right
+“I do not think so, Chebron. Upon any other matter it would be right
 at once to confer with him, but as high priest it would be a fearful
 burden to place upon his shoulders. It would be his duty at once to
 denounce you; and did he keep it secret, and the matter be ever found
 out, it would involve him in our danger. Let us therefore bear the
-brunt of it by ourselves."
+brunt of it by ourselves.”
 
-"I dare not go in," Chebron said in awestruck tones. "It is too
-terrible."
+“I dare not go in,” Chebron said in awestruck tones. “It is too
+terrible.”
 
-"Oh, I will manage that," Amuba said lightly. "You know to me a cat is
+“Oh, I will manage that,” Amuba said lightly. “You know to me a cat is
 a cat and nothing more, and I would just as soon bury one as that
-rascally hawk which has been the cause of all this mischief."
+rascally hawk which has been the cause of all this mischief.”
 
 So saying he crossed the open space, and entering a thick bush beyond
 the cat house, dug a deep hole; then he went into the house. Although
 having no belief whatever in the sacredness of one animal more than
 another, he had yet been long enough among the Egyptians to feel a
 sensation akin to awe as he entered and saw lying upon the ground the
-largest of the cats pierced through by Chebron's arrow.
+largest of the cats pierced through by Chebron’s arrow.
 
 Drawing out the shaft he lifted the animal, and putting it under his
 garment went out again, and entering the bushes buried it in the hole
 he had dug. He leveled the soil carefully over it, and scattered a few
 dead leaves on the top.
 
-"There, no one would notice that," he said to himself when he had
-finished; "but it's awfully unlucky it's that cat of all others."
+“There, no one would notice that,” he said to himself when he had
+finished; “but it’s awfully unlucky it’s that cat of all others.”
 
 Then he went in, carefully erased the marks of blood upon the floor,
 and brought out the shaft, took it down to the pond and carefully
 washed the blood from it, and then returned to Chebron.
 
-"Is it--" the latter asked as he approached. He did not say more, but
+“Is it--” the latter asked as he approached. He did not say more, but
 Amuba understood him.
 
-"I am sorry to say it is," he replied. "It is horribly unlucky, for
+“I am sorry to say it is,” he replied. “It is horribly unlucky, for
 one of the others might not have been missed. There is no hoping that
-now."
+now.”
 
 Chebron seemed paralyzed at the news.
 
-"Come, Chebron," Amuba said, "it will not do to give way to fear; we
+“Come, Chebron,” Amuba said, “it will not do to give way to fear; we
 must brave it out. I will leave the door of the cat house open, and
 when it is missed it will be thought that it has escaped and wandered
 away. At any rate, there is no reason why suspicion should fall upon
@@ -5879,23 +5846,23 @@ us if we do but put a bold face upon the matter; but we must not let
 our looks betray us. If the worst comes to the worst and we find that
 suspicions are entertained, we must get out of the way. But there will
 be plenty of time to think of that; all that you have got to do now is
-to try and look as if nothing had happened."
+to try and look as if nothing had happened.”
 
-"But how can I?" Chebron said in broken tones. "To you, as you say, it
+“But how can I?” Chebron said in broken tones. “To you, as you say, it
 is only a cat; to me it is a creature sacred above all others that I
 have slain. It is ten thousand times worse than if I had killed a
-man."
+man.”
 
-"A cat is a cat," Amuba repeated. "I can understand what you feel
+“A cat is a cat,” Amuba repeated. “I can understand what you feel
 about it, though to my mind it is ridiculous. There are thousands of
 cats in Thebes; let them choose another one for the temple. But I
 grant the danger of what has happened, and I know that if it is found
-out there is no hope for us."
+out there is no hope for us.”
 
-"You had nothing to do with it," Chebron said; "there is no reason why
-you should take all this risk with me."
+“You had nothing to do with it,” Chebron said; “there is no reason why
+you should take all this risk with me.”
 
-"We were both in the matter, Chebron, and that twig might just as well
+“We were both in the matter, Chebron, and that twig might just as well
 have turned my arrow from its course as yours. We went to kill a hawk
 together and we have shot a cat, and it is a terrible business, there
 is no doubt; and it makes no difference whatever whether I think the
@@ -5903,40 +5870,40 @@ cat was only a cat if the people of Thebes considered it is a god. If
 it is found out it is certain death, and we shall need all our wits to
 save our lives; but unless you pluck up courage and look a little more
 like yourself, we may as well go at once and say what has happened
-and take the consequences. Only if you don't value your life I do
+and take the consequences. Only if you don’t value your life I do
 mine; so if you mean to let your looks betray us, say so, and stop
-here for a few hours till I get a good start."
+here for a few hours till I get a good start.”
 
-"I will tell my father," Chebron said suddenly, "and abide by what he
+“I will tell my father,” Chebron said suddenly, “and abide by what he
 says. If he thinks it his duty to denounce me, so be it; in that case
-you will run no risk."
+you will run no risk.”
 
-"But I don't mind running the risk, Chebron; I am quite ready to share
-the peril with you."
+“But I don’t mind running the risk, Chebron; I am quite ready to share
+the peril with you.”
 
-"No; I will tell my father," Chebron repeated, "and abide by what he
+“No; I will tell my father,” Chebron repeated, “and abide by what he
 says. I am sure I can never face this out by myself, and that my looks
 will betray us. I have committed the most terrible crime an Egyptian
-can commit, and I dare not keep such a secret to myself."
+can commit, and I dare not keep such a secret to myself.”
 
-"Very well, Chebron, I will not try to dissuade you, and I will go and
+“Very well, Chebron, I will not try to dissuade you, and I will go and
 see Jethro. Of course to him as to me the shooting of a cat is a
 matter not worth a second thought; but he will understand the
 consequences, and if we fly will accompany us. You do not mind my
-speaking to him? You could trust your life to him as to me."
+speaking to him? You could trust your life to him as to me.”
 
 Chebron nodded, and moved away toward the house.
 
-"For pity sake, Chebron!" Amuba exclaimed, "do not walk like that. If
+“For pity sake, Chebron!” Amuba exclaimed, “do not walk like that. If
 the men at work get sight of you they cannot but see that something
 strange has happened, and it will be recalled against you when the
-creature is missed."
+creature is missed.”
 
 Chebron made an effort to walk with his usual gait. Amuba stood
 watching him for a minute, and then turned away with a gesture of
 impatience.
 
-"Chebron is clever and learned in many things, and I do not think that
+“Chebron is clever and learned in many things, and I do not think that
 he lacks courage; but these Egyptians seem to have no iron in their
 composition when a pinch comes. Chebron walks as if all his bones had
 turned to jelly. Of course he is in a horrible scrape; still, if he
@@ -5945,51 +5912,51 @@ all. However, I do not think that it is more the idea that he has
 committed an act of horrible sacrilege than the fear of death that
 weighs him down. If it were not so serious a matter one could almost
 laugh at any one being crushed to the earth because he had
-accidentally killed a cat."
+accidentally killed a cat.”
 
 Upon entering the house Chebron made his way to the room where his
 father was engaged in study. Dropping the heavy curtains over the door
 behind him he advanced a few paces, then fell on his knees, and
 touched the ground with his forehead.
 
-"Chebron!" Ameres exclaimed, laying down the roll of papyrus on which
-he was engaged and rising to his feet. "What is it, my son? Why do you
+“Chebron!” Ameres exclaimed, laying down the roll of papyrus on which
+he was engaged and rising to his feet. “What is it, my son? Why do you
 thus kneel before me in an attitude of supplication? Rise and tell me
-what has happened."
+what has happened.”
 
 Chebron raised his head, but still continued on his knees. Ameres was
-startled at the expression of his son's face. The look of health and
+startled at the expression of his son’s face. The look of health and
 life had gone from it, the color beneath the bronze skin had faded
 away, drops of perspiration stood on his forehead, his lips were
 parched and drawn.
 
-"What is it, my son?" Ameres repeated, now thoroughly alarmed.
+“What is it, my son?” Ameres repeated, now thoroughly alarmed.
 
-"I have forfeited my life, father! Worse, I have offended the gods
+“I have forfeited my life, father! Worse, I have offended the gods
 beyond forgiveness! This morning I went with Amuba with our bows and
 arrows to shoot a hawk which has for some time been slaying the
 waterfowl. It came down and we shot together. Amuba killed the hawk,
 but my arrow struck a tree and flew wide of the mark, and entering the
-cats' house killed Paucis, who was chosen only two days to take the
-place of the sacred cat in the temple of Bubastes."
+cats’ house killed Paucis, who was chosen only two days to take the
+place of the sacred cat in the temple of Bubastes.”
 
 An exclamation of horror broke from the high priest, and he recoiled a
 pace from his son.
 
-"Unhappy boy," he said, "your life is indeed forfeited. The king
+“Unhappy boy,” he said, “your life is indeed forfeited. The king
 himself could not save his son from the fury of the populace had he
-perpetrated such a deed."
+perpetrated such a deed.”
 
-"It is not my life I am thinking of, father," Chebron said, "but first
+“It is not my life I am thinking of, father,” Chebron said, “but first
 of the horrible sacrilege, and then that I alone cannot bear the
 consequences, but that some of these must fall upon you and my mother
 and sister; for even to be related to one who has committed such a
-crime is a terrible disgrace."
+crime is a terrible disgrace.”
 
 Ameres walked up and down the room several times before he spoke.
 
-"As to our share of the consequences, Chebron, we must bear it as best
-we can," he said at last in a calmer tone than he had before used; "it
+“As to our share of the consequences, Chebron, we must bear it as best
+we can,” he said at last in a calmer tone than he had before used; “it
 is of you we must first think. It is a terrible affair; and yet, as
 you say, it was but an accident, and you are guiltless of any
 intentional sacrilege. But that plea will be as nothing. Death is the
@@ -5998,40 +5965,40 @@ chosen to succeed the cat of Bubastes is of all others the one most
 sacred. The question is, What is to be done? You must fly and that
 instantly, though I fear that flight will be vain; for as soon as the
 news is known it will spread from one end of Egypt to the other, and
-every man's hand will be against you, and even by this time the
-discovery may have been made."
+every man’s hand will be against you, and even by this time the
+discovery may have been made.”
 
-"That will hardly be, father; for Amuba has buried the cat among the
+“That will hardly be, father; for Amuba has buried the cat among the
 bushes, and has left the door of the house open so that it may be
 supposed for a time that it has wandered away. He proposed to me to
 fly with him at once; for he declares that he is determined to share
 my fate since we were both concerned in the attempt to kill the hawk.
 But in that of course he is wrong; for it is I, not he, who has done
-this thing."
+this thing.”
 
-"Amuba has done rightly," Ameres said. "We have at least time to
-reflect."
+“Amuba has done rightly,” Ameres said. “We have at least time to
+reflect.”
 
-"But I do not want to fly, father. Of what good will life be to me
+“But I do not want to fly, father. Of what good will life be to me
 with this awful sin upon my head? I wonder that you suffer me to
 remain a moment in your presence--that you do not cast me out as a
-wretch who has mortally offended the gods."
+wretch who has mortally offended the gods.”
 
 Ameres waved his hand impatiently.
 
-"That is not troubling me now, Chebron. I do not view things in the
+“That is not troubling me now, Chebron. I do not view things in the
 same way as most men, and should it be that you have to fly for your
 life I will tell you more; suffice for you that I do not blame you,
 still less regard you with horror. The great thing for us to think of
 at present is as to the best steps to be taken. Were you to fly now
-you might get several days' start, and might even get out of the
+you might get several days’ start, and might even get out of the
 country before an alarm was spread; but upon the other hand, your
 disappearance would at once be connected with that of the cat as soon
 as it became known that she is missing, whereas if you stay here
 quietly it is possible that no one will connect you in any way with
 the fact that the cat is gone.
 
-"That something has happened to it will speedily be guessed, for a cat
+“That something has happened to it will speedily be guessed, for a cat
 does not stray away far from the place where it has been bred up;
 besides, a cat of such a size and appearance is remarkable, and were
 it anywhere in the neighborhood it would speedily be noticed. But now
@@ -6039,7 +6006,7 @@ go and join Amuba in your room, and remain there for the morning as
 usual. I will give orders that your instructor be told that you will
 not want him to-day, as you are not well. I will see you presently
 when I have thought the matter fully out and determined what had best
-be done. Keep up a brave heart, my boy; the danger may yet pass over."
+be done. Keep up a brave heart, my boy; the danger may yet pass over.”
 
 Chebron retired overwhelmed with surprise at the kindness with which
 his father had spoken to him, when he had expected that he would be so
@@ -6051,33 +6018,33 @@ far the most terrible part of the affair--the religious aspect of the
 deed. On entering the room where he pursued his studies he found
 Jethro as well as Amuba there.
 
-"I am sorry for you, young master," Jethro said as he entered. "Of
+“I am sorry for you, young master,” Jethro said as he entered. “Of
 course to me the idea of any fuss being made over the accidental
 killing of a cat is ridiculous; but I know how you view it, and the
 danger in which it has placed you. I only came in here with Amuba to
 say that you can rely upon me, and that if you decide on flight I am
-ready at once to accompany you."
+ready at once to accompany you.”
 
-"Thanks, Jethro," Chebron replied. "Should I fly it will indeed be a
+“Thanks, Jethro,” Chebron replied. “Should I fly it will indeed be a
 comfort to have you with me as well as Amuba, who has already promised
 to go with me; but at present nothing is determined. I have seen my
-father and told him everything, and he will decide for me."
+father and told him everything, and he will decide for me.”
 
-"Then he will not denounce you," Amuba said. "I thought that he would
-not."
+“Then he will not denounce you,” Amuba said. “I thought that he would
+not.”
 
-"No; and he has spoken so kindly that I am amazed. It did not seem
+“No; and he has spoken so kindly that I am amazed. It did not seem
 possible to me that an Egyptian would have heard of such a dreadful
 occurrence without feeling horror and destation of the person who did
 it, even were he his own son. Still more would one expect it from a
-man who, like my father, is a high priest to the gods."
+man who, like my father, is a high priest to the gods.”
 
-"Your father is a wise as well as a learned man," Jethro said: "and
+“Your father is a wise as well as a learned man,” Jethro said: “and
 he knows that the gods cannot be altogether offended at an affair for
 which fate and not the slayer is responsible. The real slayer of the
 cat is the twig which turned the arrow, and I do not see that you are
 any more to blame, or anything like so much to blame, as is the hawk
-at whom you shot."
+at whom you shot.”
 
 This, however, was no consolation to Chebron, who threw himself down
 on a couch in a state of complete prostration. It seemed to him that
@@ -6095,38 +6062,38 @@ could not feel in the slightest the terrible nature of the act of
 sacrilege, and therefore on this point his opinion could have no
 weight.
 
-"Jethro," Amuba said, "you told me you were going to escort Mysa one
+“Jethro,” Amuba said, “you told me you were going to escort Mysa one
 day or other to the very top of the hills, in order that she could
 thence look down upon the whole city. Put it into her head to go this
 morning, or at least persuade her to go into the city. If she goes
 into the garden she will at once notice that the cat is lost; whereas
 if you can keep her away for the day it will give us so much more
-time."
+time.”
 
-"But if Ameres decides that you had best fly, I might on my return
-find that you have both gone."
+“But if Ameres decides that you had best fly, I might on my return
+find that you have both gone.”
 
-"Should he do so, Jethro, he will tell you the route we have taken,
+“Should he do so, Jethro, he will tell you the route we have taken,
 and arrange for some point at which you can join us. He would
 certainly wish you to go with us, for he would know that your
-experience and strong arm would be above all things needful."
+experience and strong arm would be above all things needful.”
 
-"Then I will go at once," Jethro agreed. "There are two or three
+“Then I will go at once,” Jethro agreed. “There are two or three
 excursions she has been wanting to make, and I think I can promise
 that she shall go on one of them to-day. If she says anything about
 wanting to go to see her pets before starting, I can say that you have
-both been there this morning and seen after them."
+both been there this morning and seen after them.”
 
-"I do not mean to fly," Chebron said, starting up, "unless it be that
+“I do not mean to fly,” Chebron said, starting up, “unless it be that
 my father commands me to do so. Rather a thousand worlds I stay here
-and meet my fate!"
+and meet my fate!”
 
 Jethro would have spoken, but Amuba signed to him to go at once, and
-crossing the room took Chebron's hand. It was hot and feverish, and
+crossing the room took Chebron’s hand. It was hot and feverish, and
 there was a patch of color in his cheek.
 
-"Do not let us talk about it, Chebron," he said. "You have put the
-matter in your father's hands, and you may be sure that he will decide
+“Do not let us talk about it, Chebron,” he said. “You have put the
+matter in your father’s hands, and you may be sure that he will decide
 wisely; therefore the burden is off your shoulders for the present.
 You could have no better counselor in all Egypt, and the fact that he
 holds so high and sacred an office will add to the weight of his
@@ -6137,7 +6104,7 @@ as they might do a crime against them done willfully, and that you may
 hope by a life of piety to win their forgiveness, then he will bid you
 fly.
 
-"He is learned in the deepest of the mysteries of your religion, and
+“He is learned in the deepest of the mysteries of your religion, and
 will view matters in a different light to that in which they are
 looked at by the ignorant rabble. At any rate, as the matter is in
 his hands, it is useless for you to excite yourself. As far as
@@ -6146,15 +6113,15 @@ the fault of this unfortunate accident, and to avow that as we were
 engaged together in the act that led to it we are equally culpable of
 the crime.
 
-"Unfortunately, I cannot share your greater trouble--your feeling of
+“Unfortunately, I cannot share your greater trouble--your feeling of
 horror at what you regard as sacrilege; for we Rebu hold the life of
 one animal no more sacred than the life of another, and have no more
 hesitation in shooting a cat than a deer. Surely your gods cannot be
 so powerful in Egypt and impotent elsewhere; and yet if they are as
 powerful, how is it that their vengeance has not fallen upon other
-peoples who slay without hesitation the animals so dear to them?"
+peoples who slay without hesitation the animals so dear to them?”
 
-"That is what I have often wondered," Chebron said, falling readily
+“That is what I have often wondered,” Chebron said, falling readily
 into the snare, for he and Amuba had had many conversations on such
 subjects, and points were constantly presenting themselves which he
 was unable to solve.
@@ -6165,39 +6132,39 @@ extent from the nervous excitement under which he had first suffered.
 The two lads bowed respectfully to the high priest, and then standing
 submissively before him waited for him to address them.
 
-"I have sent for you both," he said after a pause, "because it seems
+“I have sent for you both,” he said after a pause, “because it seems
 to me that although Amuba was not himself concerned in this sad
 business, it is probable that as he was engaged with you at the time
-the popular fury might not nicely discriminate between you." He paused
+the popular fury might not nicely discriminate between you.” He paused
 as if expecting a reply, and Amuba said quietly:
 
-"That is what I have been saying to Chebron, my lord. I consider
+“That is what I have been saying to Chebron, my lord. I consider
 myself fully as guilty as he is. It was a mere accident that his arrow
 and not mine was turned aside from the mark we aimed at, and I am
 ready to share his lot, whether you decide that the truth shall be
-published at once, or whether we should attempt to fly." Ameres bowed
+published at once, or whether we should attempt to fly.” Ameres bowed
 his head gravely, and then looked at his son.
 
-"I, father, although I am ready to yield my wishes to your will, and
+“I, father, although I am ready to yield my wishes to your will, and
 to obey you in this as in all other matters, would beseech you to
 allow me to denounce myself and to bear my fate. I feel that I would
 infinitely rather die than live with this terrible weight and guilt
-upon my head."
+upon my head.”
 
-"I expected as much of you, Chebron, and applaud your decision,"
+“I expected as much of you, Chebron, and applaud your decision,”
 Ameres said gravely.
 
-Chebron's face brightened, while that of Amuba fell. Ameres, after a
+Chebron’s face brightened, while that of Amuba fell. Ameres, after a
 pause, went on:
 
-"Did I think as you do, Chebron, that the accidental killing of a cat
+“Did I think as you do, Chebron, that the accidental killing of a cat
 is a deadly offense against the gods, I should say denounce yourself
-at once, but I do not so consider it."
+at once, but I do not so consider it.”
 
 Chebron gazed at his father as if he could scarce credit his sense of
 hearing, while even Amuba looked surprised.
 
-"You have frequently asked me questions, Chebron, which I have either
+“You have frequently asked me questions, Chebron, which I have either
 turned aside or refused to answer. It was, indeed, from seeing that
 you had inherited from me the spirit of inquiry that I deemed it best
 that you should not ascend to the highest order of the priesthood; for
@@ -6207,7 +6174,7 @@ not been for this most unfortunate accident I should never have spoken
 to you further on the subject, but as it is I feel that it is my duty
 to tell you more.
 
-"I have had a hard struggle with myself, and have, since you left me,
+“I have had a hard struggle with myself, and have, since you left me,
 thought over from every point of view what I ought to do. On the one
 hand, I should have to tell you things known only to an inner circle,
 things which were it known I had whispered to any one my life would be
@@ -6219,7 +6186,7 @@ are that the knowledge we possess should not be confined to ourselves,
 but should be disseminated, at least among that class of educated
 Egyptians capable of appreciating it.
 
-"What I am about to tell you is not, as a whole, fully understood
+“What I am about to tell you is not, as a whole, fully understood
 perhaps by any. It is the outcome of my own reflections, founded upon
 the light thrown upon things by the knowledge I have gained. You asked
 me one day, Chebron, how we knew about the gods--how they first
@@ -6228,14 +6195,14 @@ the world? I replied to you at the time that these things are
 mysteries--a convenient answer with which we close the mouths of
 questioners.
 
-"Listen now and I will tell you how religion first began upon earth,
+“Listen now and I will tell you how religion first began upon earth,
 not only in Egypt, but in all lands. Man felt his own powerlessness.
 Looking at the operations of nature--the course of the heavenly
 bodies, the issues of birth and life and death--he concluded, and
 rightly, that there was a God over all things, but this God was too
 mighty for his imagination to grasp.
 
-"He was everywhere and nowhere, he animated all things, and yet was
+“He was everywhere and nowhere, he animated all things, and yet was
 nowhere to be found; he gave fertility and he caused famine, he gave
 life and he gave death, he gave light and heat, he sent storms and
 tempests. He was too infinite and too various for the untutored mind
@@ -6249,7 +6216,7 @@ him--as being distinct and different, and instead of all being the
 qualities of one God as being each the quality or attribute of
 separate gods.
 
-"So there came to be a god of life and a god of death, one who sends
+“So there came to be a god of life and a god of death, one who sends
 fertility and one who causes famine. All sorts of inanimate objects
 were defined as possessing some fancied attribute either for good or
 evil, and the one Almighty God became hidden and lost in the crowd of
@@ -6271,7 +6238,7 @@ multiplication of all species: man, beast, fish, and vegetable--and so
 with the rest of the great gods and of the minor divinities, which are
 reckoned by the score.
 
-"In time certain animals, birds, and other creatures whose qualities
+“In time certain animals, birds, and other creatures whose qualities
 are considered to resemble one or other of the deities are in the
 first place regarded as typical of them, then are held as sacred to
 them, then in some sort of way become mixed up with the gods and to be
@@ -6283,7 +6250,7 @@ the one Almighty God. The rest of the population lose sight of the
 truth, and really worship as gods these various creations, that are
 really but types and shadows.
 
-"It is perhaps necessary that it should be so. It is easier for the
+“It is perhaps necessary that it should be so. It is easier for the
 grosser and more ignorant classes to worship things that they can see
 and understand, to strive to please those whose statues and temples
 they behold, to fear to draw upon themselves the vengeance of those
@@ -6296,7 +6263,7 @@ he can comprehend it, and so he creates gods for himself with figures,
 likenesses, passions, and feelings like those of the many animals he
 sees around him.
 
-"The Israelite maid whom we brought hither, and with whom I have
+“The Israelite maid whom we brought hither, and with whom I have
 frequently conversed, tells me that her people before coming to this
 land worshiped but one God like unto him of whom I have told you, save
 that they belittled him by deeming that he was their own special God,
@@ -6306,10 +6273,10 @@ glimpses of the truth which existed ere the Pantheon of Egypt came
 into existence, worship in our hearts, and it seems to me as if this
 little handful of men who came to Egypt hundreds of years ago were the
 only people in the world who kept the worship of the one God clear and
-undefiled."
+undefiled.”
 
 Chebron and Amuba listened in awestruck silence to the words of the
-high priest. Amuba's face lit up with pleasure and enthusiasm as he
+high priest. Amuba’s face lit up with pleasure and enthusiasm as he
 listened to words which seemed to clear away all the doubts and
 difficulties that had been in his mind. To Chebron the revelation,
 though a joyful one, came as a great shock. His mind, too, had long
@@ -6318,7 +6285,7 @@ at one blow of all the teachings of his youth, of all he had held
 sacred, came at first as a terrible shock. Neither spoke when the
 priest concluded, and after a pause he resumed.
 
-"You will understand, Chebron, that what I have told you is not in its
+“You will understand, Chebron, that what I have told you is not in its
 entirety held even by the most enlightened, and that the sketch I have
 given you of the formation of all religions is, in fact, the idea
 which I myself have formed as the result of all I have learned, both
@@ -6330,7 +6297,7 @@ existence as represented in our temples, is acknowledged more or less
 completely by all those most deeply initiated in the mysteries of our
 religion.
 
-"When we offer sacrifices we offer them not to the images behind our
+“When we offer sacrifices we offer them not to the images behind our
 altar, but to God the creator, God the preserver, God the fertilizer,
 to God the ruler, to God the omnipotent over good and evil. Thus, you
 see, there is no mockery in our services, although to us they bear an
@@ -6339,7 +6306,7 @@ endowed with principle; we the principle itself. They see in the
 mystic figure the representation of a deity; we see in it the type of
 an attribute of a higher deity.
 
-"You may think that in telling you all this I have told you things
+“You may think that in telling you all this I have told you things
 which should be told only to those whose privilege it is to have
 learned the inner mysteries of their religion; that maybe I am
 untrue to my vows. These, lads, are matters for my own conscience.
@@ -6356,14 +6323,14 @@ considered that the balance of duty lay on the side of lightening your
 mind by a revelation of what was within my own. And it is not, as I
 have told you, so much the outcome of the teaching I have received as
 of my own studies and a conviction I have arrived at as to the nature
-of God. Thus, then, my son, you can lay side the horror which you have
+of God. Thus, then, my son, you can lay aside the horror which you have
 felt at the thought that by the accidental slaying of a cat you
 offended the gods beyond forgiveness. The cat is but typical of the
 qualities attributed to Baste. Baste herself is but typical of one of
-the qualities of the One God."
+the qualities of the One God.”
 
-"Oh, my father!" Chebron exclaimed, throwing himself on his knees
-beside Ameres and kissing his hand, "how good you are. What a weight
+“Oh, my father!” Chebron exclaimed, throwing himself on his knees
+beside Ameres and kissing his hand, “how good you are. What a weight
 have you lifted from my mind! What a wonderful future have you opened
 to me if I escape the danger that threatens me now! If I have to die I
 can do so like one who fears not the future after death. If I live I
@@ -6376,9 +6343,9 @@ set me right in these matters as you did in all others upon which I
 questioned you. My father, you have given me life, and more than
 life--you have given me a power over fate. I am ready now to fly,
 should you think it best, or to remain here and risk whatever may
-happen."
+happen.”
 
-"I do not think you should fly, Chebron. In the first place, flight
+“I do not think you should fly, Chebron. In the first place, flight
 would be an acknowledgment of guilt; in the second, I do not see where
 you could fly. To-morrow, at latest, the fact that the creature is
 missing will be discovered, and as soon as it was known that you had
@@ -6387,9 +6354,9 @@ sea you would probably be overtaken long before you got there; and
 even did you reach a port before your pursuers you might have to wait
 days before a ship sailed.
 
-"Then, again, did you hide in any secluded neighborhood, you would
+“Then, again, did you hide in any secluded neighborhood, you would
 surely be found sooner or later, for the news will go from end to end
-of Egypt, and it will be everyone's duty to search for and denounce
+of Egypt, and it will be everyone’s duty to search for and denounce
 you. Messengers will be sent to all countries under Egyptian
 government, and even if you passed our frontiers by land or sea your
 peril would be as great as it is here. Lastly, did you surmount all
@@ -6399,7 +6366,7 @@ resource, to be undertaken only if a discovery is made; but we may
 hope that no evil fortune will lead the searchers to the conclusion
 that the cat was killed here.
 
-"When it is missed there will be search high and low in which every
+“When it is missed there will be search high and low in which every
 one will join. When the conclusion is at last arrived at that it has
 irrecoverably disappeared all sorts of hypotheses will be started to
 account for it; some will think that it probably wandered to the hills
@@ -6407,7 +6374,7 @@ and became the prey of hyenas or other wild beasts; some will assert
 that it has been killed and hidden away; others that it has made its
 way down to the Nile and has been carried off by a crocodile. Thus
 there is no reason why suspicion should fall upon you more than upon
-others, but you will have to play your part carefully."
+others, but you will have to play your part carefully.”
 
 
 
@@ -6430,24 +6397,24 @@ annihilated their doubts and difficulties; cleared away at once the
 pantheon of strange and fantastic figures that had been a source of
 doubting amusement to Amuba, of bewilderment to Chebron.
 
-"The Israelite maid Ruth was right, then," Amuba said. "You know that
+“The Israelite maid Ruth was right, then,” Amuba said. “You know that
 she told us that her forefathers who came down into Egypt believed
 that there was one God only, and that all the others were false gods.
 She said that he could not be seen or pictured; that he was God of all
 the heavens, and so infinite that the mind of man could form no idea
 of him. Everything she said of him seems to be true, except inasmuch
 as she said he cared more for her ancestors than for other men; but of
-course each nation and people would think that."
+course each nation and people would think that.”
 
-"It is wonderful," Chebron replied as he paced restlessly up and down
-the room. "Now that I know the truth it seems impossible I could have
+“It is wonderful,” Chebron replied as he paced restlessly up and down
+the room. “Now that I know the truth it seems impossible I could have
 really believed that all the strange images of our temples really
 represented gods. It worried me to think of them. I could not see how
 they could be, and yet I never doubted their existence. It seems to me
 now that all the people of Egypt are living in a sort of nightmare.
-Why do those who know so much suffer them to remain in such darkness?"
+Why do those who know so much suffer them to remain in such darkness?”
 
-"I understood your father to say, Chebron, that he himself is only in
+“I understood your father to say, Chebron, that he himself is only in
 favor of the more enlightened and educated people obtaining a glimpse
 of the truth. I think I can understand that. Were all the lower class
 informed that the gods they worshiped were merely shadows of a great
@@ -6457,22 +6424,22 @@ believe it, they would no longer hold to any religion, and in their
 rage might tear down the temples, abolish the order of priesthood
 altogether, spread tumult and havoc through the land, rebel against
 all authority, destroy with one blow all the power and glory of
-Egypt."
+Egypt.”
 
-"That is true," Chebron said thoughtfully. "No doubt the ignorant mass
+“That is true,” Chebron said thoughtfully. “No doubt the ignorant mass
 of the people require something material to worship. They need to
 believe in gods who will punish impiety and wrong and reward
 well-doing; and the religion of Egypt, as they believe it, is better
 suited to their daily wants than the worship of a deity so mighty and
 great and good that their intellect would fail altogether to grasp
-him."
+him.”
 
 Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of Ruth.
 
-"Paucis is missing. When we came back from our walk we went out to the
+“Paucis is missing. When we came back from our walk we went out to the
 animals, and the door of the house is open and the cat has gone. Mysa
 says will you come at once and help look for it? I was to send all the
-women who can be spared from the house to join in the search."
+women who can be spared from the house to join in the search.”
 
 Work was instantly abandoned, for all knew that Paucis had been chosen
 to be the sacred cat at Bubastes; but even had it been one of the
@@ -6488,33 +6455,33 @@ slaves began to search the garden thoroughly, examining every bush and
 tree, and calling loudly to the missing animal. Chebron and Amuba
 joined in the search as actively as the rest.
 
-"Where can it be?" Mysa exclaimed. "Why should it have wandered away?
+“Where can it be?” Mysa exclaimed. “Why should it have wandered away?
 It never did so before, though the door of the cat house is often left
 open all day. Where do you think it can have gone to? Do you think it
-could have got over the wall?"
+could have got over the wall?”
 
-"It could get over the wall easily enough," Chebron replied.
+“It could get over the wall easily enough,” Chebron replied.
 
-"It is a terrible misfortune!" continued Mysa with tears in her eyes.
-"Mamma fainted on hearing the news, and her women are burning feathers
+“It is a terrible misfortune!” continued Mysa with tears in her eyes.
+“Mamma fainted on hearing the news, and her women are burning feathers
 under her nose and slapping her hands and sprinkling water on her
 face. Whatever will be done if it does not come back before to-morrow?
 for I hear a solemn procession is coming from Bubastes to fetch it
 away. Poor dear Paucis! And it seemed so contented and happy, and it
 had everything it could want! What can have induced her to wander
-away?"
+away?”
 
-"Cats are often uncertain things," Amuba said. "They are not like
+“Cats are often uncertain things,” Amuba said. “They are not like
 dogs, who are always ready to follow their masters, and who will lie
-down for hours, ready to start out whenever called upon."
+down for hours, ready to start out whenever called upon.”
 
-"Yes, but Paucis was not a common cat, Amuba. It did not want to catch
+“Yes, but Paucis was not a common cat, Amuba. It did not want to catch
 mice and birds for a living. It had everything it could possibly
 want--cushions to lie on, and fresh water and milk to drink, and
-plenty of everything to eat."
+plenty of everything to eat.”
 
-"But even all that will not satisfy cats when the instinct to wander
-comes upon them," Amuba said.
+“But even all that will not satisfy cats when the instinct to wander
+comes upon them,” Amuba said.
 
 Ameres himself soon came out of the house, and, upon hearing that the
 cat was not to be found either in the garden or within, gave orders
@@ -6523,7 +6490,7 @@ search, to inform all the neighbors what had happened, and to pray
 them to search their gardens. They were also to make inquiries of all
 they met whether they had seen a cat resembling Paucis.
 
-"This is a very serious matter," Ameres said. "After the choice of the
+“This is a very serious matter,” Ameres said. “After the choice of the
 priest of Bubastes had fixed upon Paucis to be the sacred cat of the
 temple of Bubastes, the greatest care and caution should have been
 exercised respecting an animal toward whom all the eyes of Egypt were
@@ -6535,20 +6502,20 @@ selected; and what will be said if the cat is not forthcoming when the
 procession arrives to-morrow from Bubastes to conduct her there, I
 tremble to think of. The excitement and stir will be prodigious, and
 the matter will become of state importance. Well, do not stand here,
-but go at once and join in the search."
+but go at once and join in the search.”
 
-"I felt horribly guilty when talking to Mysa," Chebron said. "Of
+“I felt horribly guilty when talking to Mysa,” Chebron said. “Of
 course she is very proud that Paucis was chosen for the temple, but I
 know that she has really been grieving over the approaching loss of
 her favorite. But of course that was nothing to what she will feel
 when she finds that no news whatever can be obtained of the creature;
 and it was hard to play the part and to pretend to know nothing about
 it, when all the time one knew it was lying dead and buried in the
-garden."
+garden.”
 
-"Yes, I felt that myself," Amuba agreed, "but we cannot help it. Mysa
+“Yes, I felt that myself,” Amuba agreed, “but we cannot help it. Mysa
 will probably in the course of her life have very much more serious
-grief to bear than the loss of a cat."
+grief to bear than the loss of a cat.”
 
 All day the search was maintained, and when it was dark great numbers
 of men with torches searched every point far and near on that side of
@@ -6641,13 +6608,13 @@ Chebron took this state of things greatly to heart, and more than once
 he implored his father to allow him to declare the truth openly and
 bear the consequences.
 
-"I am not afraid of death, father. Have you not trained me to regard
+“I am not afraid of death, father. Have you not trained me to regard
 life as of no account? Do we not in our feasts always see the image of
 a dead man carried past to remind us that death is always among us?
 You have Mysa and my mother. I fear death far less than this constant
-anxiety that is hanging over us."
+anxiety that is hanging over us.”
 
-But Ameres would not hear of the sacrifice. "I do not pretend that
+But Ameres would not hear of the sacrifice. “I do not pretend that
 there is no danger, Chebron. I thought at first that the matter would
 soon pass over, but I own that I was wrong. The unfortunate fact that
 the creature was chosen as sacred cat for the temple at Bubastes has
@@ -6660,7 +6627,7 @@ matter. Since he reappeared after his sudden absence following the
 night when you overheard that conversation, he has affected a feeling
 of warmth and friendship which I believe has been entirely feigned.
 
-"Whether he was one of those you overheard I am unable to say, but his
+“Whether he was one of those you overheard I am unable to say, but his
 sudden disappearance certainly favors that idea. At any rate, he can
 have no real reason for any extra cordiality toward me at present, but
 would more naturally still feel aggrieved at my rejection of his son
@@ -6668,7 +6635,7 @@ as a husband for Mysa. I thought at first when you told me what you
 had overheard that possibly it was a plot against my life. Now I feel
 sure of it.
 
-"No doubt they believe, as no measures were taken, that their
+“No doubt they believe, as no measures were taken, that their
 conversation was not overheard or that only a few words reached the
 listeners, and his manner to me is designed to allay any suspicion I
 might have conceived had as much of the conversation as was overheard
@@ -6677,7 +6644,7 @@ an enemy is at work, and even were you to sacrifice yourself by
 admitting that you slew the missing animal, not only would your death
 be the result, but a general ruin would fall upon us.
 
-"The mob would easily be taught to believe that I must to a great
+“The mob would easily be taught to believe that I must to a great
 extent be responsible; the opinions I have expressed would be quoted
 against me, and even the favor of the king could not maintain me in my
 present position in defiance of popular clamor. No, my son, we must
@@ -6692,13 +6659,13 @@ attacks were made in order to discover if they had anything concealed
 under their garments. Were Jethro to venture upon such an attempt he
 might either be attacked and the cat found upon him, or he might be
 followed and the place where he hid it marked down. Things must go on
-as they are."
+as they are.”
 
 Ameres did not tell Chebron the whole of the conversation he had had
 with Jethro. After declining his offer to endeavor to dispose of the
 body of the cat elsewhere he said:
 
-"But, Jethro, although I cannot accept this perilous enterprise you
+“But, Jethro, although I cannot accept this perilous enterprise you
 have offered to undertake, I will intrust you with a charge that will
 show you how I confide in your devotion to my family. Should this
 storm burst, should the populace of this town once become thoroughly
@@ -6706,7 +6673,7 @@ imbued with the idea that the sacred cat has been slain here, there
 will be an outburst of fanatical rage which will for the time carry
 all before it.
 
-"For myself I care absolutely nothing. I am perfectly willing to die
+“For myself I care absolutely nothing. I am perfectly willing to die
 as soon as my time comes. I have done my work to the best of my power,
 and can meet the Mighty One with uplifted head. I have wronged no man,
 and have labored all my life for the good of the people. I have never
@@ -6720,7 +6687,7 @@ age. He has been well educated. His mind is active and his heart
 good. I look to you, Jethro, to save him, if it be possible, with
 Amuba, for I fear that Amuba is in as much danger as he is.
 
-"Should the slaves be seized and questioned, and perhaps flogged, till
+“Should the slaves be seized and questioned, and perhaps flogged, till
 they say what they know, the fact would be sure to come out that the
 two lads were together among the animals on the morning before the cat
 was missed. It will be noticed, too, that they took with them their
@@ -6729,16 +6696,16 @@ of the act lies upon both of them. Chebron, I know, would proclaim the
 truth if he had an opportunity for speech, but an angry crowd does not
 stop to listen, and the same fate will befall them both.
 
-"You who are a stranger to our manners can hardly conceive the frenzy
+“You who are a stranger to our manners can hardly conceive the frenzy
 of excitement and rage in which the population of Egypt are thrown by
-the killing of a cat. I doubt whether even the king's person would be
+the killing of a cat. I doubt whether even the king’s person would be
 held sacred were the guilt of such an offense brought home to him;
 and, of course, the fact that this unfortunate beast was to have gone
 to the temple of Bubastes makes its death a matter ten times graver
 than ordinary. Therefore should the storm burst, there is no hope for
 either of them but in flight. The question is, whither could they fly?
 
-"Certainly they would be safe nowhere in Egypt. Nor were it possible
+“Certainly they would be safe nowhere in Egypt. Nor were it possible
 that they could journey north and reach the sea, could they do so
 before the news reached the ports. Naturally messengers would be sent
 to the frontier towns, and even the governors of the provinces lying
@@ -6756,22 +6723,22 @@ journey this matter would have been forgotten, and whatever dangers
 might befall them, that of arrest for participation in this matter
 would not be among them.
 
-"I know that your fidelity and friendship for the son of your late
+“I know that your fidelity and friendship for the son of your late
 king would cause you to risk all dangers and hardships for his sake,
 and that if bravery and prudence could take him safely through such
 terrible dangers as would be encountered in such a journey as I speak
 of, you will conduct him through them. I ask you to let Chebron share
 your protection, and to render him such service as you will give to
-Amuba."
+Amuba.”
 
-"I can promise that willingly, my lord," Jethro answered. "He has
+“I can promise that willingly, my lord,” Jethro answered. “He has
 treated Amuba more as a brother than a servant since we came here, and
 I will treat him as if he were a brother to Amuba, now that danger
 threatens. The journey you speak of would, indeed, be a long and
 dangerous one; but I agree with you that only by accomplishing it is
-there even a chance of escape."
+there even a chance of escape.”
 
-"Then I commit my son to your charge, Jethro, and I do so with full
+“Then I commit my son to your charge, Jethro, and I do so with full
 confidence that if it be possible for him to make this journey in
 safety he will do so. I have already placed in the hands of Chigron,
 the embalmer, a large sum of money. You can trust him absolutely. It
@@ -6781,7 +6748,7 @@ the embalming of all the sacred animals belonging to our temple and
 several others. He will hide the boys for a time until you are ready
 to start on your journey.
 
-"When you are once a few days south of Thebes you will be fairly safe
+“When you are once a few days south of Thebes you will be fairly safe
 from pursuit, for they will never think of looking for you in that
 direction, but will make sure that you will attempt to leave the
 country either by sea, by the Eastern Desert, or that you may possibly
@@ -6789,9 +6756,9 @@ try to reach some of the tribes in the west, and so to go down upon
 the Great Sea there. I thought at first that this might be the best
 direction; but the tribes are all subject to us and would naturally
 regard Egyptians going among them as fugitives from justice, and so
-hand them over to us."
+hand them over to us.”
 
-"You can rely upon me, my lord, to carry out your directions and do
+“You can rely upon me, my lord, to carry out your directions and do
 all that is possible to serve the two lads. What the country through
 which we have to pass is like, or its inhabitants, I know not, but at
 least we will do our best to reach the Arabian Sea as you direct.
@@ -6799,9 +6766,9 @@ Amuba is hardy and strong, and Chebron, though less powerful in frame,
 is courageous, and able to use his weapons. We should, of course,
 travel in disguise. But you spoke something about your daughter--in
 what way can I serve her? I have now accompanied her in her walks for
-months, and would lay down my life for her."
+months, and would lay down my life for her.”
 
-"I fear that you can do nothing," Ameres said after a pause. "We have
+“I fear that you can do nothing,” Ameres said after a pause. “We have
 many friends, one of whom will doubtless receive her. At first I
 would, if it were possible, that she should go to some relatives of
 mine who live at Amyla, fifty miles up the river. She was staying with
@@ -6812,7 +6779,7 @@ little real affection for her, having no time to think of aught but
 her own pleasure and amusement, she will be able to place her among
 the many friends she has.
 
-"It is not her present so much I am thinking of as her future. I
+“It is not her present so much I am thinking of as her future. I
 should like my little Mysa to marry happily. She is a little
 self-willed, and has been indulged; and although, of course, she would
 marry as I arrange for her, I would not give her to any one who was
@@ -6820,15 +6787,15 @@ not altogether agreeable to her. I fear that should anything happen to
 me the same consideration might not be paid to her inclinations.
 However, Jethro, I see no manner in which you can be useful to Mysa.
 So far as she is concerned things must be left to take their own
-course."
+course.”
 
-"I trust," Jethro said, "that your forebodings will not be verified. I
+“I trust,” Jethro said, “that your forebodings will not be verified. I
 cannot believe that an absurd suspicion can draw away the hearts of
-the people from one whom they have so respected as yourself."
+the people from one whom they have so respected as yourself.”
 
 Ameres shook his head.
 
-"The people are always fickle, Jethro, and easily led; and their love
+“The people are always fickle, Jethro, and easily led; and their love
 and respect for the gods renders it easy for any one who works on that
 feeling to lash them into fury. All else is as nothing in their eyes
 in comparison with their religion. It is blind worship, if you will;
@@ -6845,7 +6812,7 @@ by purifying their religious beliefs have been used as weapons against
 me. I know from what has come to my ears that it has been hinted among
 them that in spite of my high office I have no respect for the gods.
 
-"The accusation is false, but none the less dangerous for that.
+“The accusation is false, but none the less dangerous for that.
 Nothing is more difficult than to expose or annihilate a falsehood. It
 spreads like wildfire, and the clearest demonstration of its falsity
 fails to reach a tithe of those who believe it. However, it is
@@ -6858,7 +6825,7 @@ such as may be needed to get away. Above all, do not try to interfere
 on my behalf. One man, though endowed with supernatural strength,
 cannot overcome a mob, and your trying to aid me would not benefit me,
 and might cost you your life, and so deprive Chebron and Amuba of
-their protector."
+their protector.”
 
 Jethro promised strictly to follow the instructions he had received,
 and to devote himself in case of need solely to insuring the safety of
@@ -6867,17 +6834,17 @@ the boys.
 Two days later, Ameres sent Chebron and Amuba away to the farm, and
 told them to remain there until he sent for them.
 
-"You cannot go in and out here without unpleasantness," he said, "and
+“You cannot go in and out here without unpleasantness,” he said, “and
 had best be away. Your presence here can be of no use, and you are
 probably quite as much suspected as I am. As to your mother and
 sister, the present state of things is inconvenient to them, but that
 is all. There can be no danger for them; however violent a mob they
-would not molest females."
+would not molest females.”
 
-"Why should not you also, father, go away until the trouble is
-passed?"
+“Why should not you also, father, go away until the trouble is
+passed?”
 
-"I cannot leave my duties, Chebron; nor would it benefit me if I did.
+“I cannot leave my duties, Chebron; nor would it benefit me if I did.
 I am convinced that this cry against us is a mere pretext which has
 been seized by enemies who dare not attack me openly. Were I to depart
 from Thebes my absence would be denounced as a proof of my guilt, and
@@ -6886,12 +6853,12 @@ should I be safe. My only course is to face the storm, trusting to the
 integrity of my life, to the absence of any deed which could offend
 the great God I believe in, and to the knowledge that my life is in
 his hands. When it is his will, and not before, it will return to him
-who gave it me."
+who gave it me.”
 
-"Could you not apply to the king for guards?"
+“Could you not apply to the king for guards?”
 
-"The king spoke to me yesterday at the termination of the council,"
-Ameres replied, "and told me that he had been informed of the murmurs
+“The king spoke to me yesterday at the termination of the council,”
+Ameres replied, “and told me that he had been informed of the murmurs
 of the populace against me. He said that as one of his most trusted
 counselors, and as a high priest of Osiris, he knew that the charges
 against me were baseless; but that in view of the proneness of the
@@ -6905,7 +6872,7 @@ and that whatever had happened to it had been, I was sure, the result
 of accident. Were I to have soldiers placed to guard me it would be a
 confession that I was conscious of ill-doing, and knew that I had
 forfeited the protection of the gods. It would, too, help to keep up
-the talk and excitement, which I trusted would die away ere long."
+the talk and excitement, which I trusted would die away ere long.”
 
 Chebron did not think of further questioning the orders of Ameres, and
 an hour later he and Amuba rode out to the farm. Before they started
@@ -6913,14 +6880,14 @@ Ameres had a long talk with Chebron, and told him that he had placed
 him in charge of Jethro in the event of any popular outbreak taking
 place.
 
-"Remember, Chebron," he said, "that whatever comes of this affair you
+“Remember, Chebron,” he said, “that whatever comes of this affair you
 are not to blame yourself for the accident of killing the cat. All
 things are in the hands of the great God, and your arrow would not
 have struck the twig and flown straight to the heart of that creature
 had it not been his will. Moreover, you must always remember that the
 loss of this cat is but a pretext for the tumult.
 
-"The populace believe that they are angry on account of the loss of
+“The populace believe that they are angry on account of the loss of
 the sacred cat, whereas, in fact, they are but instruments in the
 hands of my enemies. I have no doubt whatever now that the plot you
 overheard in the temple was directed against my life, and had not the
@@ -6933,16 +6900,16 @@ before we meet again, remember I have placed you in the hands of
 Jethro, and have delegated my authority to him. He is shrewd, strong,
 and courageous, and can be relied upon to do what is best. In Amuba
 you will find a friend who will be as a brother to you. So farewell,
-my son, and may the great One who rules all things keep you!"
+my son, and may the great One who rules all things keep you!”
 
 A stay at the farm had hitherto been regarded by Chebron as a
 delightful change from the city, but upon this occasion he proceeded
 there sad and depressed in spirit.
 
-"Even here we are watched, you see, Chebron," Amuba said as they rode
-along. "Do you see those runners behind us? Doubtless they will follow
+“Even here we are watched, you see, Chebron,” Amuba said as they rode
+along. “Do you see those runners behind us? Doubtless they will follow
 us to the farm, and set a watch upon us there. However, there, at
-least, they can search as much as they like, and find out nothing."
+least, they can search as much as they like, and find out nothing.”
 
 
 
@@ -6962,8 +6929,8 @@ of some troops whom the king had sent down to within a short distance
 of the house had come down to the mob as they were shouting outside
 the gate, and threatened them with the severe displeasure of the king
 unless they desisted from their demonstrations, but had been answered
-with shouts, "The gods are above all kings, and not even kings can
-protect those who insult them." Amense, he said, on the occasion of
+with shouts, “The gods are above all kings, and not even kings can
+protect those who insult them.” Amense, he said, on the occasion of
 his second visit, had left the house and taken up her abode with some
 relations in the city, declaring that the anxiety and disgrace were
 killing her. She had wished to take Mysa with her, but the girl had
@@ -6971,7 +6938,7 @@ positively refused to leave her father; and as her mother seemed
 indifferent whether she went or stayed she had had her way. In a
 private talk with Amuba, Jethro said:
 
-"It is a relief to us all that she has gone; she was bad enough before
+“It is a relief to us all that she has gone; she was bad enough before
 you went, but for the last three days she has been doing nothing but
 weep and bewail herself till the house has been well-nigh unbearable.
 Ameres goes backward and forward between his house and the temple,
@@ -6985,7 +6952,7 @@ house in fear and trembling, Ruth is quiet and self-contained as if
 she were again in her quiet cottage with her grandfather. She greatly
 comforts and sustains Mysa, and Ameres said to me only this morning
 that Mysa was fortunate indeed in that Chebron had furnished her with
-so brave and steadfast a companion at a time like this."
+so brave and steadfast a companion at a time like this.”
 
 On the evening of the fifth day Jethro came suddenly in at the house.
 The boys started to their feet as he entered, for they saw at once
@@ -6993,21 +6960,21 @@ that something terrible had happened. His face was stained with blood,
 his breath came short, for he had run for the six intervening miles
 between the farm and the city at the top of his speed.
 
-"Quick, my lord!" he said, "there is not a moment to lose. The whole
+“Quick, my lord!” he said, “there is not a moment to lose. The whole
 matter has been discovered, and ere long they will be here in pursuit
-of you."
+of you.”
 
-"What of my father?" Chebron exclaimed.
+“What of my father?” Chebron exclaimed.
 
-"I will tell you all about it afterward, Chebron. There is no time for
+“I will tell you all about it afterward, Chebron. There is no time for
 talking now, his orders must be instantly carried out. Where are the
-fellows who are spying over you?"
+fellows who are spying over you?”
 
-"One of them is probably seated outside at the entrance to the farm.
-You must have passed him as you entered," Amuba replied. "I have not
-seen more than one at a time since they first came."
+“One of them is probably seated outside at the entrance to the farm.
+You must have passed him as you entered,” Amuba replied. “I have not
+seen more than one at a time since they first came.”
 
-"Take up your arms and follow me," Jethro said, taking a heavy staff
+“Take up your arms and follow me,” Jethro said, taking a heavy staff
 from the corner of the room, and, followed by the lads, he went
 outside the gate.
 
@@ -7016,10 +6983,10 @@ approached as if to see who they were. Without a word Jethro sprang
 forward and brought down the staff with tremendous force upon his
 head, and he fell without a cry upon the road.
 
-"There is no fear of his giving the alarm," Jethro said grimly, and
+“There is no fear of his giving the alarm,” Jethro said grimly, and
 set off in a run in the direction of the city at a pace that taxed the
 powers of Chebron to keep up with. Once or twice as he ran the boy
-gasped out a question as to his father's safety, but Jethro did not
+gasped out a question as to his father’s safety, but Jethro did not
 appear to hear him, but kept on at a steady pace.
 
 Presently he stopped suddenly and listened. A vague, confused sound
@@ -7028,17 +6995,17 @@ course over the fields. Amuba heard the sound increase, and was
 presently conscious that a crowd of people were passing along the
 road.
 
-"It is well I managed to get through," Jethro said. "They would have
+“It is well I managed to get through,” Jethro said. “They would have
 made short work of you both had they arrived at the farm and found you
-unprepared."
+unprepared.”
 
 Jethro did not return to the road, but kept on in an oblique line
 toward the foot of the hills near the city.
 
-"Where are you going, Jethro?" Amuba asked at last.
+“Where are you going, Jethro?” Amuba asked at last.
 
-"I am going to Chigron, the embalmer. Ameres has arranged with him to
-hide you there for the present."
+“I am going to Chigron, the embalmer. Ameres has arranged with him to
+hide you there for the present.”
 
 The boys knew the place, for they had more than once been there to
 watch the process of embalming the bodies and preparing them for
@@ -7056,7 +7023,7 @@ that of the embalmers was held in by far the highest respect, the work
 being considered as sacred and the embalmers ranking and associating
 with the priests.
 
-In Chigron's establishment the men of the three trades worked apart
+In Chigron’s establishment the men of the three trades worked apart
 and separate from each other; and although Chigron was in fact at the
 head of all, he personally superintended only the embalming, the men
 of the other trades being directed by their own masters, and it was as
@@ -7064,40 +7031,40 @@ if the three establishments had been placed near each other simply for
 the purpose of convenience.
 
 When they reached the house of Chigron Jethro went forward alone and
-knocked at the door. An attendant presented himself. "Give this ring
-to Chigron," Jethro said, "and say that the bearer of it would fain
-speak to him here."
+knocked at the door. An attendant presented himself. “Give this ring
+to Chigron,” Jethro said, “and say that the bearer of it would fain
+speak to him here.”
 
 In two or three minutes Chigron himself came out.
 
-"I have brought the lads hither in obedience to the order of Ameres,"
-Jethro said. "He told me that he had arranged the matter with you."
+“I have brought the lads hither in obedience to the order of Ameres,”
+Jethro said. “He told me that he had arranged the matter with you.”
 
-"And Ameres himself?" Chigron asked.
+“And Ameres himself?” Chigron asked.
 
-"He is no more," Jethro said. "The villains who sought his ruin have
+“He is no more,” Jethro said. “The villains who sought his ruin have
 triumphed, and a furious mob this afternoon broke into his house and
 murdered him. Chebron does not know it yet, though he cannot but
 suspect that something terrible has happened, as I would not answer
 his questions, fearing that he might break down when his strength was
-most needed."
+most needed.”
 
 The Egyptian uttered an exclamation of sorrow.
 
-"Fools and madmen!" he exclaimed; "in all the land none were more
+“Fools and madmen!” he exclaimed; “in all the land none were more
 worthy of honor than Ameres. He was just and generous, ever ready to
 befriend those who needed his aid, calm in judgment, and powerful in
 council. Surely the gods must be angry with Egypt when they suffered
 such a one to fall a victim to the passions of the mob. But where are
 the lads? I myself will conduct them to the place I have already
 prepared. The workers have all left, so there is no fear in passing
-through the house."
+through the house.”
 
-At Jethro's call the lads came up.
+At Jethro’s call the lads came up.
 
-"Follow me, my lord," Chigron said to Chebron. "I have had everything
+“Follow me, my lord,” Chigron said to Chebron. “I have had everything
 in readiness for your reception for some days. Would that your visit
-had been made on some more cheerful occasion."
+had been made on some more cheerful occasion.”
 
 The embalmer led the way through the portion of the house occupied by
 himself, then he entered a large apartment whose floor was covered
@@ -7121,14 +7088,14 @@ entering the portal and closing the door behind him he produced from a
 niche in the wall several other lamps, lighted them, and gave one to
 each of his companions.
 
-"This," he said, "was cut by a wealthy inhabitant of Thebes centuries
+“This,” he said, “was cut by a wealthy inhabitant of Thebes centuries
 ago as a tomb for himself and his family. What happened to him I know
 not, but the place was never used beyond this chamber, which has been
 utilized for mummies of sacred animals. Beyond in the main chamber
 everything is as it was left by those who formed it. There I have
 during the last ten days privately stored up such articles as would be
 necessary for you, and I trust that you will not find yourself
-uncomfortable."
+uncomfortable.”
 
 Upon entering the apartment, which was some twenty feet square, they
 found that the embalmer had not exaggerated what he had done. A table
@@ -7138,7 +7105,7 @@ the floor and give warmth to the feet, and lamps ready for burning
 stood upon the table. In a corner stood two jars of wine, with
 drinking vessels.
 
-"All is here except food," Chigron said. "That I could not prepare
+“All is here except food,” Chigron said. “That I could not prepare
 until I knew you were coming; but be assured that you shall be served
 regularly. There is no fear of intrusion from any employed in the
 establishment. They have no occasion to come out to the back of the
@@ -7149,46 +7116,46 @@ hesitate to say so. I owe my position to the patronage of my lord
 Ameres, and there is nothing I would not do to insure the safety of
 his son. And now, my lord, I will retire, and will presently send you
 by a trusty servant the food of which I have no doubt that you stand
-in need."
+in need.”
 
 Chebron said a few words in thanks, but he was too anxious and full of
 grief to say more. Directly Chigron had left he turned to Jethro.
 
-"Now, Jethro, tell me all; I am prepared for the worst. My dear father
-is no more. Is it not so?"
+“Now, Jethro, tell me all; I am prepared for the worst. My dear father
+is no more. Is it not so?”
 
-"It is too true, Chebron," Jethro replied. "Your noble father has been
+“It is too true, Chebron,” Jethro replied. “Your noble father has been
 killed by a base and cowardly mob urged on by some villains of the
-priesthood."
+priesthood.”
 
 Chebron threw himself down on one of the couches and wept bitterly,
 while Amuba was almost as deeply affected, for Ameres had behaved to
 him with the kindness of a father. It was not until the following
 morning that Chebron was sufficiently recovered to ask Jethro to
-relate to him the details of his father's death.
+relate to him the details of his father’s death.
 
-"I was in the garden," Jethro began. "Mysa and Ruth were in a boat on
+“I was in the garden,” Jethro began. “Mysa and Ruth were in a boat on
 the pond, and I was towing them when I heard a tumult at the gate. I
 pulled the boat ashore, and hurried them up to the house and told Mysa
 to retire to her apartment, and that she was not to leave it whatever
-noise she might hear, that being her father's command. Then I went out
+noise she might hear, that being her father’s command. Then I went out
 to the gate. Just as I got there it fell in, and a crowd of people
 rushed through. As there were only myself and two or three of the
 gardeners who had run up we could do nothing to stop them. Just as
 they reached the house your father came out into the portico and said,
-'Good people, what will you have?'
+‘Good people, what will you have?’
 
-"Those in front of him were silent a moment, abashed by his presence
+“Those in front of him were silent a moment, abashed by his presence
 and the calm manner in which he spoke, but others behind set up the
-cry 'Where is the sacred cat? We will find it!' while others again
-shouted out 'Down with the impious priest!' Ameres replied, 'You can
+cry ‘Where is the sacred cat? We will find it!’ while others again
+shouted out ‘Down with the impious priest!’ Ameres replied, ‘You can
 search the place if you will; though, indeed, it seems that you need
 not my permission, seeing that you have taken the matter into your own
 hands. Only I pray you enter not the house. There are the ladies of my
 family and other women there, and I swear to you that neither alive
-nor dead is the cat to be found there.'
+nor dead is the cat to be found there.’
 
-"The cry was raised, 'Let us search the garden!' In all this it struck
+“The cry was raised, ‘Let us search the garden!’ In all this it struck
 me that there were two parties among the mob, the one ignorant and
 bigoted, believing really that an offense had been committed against
 their gods; the other, men who kept in the background, but who were
@@ -7201,43 +7168,43 @@ them dogs trained for the chase, and this made me more uneasy. I told
 one of the men to run at once and summon the troops, and then followed
 the crowd.
 
-"I was the more uneasy to see that without wasting time in searching
+“I was the more uneasy to see that without wasting time in searching
 elsewhere they made straight to the inclosure where the animals were
 kept. No sooner did they get there than they began to search, urging
 on the dogs to assist them. Suddenly I started, for there was a touch
-upon my shoulder, and looking round I saw Ameres. 'Remember my
-instructions, Jethro,' he said in a quiet voice; 'I commit Chebron to
-your charge.'
+upon my shoulder, and looking round I saw Ameres. ‘Remember my
+instructions, Jethro,’ he said in a quiet voice; ‘I commit Chebron to
+your charge.’
 
-"'Oh, my lord!' I exclaimed, 'why are you here? The troops are but a
+“‘Oh, my lord!’ I exclaimed, ‘why are you here? The troops are but a
 short distance away. Why do you not place yourself under their
-protection?'
+protection?’
 
-"'Because I have done no wrong, Jethro,' he replied calmly. 'I have
+“‘Because I have done no wrong, Jethro,’ he replied calmly. ‘I have
 not offended the gods, nor have I ever wronged one of my countrymen.
-Why should I fly?'
+Why should I fly?’
 
-"At this moment there was a yell of rage among the crowd, and I knew
+“At this moment there was a yell of rage among the crowd, and I knew
 that one of those accursed hounds must have smelled the dead cat and
 scratched the earth from over it. Then I heard a voice cry above the
-rest, 'See! even now the wounds are manifest; it has been pierced by
-an arrow, even as I told you. The sacred cat has been slain!' Then the
-crowd turned. 'Fly, Jethro,' Ameres said. 'It is my last command.'
+rest, ‘See! even now the wounds are manifest; it has been pierced by
+an arrow, even as I told you. The sacred cat has been slain!’ Then the
+crowd turned. ‘Fly, Jethro,’ Ameres said. ‘It is my last command.’
 
-"But even then I could not obey him. There was death in the eyes of
-those who were rushing toward him shouting 'Down with the despiser of
-the gods! Down with the slayer of the sacred cat!' and seeing that, I
+“But even then I could not obey him. There was death in the eyes of
+those who were rushing toward him shouting ‘Down with the despiser of
+the gods! Down with the slayer of the sacred cat!’ and seeing that, I
 rushed at them. After that all was confusion. I had caught up a staff
 from the portico as I passed, and with it I struck right and left.
 Many fell, I know, before they closed with me. Blows were showered
 upon me, and the staff then fell from my hands, but I fought with my
 naked fists. Several times I was beaten down, but each time I rose
-again. Then, as in a dream, I seemed to hear your father's command, 'I
-commit Chebron to your care,' and I burst my way through them and
+again. Then, as in a dream, I seemed to hear your father’s command, ‘I
+commit Chebron to your care,’ and I burst my way through them and
 threw myself upon a group standing further on, but I saw as I broke
 through them that I could do nothing there.
 
-"Your father lay on the ground looking as calm and peaceful as when he
+“Your father lay on the ground looking as calm and peaceful as when he
 had spoken to me but five minutes before; but his white garments were
 stained with blood, and the half of a dagger stood up just over his
 heart. There was no time to see more. His last command was to be
@@ -7246,27 +7213,27 @@ blows aimed at me with their knives, I fled. As I rushed out through
 the gate I saw the troops I had sent for coming toward the house. But
 they were too late now; besides, some of my pursuers were close
 behind me, and so without a pause I took the road to the farm. I think
-that is all I have to tell you."
+that is all I have to tell you.”
 
 Chebron was weeping bitterly, and Amuba, who was himself deeply
 affected, went over to him.
 
-"Console yourself, Chebron. I know what you are feeling now, but do
+“Console yourself, Chebron. I know what you are feeling now, but do
 not blame yourself too greatly for this calamity. You know what your
 father said--that it was but an accident, and that it was doubtless
 the will of the great God that your arrow should fly as it did; and he
 himself declared that he believed that all this was but the result of
 conspiracy, and that, as we heard in the temple, there were men
-determined to take his life."
+determined to take his life.”
 
 A few minutes later the embalmer entered bringing them food. He saw at
 once that Chebron had been informed of the fate that had befallen his
 father.
 
-"Have you heard aught of what is passing in the city?" Amuba asked
+“Have you heard aught of what is passing in the city?” Amuba asked
 him.
 
-"Yes," Chigron answered; "naught else is talked about. Many of those
+“Yes,” Chigron answered; “naught else is talked about. Many of those
 concerned in the deed escaped either by the entrance before the
 soldiers arrived there, or over the walls; but many were seized, and
 are now in prison for their sacrilegious deed in raising their hand
@@ -7274,7 +7241,7 @@ against the person of the high priest of Osiris. There were tumults in
 the city during the night, many maintaining that the deed was well
 done, others the contrary.
 
-"Those who had been taken all declared that they had been informed by
+“Those who had been taken all declared that they had been informed by
 one who said he knew it for certain that the cat was buried in the
 inclosure, and that it had been slain by you and my young lord here,
 as you had been seen going with your bows and arrows to the inclosure
@@ -7284,15 +7251,15 @@ punished--some with flogging, some with death--your lives are also
 assuredly forfeited, and that even the friendship of the king for your
 father would not avail to protect you, for that he, like others, must
 obey the law, and that the law of Egypt is that whomsoever shall take
-the life of a cat shall be slain."
+the life of a cat shall be slain.”
 
-"I am perfectly willing to die," Chebron said; "and my greatest regret
+“I am perfectly willing to die,” Chebron said; “and my greatest regret
 now is that I did not follow my first impulse and denounce myself as
 the accidental killer of the cat. No blame could have then been
-attached to my father or to any but myself."
+attached to my father or to any but myself.”
 
-"The disgrace would have fallen upon your whole family," the embalmer
-said; "for those nearly related to one who performed an impious action
+“The disgrace would have fallen upon your whole family,” the embalmer
+said; “for those nearly related to one who performed an impious action
 must needs suffer with him. Not that I blame you, Chebron; for I know
 that your father did not do so. He told me when he arranged that I
 should, if needs be, furnish you with a hiding-place, that although
@@ -7300,19 +7267,19 @@ you might need a refuge it would be for no fault of your own. I do not
 understand how he could have said so, seeing the terrible guilt of
 even accidentally taking the life of a cat, and specially of this cat,
 which was sacred above all others in the land. Still I know your
-father's wisdom equaled his goodness; and although I own that I cannot
+father’s wisdom equaled his goodness; and although I own that I cannot
 understand his saying, I am content to accept it, and will do all in
 my power to save you. Doubtless the search after you will be a hot
-one, but we must hope for the best."
+one, but we must hope for the best.”
 
-"I will go out and see what is doing," Jethro said. "It may be that it
-will be more safe to move away at once than to remain here."
+“I will go out and see what is doing,” Jethro said. “It may be that it
+will be more safe to move away at once than to remain here.”
 
-"In that case," the embalmer said, "you will need to be disguised
+“In that case,” the embalmer said, “you will need to be disguised
 before you start. It is known that Ameres had two fair-skinned slaves,
 and that one of them was concerned with my young lord here in the
 matter; also that the other, after fighting furiously in the garden,
-and, as I heard, slaying several of his master's enemies, managed to
+and, as I heard, slaying several of his master’s enemies, managed to
 make his escape. Fortunately I have the materials at hand. We use
 paints and stains in abundance for the sere clothes of the dead and
 the decorations of their coffins, and I can easily make you as dark as
@@ -7320,7 +7287,7 @@ any of our people. That, with one of my wigs and Egyptian garments,
 will alter you so that, so long as you do not look any one fairly in
 the face, there will be no fear whatever of your discovery; but you
 must not look up, for even when I have blackened your lashes the
-lightness of your eyes would at once betray you."
+lightness of your eyes would at once betray you.”
 
 In half an hour Jethro was transformed into a middle-class citizen of
 Thebes, and started on his mission of inquiry. During the day some
@@ -7328,7 +7295,7 @@ officials came to the establishment and made many inquiries after the
 missing lads. Not contented with denials, they went through the whole
 buildings, examining all the chambers closely.
 
-"It is known," they said to Chigron, "that they several times came
+“It is known,” they said to Chigron, “that they several times came
 here, and that Ameres was a patron of yours. It is our duty to search
 any house where shelter might have been given them, though we can
 hardly believe that any one would hold communication, far less receive
@@ -7337,15 +7304,15 @@ have been. However, there is no chance of their escaping us. Messages
 have been sent all over Egypt. Moreover, as they had no horses they
 cannot have gone far. Yours is the first house we have searched, for
 the servants all say the same--that the son of Ameres was frequently
-here."
+here.”
 
-"He was not here very frequently," Chigron replied, "though he
+“He was not here very frequently,” Chigron replied, “though he
 certainly came sometimes, and was interested in watching the various
-processes."
+processes.”
 
-Chebron had, in fact, been several times to the embalmer's. Amuba had
+Chebron had, in fact, been several times to the embalmer’s. Amuba had
 accompanied him, although he himself would have preferred staying
-away, for to him the whole scene was repulsive. Chebron's temperament
+away, for to him the whole scene was repulsive. Chebron’s temperament
 differed, however, widely from that of his friend. The dead were
 sacred in Egypt, and all the rites and ceremonies connected with them
 bore a religious character. They had no fear of death, and deemed it
@@ -7438,7 +7405,7 @@ complaint to their subjects they were liable after death to be accused
 and deprived of the right of lying in the mighty tombs they had so
 carefully prepared for their reception.
 
-Chebron's brain, therefore, while he was watching the process of
+Chebron’s brain, therefore, while he was watching the process of
 embalming, was busy with thoughts and fancies as to the future of the
 spirit that had inhabited the body he looked at. Had it already passed
 into the body of some animal? Was it still disconnected and searching
@@ -7453,7 +7420,7 @@ As Amuba was not gifted with a strong imagination, and saw in the
 whole matter merely the preservation of a body which in his opinion
 had much better have been either buried or placed on a funeral pile
 and destroyed by fire, these visits to the embalmers had constituted
-the most unpleasant part of his duties as Chebron's companion.
+the most unpleasant part of his duties as Chebron’s companion.
 
 Jethro had anticipated when he left that his visit to the city would
 be of short duration, and that he should return in an hour at the
@@ -7484,39 +7451,39 @@ boys were full of grief and perplexity. To Amuba Jethro had taken the
 place of an elder brother. He had cheered him in the darkest moment of
 his life and had been his friend and companion ever since, and the
 thought that ill might have befallen him filled him with sorrow. With
-this was mingled an intense anxiety as to the future. Without Jethro's
+this was mingled an intense anxiety as to the future. Without Jethro’s
 strong arm and advice how was this terrible journey to be
 accomplished?
 
 Chebron was in no state either to act or plan. A deep depression had
 seized upon him; he cared not whether he escaped or not, and would
 indeed have hailed detection and death as boons. Intense, therefore,
-was Amuba's relief when late in the evening a footstep was heard in
+was Amuba’s relief when late in the evening a footstep was heard in
 the outer chamber, and Jethro entered. He sprang to his feet with a
 cry of gladness.
 
-"Oh, Jethro! thank the gods you have returned. I have suffered
+“Oh, Jethro! thank the gods you have returned. I have suffered
 terribly on your account. What has happened to you, and so long
-delayed your return here?"
+delayed your return here?”
 
-"There is fresh trouble," Jethro replied in a stern voice.
+“There is fresh trouble,” Jethro replied in a stern voice.
 
-"Fresh trouble, Jethro? In what way?" And even Chebron, who had
-scarcely sat up languidly on his couch on Jethro's entrance, looked up
-with some interest for Jethro's answer.
+“Fresh trouble, Jethro? In what way?” And even Chebron, who had
+scarcely sat up languidly on his couch on Jethro’s entrance, looked up
+with some interest for Jethro’s answer.
 
-"Mysa has been carried off," he replied grimly.
+“Mysa has been carried off,” he replied grimly.
 
 Chebron sprang to his feet. He was devoted to his sister, and for a
 moment this new calamity effaced the remembrance of those which had
 preceded it.
 
-"Mysa carried off!" he exclaimed at the same moment as Amuba. "Who has
-done it?--when was it done?--how did you learn it?" were questions
+“Mysa carried off!” he exclaimed at the same moment as Amuba. “Who has
+done it?--when was it done?--how did you learn it?” were questions
 which broke quickly from the lads.
 
-"On leaving here I went as arranged down into the city," Jethro
-replied. "There was no difficulty in learning what there was to learn,
+“On leaving here I went as arranged down into the city,” Jethro
+replied. “There was no difficulty in learning what there was to learn,
 for all business seemed suspended and the streets were full of groups
 of people talking over the events of yesterday. The whole city is
 shaken by the fact that two such terrible acts of sacrilege as the
@@ -7540,7 +7507,7 @@ either for the seacoast or the desert on one side or the other, and as
 the messengers would reach the coast long before we could do so, it
 was considered impossible for us to get through unnoticed.
 
-"Then I went to the house, not intending to go in, but simply to see
+“Then I went to the house, not intending to go in, but simply to see
 if those in the neighborhood had heard any further news. The gates
 were open, and quite a crowd of people were passing in and out to
 gratify their curiosity by gazing on the scene. Relying upon my
@@ -7554,18 +7521,18 @@ in my natural voice, and she at once knew me. I made a sign to her to
 be silent and withdrew with her alone to some bushes. The tears were
 streaming down her face.
 
-"'Oh, Jethro!' she exclaimed, 'did the gods ever before hurl such
+“‘Oh, Jethro!’ she exclaimed, ‘did the gods ever before hurl such
 calamities upon a household? My dear master is dead; my lord Chebron
 is hunted for as men hunt for a wild beast; my dear young mistress,
-Mysa, is missing!'
+Mysa, is missing!’
 
-"'Missing!' I exclaimed. 'What do you mean?'
+“‘Missing!’ I exclaimed. ‘What do you mean?’
 
-"'Have you not heard it?' she said.
+“‘Have you not heard it?’ she said.
 
-"'I have heard nothing!' I cried. 'Tell me all!'
+“‘I have heard nothing!’ I cried. ‘Tell me all!’
 
-"'Just after the gates were beaten down and the crowd rushed along
+“‘Just after the gates were beaten down and the crowd rushed along
 into the garden, four men burst into the house and ran from chamber to
 chamber until they entered that of my young mistress. We heard a
 scream, and a moment later they came out again bearing a figure
@@ -7576,61 +7543,61 @@ there we saw a terrible scene. A great struggle was going on, and
 presently you broke forth, covered with blood and wounds, and ran
 swiftly past. None heeded us or our cries.
 
-"'When the soldiers arrived we told the officer what had happened; but
+“‘When the soldiers arrived we told the officer what had happened; but
 it was too late then, and nothing could be done. Had there been a
-guard over the house all these things would never have happened.'
+guard over the house all these things would never have happened.’
 
-"I asked her if she could describe to me the appearance of the men.
+“I asked her if she could describe to me the appearance of the men.
 She said that they were attired as respectable citizens, but that from
 their language and manner she believed that they were ruffians of the
 lowest class.
 
-"For a time I was so overwhelmed with this news that I could think of
+“For a time I was so overwhelmed with this news that I could think of
 nothing, but went out and roamed through the streets. At last I
 bethought me of the girl Ruth. She was with Mysa at the time, and
 might, if questioned, be able to tell me more than the old woman had
 done. I therefore returned, but had to wait for three hours before old
 Lyptis came out again.
 
-"'I want to speak to Ruth,' I said. 'Send her out to me.'
+“‘I want to speak to Ruth,’ I said. ‘Send her out to me.’
 
-"'Ruth has gone,' she said.
+“‘Ruth has gone,’ she said.
 
-"'Gone!' I repeated. 'Where and whither?'
+“‘Gone!’ I repeated. ‘Where and whither?’
 
-"'That we know not. It was not until hours after Mysa was carried off
+“‘That we know not. It was not until hours after Mysa was carried off
 that any one thought of her. We were too overwhelmed with grief at the
 death of our dear lord and the loss of Mysa to give a thought to the
 young Israelite. Then one asked, where was she? No one had noticed
-her. We went to Mysa's chamber, thinking that the villains who carried
+her. We went to Mysa’s chamber, thinking that the villains who carried
 our young mistress off might have slain her; but there were no signs
-of her there.'
+of her there.’
 
-"'But she was with Mysa, was she not,' I asked, 'when the attack was
-made? Did she not pass in with her when she came in from the garden?'
+“‘But she was with Mysa, was she not,’ I asked, ‘when the attack was
+made? Did she not pass in with her when she came in from the garden?’
 
-"'Yes,' she replied, 'they came in together and passed through us; for
+“‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘they came in together and passed through us; for
 we gathered in the front chamber, being greatly frightened at the
-clamor at the gate. As they passed us our young mistress said, 'Keep
-silent; what is the use of screaming and crying?''
+clamor at the gate. As they passed us our young mistress said, “Keep
+silent; what is the use of screaming and crying?”
 
-"I asked if she was sure Ruth was not carried off as well as Mysa.
+“I asked if she was sure Ruth was not carried off as well as Mysa.
 
-"'Quite sure,' she said. 'One bore a figure and the other three
-cleared the way.'"
+“‘Quite sure,’ she said. ‘One bore a figure and the other three
+cleared the way.’”
 
-"'And that was the last time,' I asked, 'that any of you saw the
-Israelite?'
+“‘And that was the last time,’ I asked, ‘that any of you saw the
+Israelite?’
 
-"'It was,' she answered. 'She must have passed out by the door at the
+“‘It was,’ she answered. ‘She must have passed out by the door at the
 end of the passage, which she might well have done without being
-observed by any of us.'
+observed by any of us.’
 
-"This was a new mystery. Why Ruth should have fled I could not guess,
+“This was a new mystery. Why Ruth should have fled I could not guess,
 because as soon as the soldiers appeared there was no more danger in
 remaining. Besides, I did not think Ruth was one to shrink from
 danger. However, there was no more to be learned, and I again went
-out into the streets."
+out into the streets.”
 
 
 
@@ -7640,23 +7607,23 @@ CHAPTER XIII.
 THE SEARCH FOR MYSA.
 
 
-"Perhaps Ruth had gone to tell my mother that Mysa was lost," Chebron
+“Perhaps Ruth had gone to tell my mother that Mysa was lost,” Chebron
 suggested when Jethro had gone so far in his story.
 
-"That could hardly have been," Jethro replied, "for I should have told
+“That could hardly have been,” Jethro replied, “for I should have told
 you that your mother returned early this morning to the house with
 many relatives, and that all were weeping and mourning round the body
 of your father. Had Ruth gone to her, she would either have returned
-with her, or Lyptis would have heard where she was."
+with her, or Lyptis would have heard where she was.”
 
-"Did you hear how my mother bore her misfortunes, Jethro?"
+“Did you hear how my mother bore her misfortunes, Jethro?”
 
-"She was overwhelmed with grief, Lyptis said, at your father's
+“She was overwhelmed with grief, Lyptis said, at your father’s
 death--so overwhelmed that she seemed to have no thought for anything
 else. She had, of course, been told the night before that Mysa was
 missing; but it seemed to make no impression upon her. She only said
 that doubtless friends had carried her off to save her from the danger
-that Chebron's wickedness had brought upon us all. This morning she
+that Chebron’s wickedness had brought upon us all. This morning she
 made some further inquiries, but did not seem in any serious alarm;
 but the magistrates, when they came last night to inquire into the
 whole matter, took note of Mysa having been carried off, and when on
@@ -7666,16 +7633,16 @@ proclamation was issued this afternoon denouncing punishment on those
 who carried her off, and enjoining all who could give any information
 on the subject to present themselves before them immediately.
 
-"Since I came out from the house I have been wandering about trying to
+“Since I came out from the house I have been wandering about trying to
 think what is best to be done, and hoping that something might occur
 to me which would put me upon the track of the villains who carried
-Mysa off."
+Mysa off.”
 
-"You do not think of carrying out our plans for to-morrow, Jethro?"
-Chebron asked anxiously. "We could never go away from here in
-ignorance of what had become of her."
+“You do not think of carrying out our plans for to-morrow, Jethro?”
+Chebron asked anxiously. “We could never go away from here in
+ignorance of what had become of her.”
 
-"Certainly not, Chebron. I consider it my duty, as well as my
+“Certainly not, Chebron. I consider it my duty, as well as my
 inclination, to stay here until she is found. Your father spoke to me
 of her as well as of you, but as he did not see any way in which we
 could aid her he said that she must take her chance--meaning take her
@@ -7684,22 +7651,22 @@ husband whom she could love. But the present misfortune entirely
 alters the case. She has need of our active help, and whatever are
 the risks we must postpone our start.
 
-"Whether you will be able to stay here or not is doubtful. Each day
+“Whether you will be able to stay here or not is doubtful. Each day
 that passes without news being received of your capture in the
 provinces north of us, will increase the belief that you are hiding
 somewhere in the neighborhood of the city, and in that case the search
 will become more and more earnest. However, for a day or two we may be
-safe here. As to that, though, we must abide by Chigron's opinion. He
+safe here. As to that, though, we must abide by Chigron’s opinion. He
 is running no small risk in concealing us here, and if he considers
 the danger is becoming greater than he is willing to run, we must
 betake ourselves to the hills. There are lonely spots there where we
 could lie concealed for a long time, or, at least, as long as such
 supplies of food and water as we could carry with us hold out. But, at
 any rate, we must set aside all thought of flight for the present, and
-devote all our energies to the discovery and rescue of Mysa."
+devote all our energies to the discovery and rescue of Mysa.”
 
-"I do not think we have far to look for the contrivers of the
-outrage," Amuba said. "It seems to me that it is of a piece with the
+“I do not think we have far to look for the contrivers of the
+outrage,” Amuba said. “It seems to me that it is of a piece with the
 whole of the misfortunes that have befallen us. We know that Ameres
 refused the request of Ptylus for Mysa as a wife for his son. After
 that came the plot which we overheard in the temple for the murder of
@@ -7710,54 +7677,54 @@ priest of Osiris, was yet a scorner of the gods. Then came the attack
 upon the house, in which, while the main body of the mob attacked
 Ameres, a chosen band carried off Mysa.
 
-"This villain, Ptylus, had several motives to spur him on. In the
-first place, there was anger at the rejection of his son's suit; next,
+“This villain, Ptylus, had several motives to spur him on. In the
+first place, there was anger at the rejection of his son’s suit; next,
 that he would, at the death of Ameres, naturally succeed to the high
 priesthood; thirdly, he may have thought that if he could obtain
 possession of Mysa and marry her to his son, she would bring with her
-no small portion of her father's lands as a dowry. With the influence
+no small portion of her father’s lands as a dowry. With the influence
 which he, as high priest, would have with the king and council he
 could rely upon her obtaining a share of the estate, especially as the
 villain would calculate that Chebron as well as his father would be
 put out of the way.
 
-"He has only to keep Mysa immured until his power as high priest is
+“He has only to keep Mysa immured until his power as high priest is
 consolidated, and then if he gain the consent of the king to the match
-Mysa could not refuse to accept the fate prepared for her."
+Mysa could not refuse to accept the fate prepared for her.”
 
-"I think that you have accurately reasoned out the case, Amuba, and
+“I think that you have accurately reasoned out the case, Amuba, and
 that we have penetrated the whole conspiracy. The question is, what
-are we to do?"
+are we to do?”
 
-"It must not be, Jethro!" Chebron cried excitedly, pacing up and down
-the chamber. "Mysa cannot bear Plexo. She spoke of him with something
+“It must not be, Jethro!” Chebron cried excitedly, pacing up and down
+the chamber. “Mysa cannot bear Plexo. She spoke of him with something
 like horror when she heard of the proposal Ptylus made. I do not like
 him myself. He is thin lipped and crafty and cruel. Mysa had better be
-dead than married to him."
+dead than married to him.”
 
-"I think I can promise you, Chebron," Jethro said grimly, "that that
+“I think I can promise you, Chebron,” Jethro said grimly, “that that
 marriage shall never come about. We may not find Mysa, who may be
-hidden either in Ptylus' house, or in one of the many chambers of the
+hidden either in Ptylus’ house, or in one of the many chambers of the
 temple, or in the caves near it; but, at any rate, I can find Plexo,
 and before we leave Egypt I will slay him as well as his father, whom
 I regard as the murderer of Ameres. I may not be able to do this and
 to get away, and in that case you must journey alone; but I am not
-going to quit Egypt and leave them to enjoy the gains of their crime."
+going to quit Egypt and leave them to enjoy the gains of their crime.”
 As he finished speaking Chigron entered.
 
-"I was coming in to see if Jethro had returned."
+“I was coming in to see if Jethro had returned.”
 
 He was told the reasons for his prolonged absence--the abduction of
 Mysa, and the determination to remain and search for her place of
 concealment. He shook his head.
 
-"It is a rash resolution. Even were you free to come and go as you
+“It is a rash resolution. Even were you free to come and go as you
 choose, your chance of finding out her hiding-place would be small
 indeed--hunted as you yourselves are, your quest seems to be an
 absolutely hopeless one. As to your remaining here long, I think it
 would be madness.
 
-"It is not only for myself that I say this, but for you. In the first
+“It is not only for myself that I say this, but for you. In the first
 place, there are so many men employed here that your coming in and
 going out would be sure to be noticed by some one; in the second
 place, the cave would scarcely escape search a second time. Were it
@@ -7767,7 +7734,7 @@ casings of the mummies, and put two or three more casings on. Then,
 lying as you would be among a number of corpses in a similar state of
 advancement toward burial, none would think of opening the cases.
 
-"But with so many people about it would be well-nigh impossible to do
+“But with so many people about it would be well-nigh impossible to do
 this without observation--unless, indeed, the search was made at night
 or after the workmen had departed, which would hardly be likely to
 happen. Therefore I think it impossible for you to stay here more than
@@ -7776,28 +7743,28 @@ up on the hillside where you might be concealed. In many of these
 there are sarcophagi. If we choose one in which there are several
 coffins I can remove the mummies and their casings into another cave,
 so that should a party of searchers approach the place you can lie
-down in the sarcophagus and lower the lid down upon you."
+down in the sarcophagus and lower the lid down upon you.”
 
-"It would be sacrilege to move the dead," Chebron said with a shudder.
+“It would be sacrilege to move the dead,” Chebron said with a shudder.
 
-"It would be sacrilege for others," Chigron replied, "but not to us,
+“It would be sacrilege for others,” Chigron replied, “but not to us,
 whose business and duty it is to handle the dead. I can replace the
 mummies in their cases after you have left, and they will be none the
 worse for their temporary removal. It will be necessary, of course,
 that there should be no signs of habitation in the cave--nothing to
-excite their suspicions that it has been disturbed."
+excite their suspicions that it has been disturbed.”
 
-"I think that is a very good plan," Jethro said. "We can make
+“I think that is a very good plan,” Jethro said. “We can make
 sleeping-places in the open air near. We shall sleep in the open air
 on our journey, and it would be no hardship to begin at once. I
 should think it best to remove to one of these caves at once. There is
 never any saying when the searchers may be here again; therefore if
 you will, Chigron, I will at early daybreak go with you, choose a
-cave, and make our arrangements."
+cave, and make our arrangements.”
 
-"I think, indeed, that that will be the best plan," the embalmer
-agreed. "I will, of course, take care to bring you up every night a
-store of provisions. And now I will leave you to sleep."
+“I think, indeed, that that will be the best plan,” the embalmer
+agreed. “I will, of course, take care to bring you up every night a
+store of provisions. And now I will leave you to sleep.”
 
 It was long, however, before the occupants of the chamber threw
 themselves upon their piles of rushes. Sometimes they talked of Mysa,
@@ -7806,7 +7773,7 @@ concealed. Then they wondered what had become of Ruth, who would be
 friendless in the great city, and might not have money sufficient to
 buy a meal with her.
 
-"She had her ornaments," Jethro said; "a silver bracelet that Mysa
+“She had her ornaments,” Jethro said; “a silver bracelet that Mysa
 gave her she always wore. She had two silver necklaces and earrings of
 her own. I should think they had been handed down to her from her
 mother; they seemed good and would fetch money. Ruth is a shrewd
@@ -7815,30 +7782,30 @@ accustomed to manage a house and look after her grandfather. Why she
 has run away I cannot think, except that perhaps from the noise and
 tumult she thought that all were going to be killed. But even in that
 case she would probably have found her way back by this morning, if
-not sooner."
+not sooner.”
 
-"I cannot help thinking myself," Chebron said, "that she has followed
+“I cannot help thinking myself,” Chebron said, “that she has followed
 Mysa. Although she has not been here for many months, I am sure that
-she was very fond of her."
+she was very fond of her.”
 
-"That she certainly was," Jethro said. "I often thought when I was
+“That she certainly was,” Jethro said. “I often thought when I was
 walking behind them that it was pretty to see them together. Mysa
 knew so much more of everything; and yet it was the Hebrew maid who
 gave her opinion most decidedly, and Mysa listened to her as she
 talked in that grave way of hers as if she had been an elder sister.
 And you think she might have followed her? I hope that it may have
-been so. But in that case the women must have seen her."
+been so. But in that case the women must have seen her.”
 
-"The women were scared out of their senses," Chebron said, "and, I
+“The women were scared out of their senses,” Chebron said, “and, I
 have no doubt, were screaming and wringing their hands and attending
 to nothing else. If I could but be sure that Ruth is with Mysa I
 should feel less anxious, for I am certain she would be a comfort and
-support to her."
+support to her.”
 
-"She would, indeed," Jethro agreed. "And moreover I should have
+“She would, indeed,” Jethro agreed. “And moreover I should have
 greater hopes of finding where they are concealed; for if it be
 possible to get away and to spread the alarm I am sure that Ruth would
-seize the first opportunity promptly."
+seize the first opportunity promptly.”
 
 It was but a short time after they lay down that Chigron entered and
 said that morning was beginning to break. They at once rose and
@@ -7849,8 +7816,8 @@ partly cut out from the rock behind; and it was not until after
 walking fully half an hour that he stopped before the entrance of one
 of them.
 
-"This is the one that I thought of as being suitable for the purpose,"
-he said. "It is one of the most lonely, and there is little likelihood
+“This is the one that I thought of as being suitable for the purpose,”
+he said. “It is one of the most lonely, and there is little likelihood
 of any chance passer coming near it. In the second place, I know that
 the stone door which rolls across the entrance has not been cemented
 in its place. I know indeed to whom the tomb belongs. The last mummy
@@ -7863,10 +7830,10 @@ and then left--the owners changing their minds and having a larger
 tomb made lower down the hill. As nothing beyond the chamber and the
 narrow entrance were made, we can there hide the mummies from this
 chamber and heap stones and earth over the entrance, so that none
-would suspect its existence."
+would suspect its existence.”
 
-"Nothing could be better," Jethro said. "Let us set to work and
-prepare it at once."
+“Nothing could be better,” Jethro said. “Let us set to work and
+prepare it at once.”
 
 The stone across the entrance to the tomb, which was but three feet
 high and of the same width, was pushed back without difficulty and
@@ -7878,7 +7845,7 @@ carried to the unfinished tomb fifty yards away and there deposited.
 Stones were then piled together so as to conceal the entrance, and the
 men returned to the tomb.
 
-"Here you will be perfectly safe," Chigron said. "You can keep the
+“Here you will be perfectly safe,” Chigron said. “You can keep the
 stone rolled back unless you see any one approaching; and you would be
 sure to make out any considerable number of searchers mounting the
 hillside long before they reach you. Should you see them, you will of
@@ -7896,22 +7863,22 @@ if figures were seen moving about here a party might set out to see
 whether these were the fugitives so eagerly sought for. Therefore I
 say, during the daytime keep yourselves concealed here. As soon as it
 is dark you can of course issue out and pass the night wherever you
-may think fit."
+may think fit.”
 
  [Illustration: C. of B.
                 THE HIDING-PLACE OF CHEBRON AND HIS FRIENDS.--Page 252.]
 
-"We shall certainly follow your advice," Jethro said. "Undoubtedly the
+“We shall certainly follow your advice,” Jethro said. “Undoubtedly the
 plan you propose is by far the safest. I cannot think that there is
 much chance of an earnest search being made among the tombs, though
 likely enough they may visit those which are open and empty; but as
 you say, they would never dream of examining the tombs in use, as they
 would naturally suppose that all were securely fastened. In case of
 the very worst, there are the coffins for us to betake ourselves to;
-and these, assuredly, no one would think of examining."
+and these, assuredly, no one would think of examining.”
 
-"If you will come down," Chigron said, "as soon as it is dark, I will
-give you provisions for some days, together with the peasants' dresses
+“If you will come down,” Chigron said, “as soon as it is dark, I will
+give you provisions for some days, together with the peasants’ dresses
 I have prepared for you and the money Ameres committed to my charge.
 It is not likely that anything will occur to decide you to make a move
 suddenly, but it is best that you should have everything in readiness
@@ -7920,24 +7887,24 @@ to-morrow night if all is well, an hour after sunset. I name the time
 exactly in order that if you sleep at any distance away you can be
 here at that hour to meet me; and now I leave you to the protection
 of the gods. This evening I shall dismantle the chamber you have used
-and remove all signs of its having been inhabited."
+and remove all signs of its having been inhabited.”
 
 Chebron thanked the embalmer very earnestly for the kindness he had
 shown them, the trouble he had taken, and the risk he had run on their
 behalf.
 
-"I would have done more if I could," Chigron said. "Your father's son
+“I would have done more if I could,” Chigron said. “Your father’s son
 has the highest claims upon me, and were it to half my fortune I would
-spend it to carry out the last wishes that Ameres expressed to me."
+spend it to carry out the last wishes that Ameres expressed to me.”
 
 As soon as the embalmer left them the three friends sat down just
 within the entrance to the tomb, looking out over the quiet city lying
 in the plain below them.
 
-"I wish we had our peasant dresses," Chebron said, "that we might go
-down with you and join in the search for Mysa."
+“I wish we had our peasant dresses,” Chebron said, “that we might go
+down with you and join in the search for Mysa.”
 
-"It would be too dangerous," Jethro said decidedly. "Too many have
+“It would be too dangerous,” Jethro said decidedly. “Too many have
 seen you taking part in the services and procession for you to have a
 chance of passing unnoticed. Amuba is less likely than you to be
 detected, and if his skin was stained, his eyebrows blackened, and his
@@ -7945,35 +7912,35 @@ head shaved, he might manage to pass providing he walked with his eyes
 fixed on the ground; but in that way he would not have much chance of
 coming upon traces of Mysa.
 
-"Any search you make must be at night. I shall to-day station myself
+“Any search you make must be at night. I shall to-day station myself
 near the house of Ptylus. I do not expect to gain any information from
 gazing at the high wall which surrounds it, but I will follow, as
 closely as I can without attracting observation, all the slaves or
 servants who may come out, especially if two issue forth together; I
 may then catch a few words of their talk, and possibly gather some
 clew to the mystery. Still I own that the chance is small, and you
-must not look forward in any way to my returning with news."
+must not look forward in any way to my returning with news.”
 
-"I wish, Jethro," Chebron said, "that if possible you would again go
+“I wish, Jethro,” Chebron said, “that if possible you would again go
 to our house, see the old woman, and get her to bring out to you a
-suit of my priests' garments; with these I could at night enter the
+suit of my priests’ garments; with these I could at night enter the
 temple, and wander unquestioned through the chambers and courts. The
 nights are dark now, and unless I pass close to a lamp none could
 recognize me. We overheard one conversation of importance there, and
-it may be that I could overhear another."
+it may be that I could overhear another.”
 
-"There would be danger in the attempt," Jethro said doubtfully.
+“There would be danger in the attempt,” Jethro said doubtfully.
 
-"That matters not at all!" Chebron exclaimed impetuously. "All this
+“That matters not at all!” Chebron exclaimed impetuously. “All this
 trouble has come upon us through me, and even should there be some
 slight risk I would willing face it; but in truth I think there is no
 chance whatever of my being recognized. See how often Amuba went there
 with me, and though the nights were always moonlit we never were once
 addressed, nor was it noticed that Amuba was not one of the regular
 attendants of the temple, who alone have a right to penetrate beyond
-the great courts."
+the great courts.”
 
-"So be it, then," Jethro said. "Then you shall explore the temple,
+“So be it, then,” Jethro said. “Then you shall explore the temple,
 Amuba and I will search every cavern in the hills. There are many
 great tombs behind the temple, and just as we have selected such a
 hiding-place, Ptylus may have chosen one as a place of concealment for
@@ -7982,18 +7949,18 @@ priests for their reception after death which could be turned into a
 comfortable dwelling. After we have spent some time in searching
 there, we must, if unsuccessful, try further away. Ptylus, no doubt,
 like Ameres, has farms and country residences, and she may be hidden
-in one of these."
+in one of these.”
 
-"I believe myself," Amuba said, "that a better plan than yours will
+“I believe myself,” Amuba said, “that a better plan than yours will
 be for us to establish a watch over Plexo. Ptylus has his duties and
 is no doubt fully occupied in securing his election to the high
 priesthood, but Plexo would most probably go sometimes to see Mysa in
 her place of imprisonment; he will naturally be anxious to conciliate
 or frighten her into giving her consent to marry him as soon as
 possible. Therefore, if we can but watch him sufficiently closely, he
-is sure to lead us at last to her."
+is sure to lead us at last to her.”
 
-"That will certainly be the best way, Amuba. I did not think of it
+“That will certainly be the best way, Amuba. I did not think of it
 before, but it is clearly the plan that promises the best chance of
 success. We might search the country for years without finding her;
 and although I wish to keep up your hopes, I really despaired in my
@@ -8001,9 +7968,9 @@ own mind. But, as you say, if we follow Plexo, sooner or later he is
 sure to bring us to her. But to do so we shall want many disguises. I
 will think the matter over as I walk to-day, and when I see Chigron
 this evening will beg him to get the disguises that seem to him the
-best for us to use."
+best for us to use.”
 
-"As for me, Jethro," Chebron said, "I will visit the temple of an
+“As for me, Jethro,” Chebron said, “I will visit the temple of an
 evening, as I said. But long before midnight all will be quiet there;
 so that will give me plenty of time for sleep, and in the daytime I
 will work with you. Get me the garb of a peasant woman. In such a
@@ -8011,9 +7978,9 @@ dress and with a female head-covering I could surely get myself up so
 that even those who know me best would pass by without suspicion. Many
 women are taller than I am. The disguise would be out of the question
 for Amuba, who is well-nigh as tall as you are, besides being wide and
-strong-looking, but for me it would do well."
+strong-looking, but for me it would do well.”
 
-"Yes, I think you could pass as a woman," Jethro agreed; "and
+“Yes, I think you could pass as a woman,” Jethro agreed; “and
 certainly the more of us there are to watch this rascal the better.
 But for myself I think that we are more likely to succeed by night
 than by day. Plexo, too, has his duties in the temple, and would be
@@ -8022,7 +7989,7 @@ of speed of foot, and Amuba and I used to be trained in running, and
 it will be a swift horse that will outpace us. And now I am going down
 to the city. I feel more hopeful than I did, lads, and for the first
 time begin to think that we have a chance of discovering where the
-villains have carried Mysa."
+villains have carried Mysa.”
 
 The day passed slowly to Chebron and Amuba. They would not show
 themselves outside the tomb, as Chigron had earnestly begged them not
@@ -8039,7 +8006,7 @@ from his unfortunate shot; it had given him fresh subject for thought,
 and had revived his spirits and interest in life. Both lads were glad
 when, late in the afternoon, they saw Jethro ascending the hill.
 
-"I have no news," he said as he came up to them. "I have been all day
+“I have no news,” he said as he came up to them. “I have been all day
 in the neighborhood of the house of Ptylus, and have followed all who
 came out two together from it. I have overheard many scraps of
 conversation, and one and all talked upon the same subject, the death
@@ -8050,18 +8017,18 @@ to each other on the subject that they had not the slightest idea that
 their master was concerned in the matter, and they had assuredly no
 knowledge whatever of her being in the house.
 
-"Of course it is possible that she might be there without its being
+“Of course it is possible that she might be there without its being
 generally known to all the slaves. Still you know how things leak out
 in a household, and how everything done by the master and mistress
 soon becomes public property; and had any one among them heard
 something unusual was going on, it would by this time have been known
 to all the servants. I hardly thought that Ptylus would have ventured
-to have her carried home, for he might suppose that her mother's
+to have her carried home, for he might suppose that her mother’s
 suspicions might be directed toward him just as ours have been, and
 that if she made a complaint against him a search of his house might
 be ordered; besides, there are too many servants there for a secret to
 be kept. No, if a clew is to be obtained it will be in the temple or
-by our following Plexo."
+by our following Plexo.”
 
 As soon as it was dark they descended the hill together. Chebron had
 attired himself in the garments bearing the distinguishing marks of
@@ -8070,15 +8037,15 @@ them from old Lyptis. When near the house of the embalmer the lad
 stopped, and Jethro went on and returned in half an hour with the
 various disguises he had asked Chigron to obtain for him. All these,
 with the exception of the scanty attire of two peasants, he hid for
-the present in some bushes near the path, then he rubbed Amuba's skin
+the present in some bushes near the path, then he rubbed Amuba’s skin
 and his own with a fluid he had obtained from Chigron; and after
-putting on the peasants' clothes they took their way toward the house
+putting on the peasants’ clothes they took their way toward the house
 of Ptylus.
 
 While Chebron went toward the temple, which was but a short distance
 from the house, Jethro and Amuba sat down by the wall close to the
 gate so that none could leave it without their knowledge. But beyond
-servants and visitors no one came out. At ten o'clock they heard the
+servants and visitors no one came out. At ten o’clock they heard the
 bolts of the gates fastened, but remained where they were until near
 midnight, when Chebron joined them. He had spent the time wandering
 from court to court of the temple, but beyond a solitary priest moving
@@ -8087,8 +8054,8 @@ one, and had been himself entirely unnoticed. Amuba and Chebron were
 both inclined to be dispirited at the want of success of their
 watching, but Jethro chid them for their impatience.
 
-"You do not suppose," he said, "that you are going to find out a
-secret so well hidden by a few hours' watching. It may be weeks before
+“You do not suppose,” he said, “that you are going to find out a
+secret so well hidden by a few hours’ watching. It may be weeks before
 we succeed. To-morrow we will begin our watch two or three hours
 before sundown. I am better known to the servants at the house of
 Ptylus than you are, as I have often taken messages there; besides,
@@ -8103,7 +8070,7 @@ you will be in sight of each other and yet not together; solitary
 figures are less likely to attract attention than two together, for it
 is for two boys that people will be looking. As I should scarcely know
 you myself now that your skins are darkened, there is, I trust, small
-fear of others detecting your disguise."
+fear of others detecting your disguise.”
 
 Accordingly the next day, three hours after noon, Amuba and Chebron,
 disguised as peasants, went down to the house of Ptylus and took their
@@ -8114,21 +8081,21 @@ standing and walked quickly in that direction. The slave spoke to
 Chebron, who rose to his feet. A moment later the slave seized him. As
 they were struggling Amuba ran up.
 
-"Here is a find!" the slave exclaimed. "This is the slayer of the
-sacred cat. Aid me to drag him into the house of my master."
+“Here is a find!” the slave exclaimed. “This is the slayer of the
+sacred cat. Aid me to drag him into the house of my master.”
 
 But to his surprise Amuba sprang upon him and struck him such a heavy
 blow in the face that he released his hold of Chebron and staggered
 backward.
 
-"Run for your life!" Amuba exclaimed to his friend. "I will take
-another route."
+“Run for your life!” Amuba exclaimed to his friend. “I will take
+another route.”
 
 The slave, recovering from his blow, rushed at Amuba, shouting at the
 top of his voice:
 
-"Death to the insulters of the gods! Death to the slayers of the
-sacred cat!"
+“Death to the insulters of the gods! Death to the slayers of the
+sacred cat!”
 
 But Amuba, who was now eighteen years of age, was at once stronger and
 more active than the slave, whose easy life in the household of the
@@ -8140,18 +8107,18 @@ conflict and the shouts of the slave, were running up, and Amuba took
 to his heels at the top of his speed. As he expected, the passers-by
 paused to assist the fallen man and to learn the cause of the fray
 before they took up the pursuit, and he was nearly two hundred yards
-away when he heard the cry again raised, "Death to the slayer of the
-sacred cat!"
+away when he heard the cry again raised, “Death to the slayer of the
+sacred cat!”
 
 By this time he was alongside of Chebron, who had paused to see the
 issue of the contest with the slave.
 
-"Do you turn off, Chebron, and take a turning or two and conceal
+“Do you turn off, Chebron, and take a turning or two and conceal
 yourself, and then make your way up to the hill. I will keep straight
 on for awhile. I have more last than you have and can outrun these
-fellows, never fear. Do as I tell you," he said almost angrily as he
-saw that Chebron hesitated when they reached the next turning. "If we
-keep together they will overtake us both."
+fellows, never fear. Do as I tell you,” he said almost angrily as he
+saw that Chebron hesitated when they reached the next turning. “If we
+keep together they will overtake us both.”
 
 Chebron hesitated no longer, but took the turning indicated. Amuba
 slackened his speed now, judging correctly that his pursuers if they
@@ -8167,7 +8134,7 @@ desperate, and of whose crime they knew nothing.
 
 As soon as he felt sure that Chebron was quite safe from pursuit, he
 turned off from the road he was following and struck across the
-country. A quarter of an hour's running took him fairly beyond the
+country. A quarter of an hour’s running took him fairly beyond the
 villas and detached houses scattered so thickly round Thebes. The
 ground here was closely cultivated. It was intersected everywhere by
 channels conveying the water needed for the irrigation of the crops.
@@ -8203,7 +8170,7 @@ had noticed him enter the hut. He sprang down again from the loft, and
 seizing a stake which with several others was standing in a corner, he
 again sallied out. As he did so he was suddenly grasped. Twisting
 himself free he saw a powerful Nubian armed with a hoe. Without a
-moment's hesitation Amuba sprang at him with his stake. The Nubian
+moment’s hesitation Amuba sprang at him with his stake. The Nubian
 parried the blow with his hoe, and in turn dealt a sweeping blow at
 the lad.
 
@@ -8211,7 +8178,7 @@ Amuba sprang back just in time, and before the negro could recover his
 guard, struck him a heavy blow on the wrist with his stake. The negro
 dropped his hoe, uttering a cry of pain and rage. Amuba followed up
 the blow on the wrist with one on the ankle, and as the man fell,
-bounded away again. But the negro's shouts had been heard, and the
+bounded away again. But the negro’s shouts had been heard, and the
 pursuers were now but fifty yards away. Amuba saw that their numbers
 had swollen considerably, and a doubt as to his ability to escape them
 for the first time entered his mind.
@@ -8230,8 +8197,8 @@ found himself again on the highroad.
 
 A few hundred yards away he saw a chariot approaching, and feeling
 that further flight was hopeless he turned, stake in hand, to face his
-pursuers, who were but a few paces behind him. With cries of "Kill
-him!" "Death to the insulter of the gods!" they rushed at him. Panting
+pursuers, who were but a few paces behind him. With cries of “Kill
+him!” “Death to the insulter of the gods!” they rushed at him. Panting
 and breathless he defended himself as best he could. But his guard
 was beaten down and blows were showered upon him.
 
@@ -8269,57 +8236,57 @@ a tall and stately figure standing before him. He recognized him at
 once, for he had seen him following the king in one of the processions
 among the princes of Egypt.
 
-"Who are you? and is it true what those men whom I found maltreating
-you averred, that you are the slayer of the Cat of Bubastes?"
+“Who are you? and is it true what those men whom I found maltreating
+you averred, that you are the slayer of the Cat of Bubastes?”
 
-"My name is Amuba, my lord," the lad said, striving to stand upright,
-but his questioner signed to him to remain seated. "I am a Rebu taken
+“My name is Amuba, my lord,” the lad said, striving to stand upright,
+but his questioner signed to him to remain seated. “I am a Rebu taken
 prisoner of war, and handed as a slave to Ameres, high priest of
 Osiris. I am not the slayer of the cat, but it is true that I was
 present at its death, and that it might just as well have been my
-arrow that accidentally pierced it as that of him who did so."
+arrow that accidentally pierced it as that of him who did so.”
 
-"Then it was an accident?" the noble said.
+“Then it was an accident?” the noble said.
 
-"It was wholly an accident, my lord. We fired at a hawk that had been
-thinning the pet birds of my master's daughter. One of the arrows
+“It was wholly an accident, my lord. We fired at a hawk that had been
+thinning the pet birds of my master’s daughter. One of the arrows
 struck a tree, and glancing off entered the house in which the cat was
 kept and unfortunately caused its death. We regretted the accident
 bitterly, knowing how sacred was the animal in the sight of the
-Egyptians."
+Egyptians.”
 
-"And not in your sight, young man? You are not yet a follower of the
-gods of the Egyptians?"
+“And not in your sight, young man? You are not yet a follower of the
+gods of the Egyptians?”
 
-"I am not, my lord," Amuba answered; "but at the same time I would not
+“I am not, my lord,” Amuba answered; “but at the same time I would not
 upon any account have willfully done aught to offend the religious
 opinions of others, although I myself have not been taught to consider
-the life of a cat as of more value than that of other animals."
+the life of a cat as of more value than that of other animals.”
 
-"Then you worship the gods of your own people?"
+“Then you worship the gods of your own people?”
 
 Amuba was silent for a moment.
 
-"I would answer frankly, my lord, and I hope that you will not be
+“I would answer frankly, my lord, and I hope that you will not be
 displeased. Since I have come to Egypt I have come to think that
 neither the gods of the Egyptians nor the gods my fathers worshiped
 are the true gods. I believe that there is one great God over all, and
 that the others are but as it were his attributes, which men worship
-under the name of gods."
+under the name of gods.”
 
 The Egyptian uttered an exclamation of surprise.
 
-"Whence did you obtain such a belief as this?" he asked.
+“Whence did you obtain such a belief as this?” he asked.
 
 Amuba was silent.
 
-"It must have been from Ameres himself," the noble went on, seeing
-that the lad was reluctant to answer. "I knew him well, and also that
+“It must have been from Ameres himself,” the noble went on, seeing
+that the lad was reluctant to answer. “I knew him well, and also that
 he carried to an extreme the knowledge he had gained. But how came it
-that he should speak of such matters to you--a slave?"
+that he should speak of such matters to you--a slave?”
 
-"My master was good enough to make me a companion and friend to his
-son rather than a servant to him," Amuba replied, "partly because he
+“My master was good enough to make me a companion and friend to his
+son rather than a servant to him,” Amuba replied, “partly because he
 thought that I should lead him to a more active life, which he needed,
 for he was overstudious; partly because I had high rank in my own
 country, of which my father was the king. But he never spoke of this
@@ -8330,31 +8297,31 @@ such a burden upon his mind. Then his father, seeing that his whole
 life would be imbittered, and that he would probably be forced to fly
 from Egypt and dwell in some other land, told him the belief which he
 himself held. I believed this all the more readily because I had heard
-much the same from an Israelite maiden who served my master's
-daughter."
+much the same from an Israelite maiden who served my master’s
+daughter.”
 
-Again Amuba's listener uttered an exclamation of surprise.
+Again Amuba’s listener uttered an exclamation of surprise.
 
-"I knew not," he said, after a pause, "that there was an Israelite who
-still adhered to the religion of their ancestors."
+“I knew not,” he said, after a pause, “that there was an Israelite who
+still adhered to the religion of their ancestors.”
 
-"The maiden told me that for the most part they had taken to the
+“The maiden told me that for the most part they had taken to the
 worship of the Egyptians, and indeed, so far as she knew, she was the
 last who clung to the old belief. She had been brought up by a
 great-grandfather who had been driven from his people and forced to
 dwell apart because he reproached them for having forsaken their God,
 and he instructed her in the faith he held, which was that there was
-but one God over all the earth."
+but one God over all the earth.”
 
-"Do you know who I am?" the noble asked abruptly.
+“Do you know who I am?” the noble asked abruptly.
 
-"I know that you are one of the princes of the land, my lord, for I
+“I know that you are one of the princes of the land, my lord, for I
 have seen you in a procession following closely behind the king with
-his sons and other princes."
+his sons and other princes.”
 
-"I also am an Israelite. It seems strange to you, doubtless," he went
+“I also am an Israelite. It seems strange to you, doubtless,” he went
 on, as Amuba started in astonishment at hearing a prince of Egypt
-declare himself as belonging to the hated race. "Many years ago, at
+declare himself as belonging to the hated race. “Many years ago, at
 the time I was an infant, there was a great persecution of the
 Israelites, and as is supposed my father and mother, fearing for my
 life, placed me in a little cradle and set me afloat on the water. It
@@ -8367,47 +8334,47 @@ me Moses; for that was the name, as it seems, that was writ upon a
 piece of papyrus fastened to my cradle. I was instructed in all the
 learning of the Egyptians, and grew up as one of them. So I lived for
 many years, and had almost forgotten that I was not one of them; but
-now--" And here he stopped and began thoughtfully to pace up and down
+now--” And here he stopped and began thoughtfully to pace up and down
 the apartment.
 
-"What has become of the maiden of whom you spoke?" he asked, suddenly
+“What has become of the maiden of whom you spoke?” he asked, suddenly
 stopping before Amuba.
 
-"That I know not, my lord. Upon the day that Ameres was murdered by
+“That I know not, my lord. Upon the day that Ameres was murdered by
 the mob his little daughter was carried off, and Ruth, for that is her
 name, has also been missing ever since. It is for that reason we have
-lingered here, otherwise we should have fled at once."
+lingered here, otherwise we should have fled at once.”
 
-"You and the son of Ameres?"
+“You and the son of Ameres?”
 
-"Yes, my lord, and another Rebu, one of my father's warriors, who was
+“Yes, my lord, and another Rebu, one of my father’s warriors, who was
 a fellow-captive with me, and also slave of Ameres. The high priest
 had great confidence in him, and committed to him the mission of
 aiding Chebron to escape and of conducting us if possible back to my
 own land; but when we found that my young mistress was missing we
-decided to remain to search for her."
+decided to remain to search for her.”
 
-"What will you do when you find her?"
+“What will you do when you find her?”
 
-"If we can rescue her from those who have carried her away we shall
+“If we can rescue her from those who have carried her away we shall
 hand her over to her mother, and then leave the land as we had
 intended. Unless, indeed, you, my lord, in your goodness, could obtain
-for Chebron a pardon for an offense which was wholly accidental."
+for Chebron a pardon for an offense which was wholly accidental.”
 
-"That I can never do," Moses said. "This is wholly beyond my power;
+“That I can never do,” Moses said. “This is wholly beyond my power;
 the king himself could not withstand the demand of the populace for
 his life. Until lately I might have in some way aided you, but I have
-no longer influence and have myself fallen into disgrace at court."
+no longer influence and have myself fallen into disgrace at court.”
 
 After again pacing the apartment for some time, Moses went on:
 
-"If you find this little Israelite maiden tell her that she is not the
+“If you find this little Israelite maiden tell her that she is not the
 last of the Israelites who believes in the God of Abraham, our
 ancestor; tell her that Moses also holds to the faith. You again look
 surprised, young man, and you may well be so, seeing that I have from
 the days of my infancy been separated from my people.
 
-"But our priests keep accurate records of all things connected with
+“But our priests keep accurate records of all things connected with
 the countries and religion of the people with whom we come in contact.
 Thus, then, it was easy for me, who have access to all the stores of
 knowledge, to examine the rolls recording the first coming of my
@@ -8426,7 +8393,7 @@ as substances. Therefore, I said to myself, I too will believe in the
 one God worshiped by my forefathers, hoping that in time it may be
 that I may learn more of him.
 
-"Until the last two or three years I have been content to live as one
+“Until the last two or three years I have been content to live as one
 of the Egyptian princes; but of late my heart has turned much to my
 oppressed people, and I have determined upon doing what I can to
 relieve their burden. I have even raised my voice in the council in
@@ -8438,12 +8405,12 @@ wonder that I should feel so drawn toward them, and even wish that I
 could forget my origin and give my whole mind to the duties and
 pleasures of my present rank; but I feel moved by a spirit stronger
 than my own. But we must talk no longer; I see that you are now
-stronger. Do you think that you can walk?"
+stronger. Do you think that you can walk?”
 
-"Oh, yes," Amuba replied, getting up and walking across the apartment.
-"I have not lost much blood, and was only dizzy from their blows."
+“Oh, yes,” Amuba replied, getting up and walking across the apartment.
+“I have not lost much blood, and was only dizzy from their blows.”
 
-"Then it is better that you should leave at once. The people from whom
+“Then it is better that you should leave at once. The people from whom
 I snatched you will have carried the news speedily to the city, and
 officials will doubtless soon arrive here to demand that you be given
 up to them. Take, therefore, another draught of wine and a piece of
@@ -8465,13 +8432,13 @@ shielding an offender from the punishment of his crimes. Do not thank
 me, for time presses, and you must be moving, so as to be well away
 before it is known that you have left. May the God we both worship,
 though as yet in ignorance, guide and preserve you and carry you and
-your friends through the dangers that beset you."
+your friends through the dangers that beset you.”
 
 Moses drew back the curtains from before the entrance to the chamber
 and clapped his hands, and ordered the servant who answered the call
 to tell Mephres to come to him. An old slave speedily appeared, and
 Moses ordered him to take Amuba out by the private way and to guide
-him by quiet roads back to the city. Then cutting short his guest's
+him by quiet roads back to the city. Then cutting short his guest’s
 expressions of thanks for the great kindness he had rendered him, he
 hurried him away, for he knew that at any moment the officials might
 arrive from the city.
@@ -8481,7 +8448,7 @@ issuing into the night air--for by this time darkness had fallen--he
 found that he could with difficulty direct his steps; his head
 throbbed as if it would split from the blows that had been dealt him,
 and every limb ached. The old slave, however, seeing that he stumbled
-as he walked, placed his staff in one of Amuba's hands, and taking him
+as he walked, placed his staff in one of Amuba’s hands, and taking him
 firmly by the arm led him steadily on. It seemed to the lad that he
 went on walking all night, and yet it was less than an hour after
 starting when his conductor found that he could go no further, and
@@ -8491,71 +8458,71 @@ able to proceed again. He therefore led Amuba aside into an orchard,
 and there laid him down under the shelter of a tree, covering him with
 one of his own garments.
 
-"It is well for the lad that my lord arrived just when he did," he
+“It is well for the lad that my lord arrived just when he did,” he
 said to himself as he sat down by the side of Amuba and listened to
 his heavy breathing--for all in the house had heard from the
 charioteer of the rescue of the lad from the hands of furious
 peasants.
 
-"He must have been very near death when he was saved from their hands.
+“He must have been very near death when he was saved from their hands.
 Maxis said that his assailants shouted out that he was the slayer of
 the Cat of Bubastes about which such a turmoil has been made. Had it
 been so I do not think that my lord would have aided him thus to
 escape; though for my part I care not if he had killed all the cats in
 Egypt, seeing that in my native Libya we worship not the gods of the
-Egyptians."
+Egyptians.”
 
 Several times during the night the old man got up and plucked large
-handfuls of grass wet with dew and placed them on Amuba's head, and
+handfuls of grass wet with dew and placed them on Amuba’s head, and
 when he perceived the first faint gleam of morning in the sky he
 aroused him. Amuba sat up and looked round with an air of
 astonishment.
 
-"Where am I?" he exclaimed.
+“Where am I?” he exclaimed.
 
-"You are at present in an orchard, my young friend, though to whom it
+“You are at present in an orchard, my young friend, though to whom it
 may belong I know not; but finding that you were unable to continue
 your journey I drew you aside here, and you have slept well all night,
-and I hope feel better for it and able to proceed."
+and I hope feel better for it and able to proceed.”
 
-"I remember now," Amuba said; "it seemed to me that I walked for hours
-leaning on your arm."
+“I remember now,” Amuba said; “it seemed to me that I walked for hours
+leaning on your arm.”
 
-"It was but an hour," the slave replied; "we are not yet two miles
-from my lord's house."
+“It was but an hour,” the slave replied; “we are not yet two miles
+from my lord’s house.”
 
-"And you have watched over me all night," Amuba said; "for it was, I
+“And you have watched over me all night,” Amuba said; “for it was, I
 know, but an hour after sunset when we started. Truly I am deeply
-indebted to you for your kindness."
+indebted to you for your kindness.”
 
-"Speak not of it," the old man replied. "My lord gave you into my
+“Speak not of it,” the old man replied. “My lord gave you into my
 charge, and I cannot return until I can tell him that you are in
 safety. But if you are able to walk we must pass on, for there may be
-a search for you as soon as it is light."
+a search for you as soon as it is light.”
 
-"I am perfectly able to go on," Amuba said; "thanks to the wet grass I
+“I am perfectly able to go on,” Amuba said; “thanks to the wet grass I
 see you have been piling round my head, the heat seems to have passed
-away and the throbbing to have ceased."
+away and the throbbing to have ceased.”
 
 Amuba was indeed now able to walk at a brisk pace.
 
-"Which way do you want to go?" the slave asked him in a short time.
-"It is getting light enough now for me to see your face, and it will
+“Which way do you want to go?” the slave asked him in a short time.
+“It is getting light enough now for me to see your face, and it will
 never do for you to meet any one. Your head is still swollen, and
 there are marks of bruises and cuts all over the scalp. Your
 appearance will attract attention at once, and if any saw you who had
-heard of last evening's doings you would be at once suspected."
+heard of last evening’s doings you would be at once suspected.”
 
-"I will make direct for the hills," Amuba said. "They are not far
+“I will make direct for the hills,” Amuba said. “They are not far
 distant, and I can easily conceal myself among the rocks until
-sunset."
+sunset.”
 
-"Let us hurry on, then," the slave said; "it is but half an hour's
+“Let us hurry on, then,” the slave said; “it is but half an hour’s
 walk. But as we may at any moment now meet peasants going to their
 work, I will go on ahead; do you follow a hundred yards behind me. If
 I see any one coming I will lift my hand above my head, and do you at
 once step aside from the road into the vineyard or orchard, and lie
-there until they have passed."
+there until they have passed.”
 
 Amuba followed these instructions, and it was more than an hour before
 he reached the foot of the hills, so often did he have to turn aside
@@ -8565,7 +8532,7 @@ kindness and services, and with a message of gratitude to his lord.
 Then Amuba ascended the hill for a short distance, and laid himself
 down among some great bowlders.
 
-Although greatly refreshed by his night's rest he was still weak and
+Although greatly refreshed by his night’s rest he was still weak and
 shaken, and felt altogether unequal to making his way along the hills
 for the four miles which intervened between himself and the
 hiding-place of his friends among the tombs above the city. He was
@@ -8579,12 +8546,12 @@ there in deep shadow. As he turned the path and approached, it
 advanced to meet him. Then there was a cry of joy, and Jethro sprang
 forward and clasped him in his arms.
 
-"My dear Amuba, I never thought to see you in life again!"
+“My dear Amuba, I never thought to see you in life again!”
 
 A moment later Chebron ran out, and in his turn embraced Amuba.
 
-"I shall never forgive you and I shall never forgive myself," he said
-reproachfully. "What right had you to take my danger upon yourself? It
+“I shall never forgive you and I shall never forgive myself,” he said
+reproachfully. “What right had you to take my danger upon yourself? It
 was wrong, Amuba; and I have suffered horribly. Even though we are as
 brothers, why should you sacrifice yourself for me, especially when it
 is my life and not yours that is forfeited? I told myself a thousand
@@ -8594,7 +8561,7 @@ the people will be satisfied, and you could make your way out of this
 land without great danger. It was bad enough that you should share my
 risk, but when it comes to your taking it all upon your shoulders that
 I should escape free, I can accept such sacrifice no longer; and
-to-morrow I will go down and surrender myself."
+to-morrow I will go down and surrender myself.”
 
 Amuba was about to burst into remonstrance, when Jethro touched him as
 a sign to be silent. The Rebu knew how acutely Chebron had suffered
@@ -8602,14 +8569,14 @@ and how he had spent the night in tears and self-reproaches, and felt
 that it was better to allow his present agitation to pass before
 arguing with him.
 
-"Are you hungry, Amuba?" he asked.
+“Are you hungry, Amuba?” he asked.
 
-"That I am, Jethro. I had nothing save a mouthful of bread since our
+“That I am, Jethro. I had nothing save a mouthful of bread since our
 meal here yesterday; and you will get no news out of me until I have
-eaten and drunk." A meal of cakes and cool fish and a draught of wine
-was soon taken; and Amuba said, "Now I will tell you all about it."
+eaten and drunk.” A meal of cakes and cool fish and a draught of wine
+was soon taken; and Amuba said, “Now I will tell you all about it.”
 
-"We know the first part," Jethro said. "When I returned here yesterday
+“We know the first part,” Jethro said. “When I returned here yesterday
 evening I found Chebron almost beside himself with anxiety. He told me
 how he had been discovered by one of the slaves of Ptylus who knew him
 by sight; how you had attacked the slave, rescued him from his hands,
@@ -8624,18 +8591,18 @@ search which would be sure to be again actively set on foot. However,
 as I pointed out it was necessary that if you returned you should find
 somebody here, he at last agreed to remain.
 
-"When I got into the town I found the whole city in the streets. The
+“When I got into the town I found the whole city in the streets. The
 news had come that the slayers of the cat had been discovered; that
 one had escaped, but that the other had been overtaken after a long
 chase; and that he had been set upon and would have been slain, as he
 well deserved, had not one of the princes of the royal house arrived
 and carried him off in his chariot. This news excited the greatest
 surprise and indignation, and two officers of the city had gone out to
-the prince's mansion, which was six miles away from the city, to claim
+the prince’s mansion, which was six miles away from the city, to claim
 the fugitive and bring him to the town, when he would be at once
 delivered to the just anger of the populace.
 
-"As soon as I learned this I started out along the road by which they
+“As soon as I learned this I started out along the road by which they
 would return, and hurried on past the people already gathered there. I
 had brought my sword with me, and my intention was that as the chariot
 returned with you I would leap upon it, surprise and slay the
@@ -8645,15 +8612,15 @@ already insensible when carried off in the chariot. There were groups
 of people all along the road with torches, but I thought that a sudden
 surprise would probably be successful.
 
-"At last I heard the chariot approaching. It was being driven more
+“At last I heard the chariot approaching. It was being driven more
 slowly than I had expected. As it came to a large group of people some
 distance ahead of me it stopped for a moment, and the official
 addressed the people. There was no shout or sound of exultation, and I
 felt convinced at once that either upon their arrival they had found
 that you were already dead, or that in some miraculous way you had
 escaped. I therefore hurried back to the next group. When the chariot
-came up there was a shout of, 'What is the news? Where is the
-malefactor?' The officials checked their horses and replied: 'A
+came up there was a shout of, ‘What is the news? Where is the
+malefactor?’ The officials checked their horses and replied: ‘A
 mistake has been made. The prince assures us that the lad was a poor
 slave and wholly innocent of this affair. He has satisfied himself
 that in their jealousy for the honor of the gods the peasants who
@@ -8664,9 +8631,9 @@ complaint before the council against the persons who have cruelly
 maltreated and nearly murdered an innocent person, who, he stated,
 interfered in the matter because he saw a slave attacking a young lad,
 and who fled fearing trouble because of the punishment he had
-inflicted upon the aggressor.'
+inflicted upon the aggressor.’
 
-"The announcement was received in silence; but when the chariot had
+“The announcement was received in silence; but when the chariot had
 driven on again there was much murmuring. This account had certainly
 the appearance of truth; for it was already known by the narrative of
 the slave who recognized Chebron that the person who rescued him was a
@@ -8674,13 +8641,13 @@ youth and a stranger to him, and that it was this youth who had been
 pursued while Chebron himself had escaped. Still there was murmuring
 that the prince should in so important a matter have suffered the
 youth to depart without a more searching examination. Some said that
-even if the boy's story was true he deserved punishment for attacking
+even if the boy’s story was true he deserved punishment for attacking
 the slave who had arrested Chebron, while others said that as he had
 certainly been beaten almost to death, he had been punished
 sufficiently. All agreed that no doubt the whole affair would be
 investigated.
 
-"I hurried back again with the news, and all night we watched for you,
+“I hurried back again with the news, and all night we watched for you,
 and when morning came without your arrival we were almost as anxious
 as before, fearing that you had been too badly injured to rejoin us,
 and that to-day you would almost certainly be recaptured. As the
@@ -8691,20 +8658,20 @@ recaptured, although a diligent search had been made for you as well
 as for Chebron, I learned nothing. Now, Amuba, I have relieved you of
 the necessity for much talk; you have only to fill in the gaps of the
 story and to tell us how it was that you persuaded this Egyptian
-prince of your innocence."
+prince of your innocence.”
 
-"It is rather a long story, Jethro; but now that I have had a meal I
+“It is rather a long story, Jethro; but now that I have had a meal I
 feel strong enough to talk all night, for I have had nearly
-twenty-four hours' sleep. First, I will tell Chebron that when I took
+twenty-four hours’ sleep. First, I will tell Chebron that when I took
 the pursuers off his track I had no idea of sacrificing myself, for I
 made sure that I should be able to outrun them, and I should have done
 so easily had it not been for fresh people constantly taking up the
-pursuit and at last running me down."
+pursuit and at last running me down.”
 
 Amuba then related the whole story of his flight, his attack with
 the peasants and his rescue, and then recited the whole of his
 conversation with his rescuer and his proceedings after leaving his
-house. "So you see," he concluded, "that strangely enough it was the
+house. “So you see,” he concluded, “that strangely enough it was the
 teaching of your father, Chebron, and the tale that Ruth told us, and
 that her grandfather before told you, of the God of their forefathers,
 that saved my life. Had it not been that this prince of Israelitish
@@ -8713,10 +8680,10 @@ saved me from the vengeance of the people, for as he says he is in
 disfavor with the king, and his conduct in allowing me to go free
 merely on my own assertion of my innocence is likely to do him further
 harm. This he would assuredly never have risked had it not been for
-the tie between us of a common faith in one great God."
+the tie between us of a common faith in one great God.”
 
-"It is a strange story," Jethro said when Amuba brought his narrative
-to a conclusion, "and you have had a marvelous escape. Had it not been
+“It is a strange story,” Jethro said when Amuba brought his narrative
+to a conclusion, “and you have had a marvelous escape. Had it not been
 for the arrival of this prince upon the spot at the very moment you
 must have been killed. Had he not have been of a compassionate nature
 he would never, in the first place, have interfered on your behalf;
@@ -8727,7 +8694,7 @@ not been for your long rest, and the steps he took to reduce the heat
 of your wounds, you must have fallen into the hands of the searchers
 this morning. Above all, I consider it extraordinary that you should
 at the critical moment have been rescued by perhaps the one man in
-Egypt who would have had the will and the courage to save you."
+Egypt who would have had the will and the courage to save you.”
 
 Upon the following morning Jethro and Amuba succeeded with some
 difficulty in dissuading Chebron from his determination to give
@@ -8739,7 +8706,7 @@ recommenced; but that they should station themselves further away. It
 was thought, indeed, that the search in that neighborhood was likely
 to be less rigorous than elsewhere, as it would not be thought
 probable that the fugitives would return to a spot where they had been
-recognized. Amuba's disguise was completely altered. He was still in
+recognized. Amuba’s disguise was completely altered. He was still in
 the dress of a peasant, but, by means of pigments obtained from
 Chigron, Jethro so transformed him as to give him, to a casual
 observer, the appearance of advanced years.
@@ -8749,20 +8716,20 @@ and Jethro wishing Chebron to leave the watching entirely to them. But
 this he would not hear of, saying that he was confident that, in his
 disguise as a woman, no one would know him.
 
-"We must find out which way he goes, to begin with," he said. "After
+“We must find out which way he goes, to begin with,” he said. “After
 that none of us need go near the house. I will buy a basket and some
 flowers from one of the peasant women who bring them in, and will take
-my seat near the gate. By three o'clock Plexo will have finished his
+my seat near the gate. By three o’clock Plexo will have finished his
 offices in the temple, and may set out half an hour later. I shall see
 at least which road he takes. Then, when you join me at dusk, one of
 you can walk a mile or two along the road; the other twice as far. We
 shall then see when he returns whether he has followed the road any
 considerable distance or has turned off by any crossroads, and can
-post ourselves on the following day so as to find out more."
+post ourselves on the following day so as to find out more.”
 
-"The plan is a very good one, Chebron, and we will follow it. Once we
+“The plan is a very good one, Chebron, and we will follow it. Once we
 get upon his trail I will guarantee that it will not be long before we
-trace him to his goal."
+trace him to his goal.”
 
 Accordingly that afternoon Chebron, dressed as a peasant woman, took
 his seat with a basket of flowers fifty yards from the entrance to the
@@ -8778,17 +8745,17 @@ great road near the river, the other into that on the side of the
 valley near the hills. It was this last that Plexo took; and although
 he might be going to visit acquaintances living in the many villas
 scattered for miles and miles along the roadside, Chebron felt a
-strong hope that he was going to Mysa's hiding-place. As soon as it
+strong hope that he was going to Mysa’s hiding-place. As soon as it
 was dark he was joined by Jethro and Amuba.
 
-"He started at three o'clock!" Chebron exclaimed as they came up to
-him, "and took the road leading to the foot of the hills."
+“He started at three o’clock!” Chebron exclaimed as they came up to
+him, “and took the road leading to the foot of the hills.”
 
-"We will go on there at once," Jethro said. "He may return before
+“We will go on there at once,” Jethro said. “He may return before
 long, and we must hurry. Do you walk quietly on, Chebron, and stop at
 the point where the road ahead runs into the main road. Amuba shall
 stop two miles further; I will go two miles further still. If he comes
-along the road past me we will begin at that point to-morrow."
+along the road past me we will begin at that point to-morrow.”
 
 Jethro had but just reached the spot at which he proposed to wait when
 he heard the sound of wheels approaching, and a minute later the
@@ -8806,12 +8773,12 @@ Chebron watched the crossroads near the town; but this time it did not
 come along, although Chebron had seen him start the same hour as
 before.
 
-"I hardly expected to see him to-night," Jethro said when he joined
-the others after fruitlessly waiting for three hours. "He will hardly
+“I hardly expected to see him to-night,” Jethro said when he joined
+the others after fruitlessly waiting for three hours. “He will hardly
 be likely to visit her two days in succession. He will be more likely
 to leave her for a week to meditate on the hopelessness of refusing to
 purchase her liberty at the price of accepting him as her husband.
-Doubtless he has to-day merely paid a visit to some friends."
+Doubtless he has to-day merely paid a visit to some friends.”
 
 It was not, indeed, until the fourth night of waiting that Plexo came
 along. This time he did not pass Jethro at all, and it was therefore
@@ -8859,30 +8826,30 @@ near, however, he became convinced that it was the vehicle he was
 looking for. The horses tallied in color with those of Plexo, and the
 color of his dress could even at that distance be distinguished. This
 time, however, he was not accompanied by a servant, but by a figure
-the whiteness of whose garment showed him also to be a priest. "That
-must be Ptylus," he said to himself, "my father's murderer. Would I
+the whiteness of whose garment showed him also to be a priest. “That
+must be Ptylus,” he said to himself, “my father’s murderer. Would I
 were down by the edge of the road, with my bow and arrows; high priest
-as he has now become, I would send an arrow through his heart!"
+as he has now become, I would send an arrow through his heart!”
 
 The chariot turned off by the road parallel to that which had been
 followed from Thebes, and so close to the foot of the hills that from
-Chebron's post he could no longer see it. As soon as it was out of
+Chebron’s post he could no longer see it. As soon as it was out of
 sight he leaped to his feet and hurried along the hills to join Amuba,
 whose post was next to his own. He found his friend had already gone
 on, and he hurried breathlessly on until he reached Jethro, who had
 been joined by Amuba a few minutes before.
 
-"Have you seen them?" he exclaimed.
+“Have you seen them?” he exclaimed.
 
-"I have seen them and marked them down," Jethro replied. "You see that
+“I have seen them and marked them down,” Jethro replied. “You see that
 roof among those trees at the foot of the hill half a mile further
 along? They turned off the road and entered these trees. Our search is
-over at last."
+over at last.”
 
-"What had we better do, Jethro? Wait until they have left again, and
-then go down?"
+“What had we better do, Jethro? Wait until they have left again, and
+then go down?”
 
-"No," Jethro said sternly. "There are two things to be done--the one
+“No,” Jethro said sternly. “There are two things to be done--the one
 is to rescue Mysa; the other to punish the murderer of Ameres. But
 even did we determine to delay our vengeance I should say we must
 still press on. You saw that arch-villain Ptylus with his son. He has
@@ -8904,10 +8871,10 @@ but six; and what with the surprise, and what with their not knowing
 how numerous we are, that number should not be more than sufficient
 for us to dispose of without difficulty. At any rate, were there
 twenty I would not hesitate; honest men need never fear an encounter
-with rogues."
+with rogues.”
 
-"Especially," Amuba said, "when the honest men possess such sinews as
-yours, Jethro, and a good heavy cudgel in their hands."
+“Especially,” Amuba said, “when the honest men possess such sinews as
+yours, Jethro, and a good heavy cudgel in their hands.”
 
 Jethro smiled, but was in too earnest a mood to answer, and at once
 led the way along the hillside until immediately behind the house
@@ -8919,14 +8886,14 @@ handsomely built, and was surrounded with a colonnade supported by
 carved pillars. The garden immediately around it was evidently
 carefully tended, and the house, from its secluded position, was well
 fitted as a place of sojourn for a wealthy priest or noble desirous of
-a few days' rest and retirement from the bustle of the great city. As
+a few days’ rest and retirement from the bustle of the great city. As
 all were barefooted they passed across the garden to the colonnade
 without the slightest sound. As they reached it Jethro held up his
 hand for them to stop, for the sound of voices came through the wide
 doorway of an apartment opening out to the colonnade. Both Chebron and
 Amuba at once recognized the voice of Ptylus.
 
-"I will put up with no more of this folly, Mysa. You should think
+“I will put up with no more of this folly, Mysa. You should think
 yourself fortunate in the extreme, in the position in which you are,
 belonging to a disgraced family, to receive such an offer as my son
 makes to you. I will have an answer at once. You will either swear
@@ -8936,38 +8903,38 @@ your own free will, and that you remained in concealment simply
 because you were overwhelmed with horror at the terrible act of
 sacrilege committed by your brother, or you will this night be
 confined in a tomb, where you will remain alone and without the light
-of day until you agree to my conditions. You don't think, you little
+of day until you agree to my conditions. You don’t think, you little
 fool, that I, Ptylus, high priest of Osiris, am to be thwarted in my
-plans by the opposition of a child like you."
+plans by the opposition of a child like you.”
 
 Here a voice, which the three listeners recognized to their surprise
 as that of Ruth, broke out:
 
-"Do not listen to him, Mysa. Whatever comes of it, never consent to
+“Do not listen to him, Mysa. Whatever comes of it, never consent to
 lie before God, as this wicked man would have you. You call yourself a
 high priest, sir. What must be the worth of the gods you pretend to
 worship if they suffer one like you to minister to them? Were they
 gods, and not mere images of stone, they would strike you dead at the
-altar."
+altar.”
 
 A furious exclamation broke from Ptylus, and he stepped forward and
 seized the Hebrew girl roughly by the shoulder, only to start back
 with another exclamation as Ruth struck him with her open hand, with
 all her force, on the cheek.
 
-"Drag her hence, Plexo!" he exclaimed. But at this moment the entrance
+“Drag her hence, Plexo!” he exclaimed. But at this moment the entrance
 was darkened, and the three listeners sprang into the room.
 
 Ptylus had the courage that distinguished his race, and although for a
 moment startled at the sudden entry he did not recoil, but drawing a
 sword from his girdle he said haughtily:
 
-"Who are you, and what means this intrusion?"
+“Who are you, and what means this intrusion?”
 
-"We are those whom you have been hunting to death, Ptylus; and we come
+“We are those whom you have been hunting to death, Ptylus; and we come
 here as avengers of blood. As you brought about the murder of Ameres,
 so you must die--to say naught of your offense in carrying off the
-daughter of the man you slew."
+daughter of the man you slew.”
 
 Without a word Ptylus rushed upon Jethro with his sword, thinking to
 make short work of this insolent peasant; but as he did so, Jethro
@@ -8976,9 +8943,9 @@ it, shivered the sword in pieces.
 
 Ptylus stopped his arm, and, gazing steadily at his opponent, said:
 
-"Wretch, do you dare to murder the high priest of Osiris?"
+“Wretch, do you dare to murder the high priest of Osiris?”
 
-"No," Jethro said, "but I dare to execute him," and he brought his
+“No,” Jethro said, “but I dare to execute him,” and he brought his
 heavy club down with all his strength upon the head of the priest.
 
 At this moment Plexo, who had stolen unobserved from the room the
@@ -8993,18 +8960,18 @@ shock threw both to the ground. Ruth sprang to her feet again, but
 Plexo lay there motionless. The three armed men stood for a moment
 stupefied at the fall of their two employers, and then, seeing two men
 and a woman, rushed forward to attack them. One sweeping blow with
-Jethro's staff felled the first of his assailants to the ground; the
+Jethro’s staff felled the first of his assailants to the ground; the
 others paused irresolute.
 
-"Drop your weapons, or you are dead men!" Jethro exclaimed. "You are
-outnumbered; and if you move, you die!"
+“Drop your weapons, or you are dead men!” Jethro exclaimed. “You are
+outnumbered; and if you move, you die!”
 
 As Chebron had now thrown back his female robe and drawn his dagger,
 and taken his place at the door, while Jethro and Amuba were advancing
 against them, the two men dropped their weapons.
 
-"Hold out your hands," Jethro said. "My son, stand over them with your
-club, and break the skull of either who may move."
+“Hold out your hands,” Jethro said. “My son, stand over them with your
+club, and break the skull of either who may move.”
 
 The men did as they were ordered. Jethro tore strips of cloth off
 their garments, twisted them into ropes, and bound their wrists firmly
@@ -9014,53 +8981,53 @@ desirous of concealing their names. Mysa, who had raised a cry of joy
 when Jethro first spoke, had sunk terrified upon a couch, and had
 hidden her face in her hands during the short encounter; while Ruth
 had stood silent and vigilant beside her, moving only when Plexo
-rushed at Chebron, and retiring to Mysa's side again as soon as she
-had regained her feet. She, too, understood Jethro's motives in
+rushed at Chebron, and retiring to Mysa’s side again as soon as she
+had regained her feet. She, too, understood Jethro’s motives in
 calling Amuba his son, and stooping over Mysa she said:
 
-"It is all over now, Mysa, but remain quiet at present. Do not speak
-until you see what is going to be done."
+“It is all over now, Mysa, but remain quiet at present. Do not speak
+until you see what is going to be done.”
 
 As soon as the men were tied Jethro secured in the same manner the man
 who was lying stunned from his blow. Then he turned to Plexo, who had
 not moved since he had fallen. He half turned him round, and uttered a
 low exclamation of surprise.
 
-"Gastrion," he said to Chebron, "go with the young lady into the
-garden, and remain there until we join you."
+“Gastrion,” he said to Chebron, “go with the young lady into the
+garden, and remain there until we join you.”
 
 Chebron passed out on to the colonnade, following Mysa and Ruth. The
 moment they were unobserved Mysa threw her arms round him, and burst
 into tears with joy.
 
-"Oh, Chebron!" she exclaimed, "you have arrived just in time. I
+“Oh, Chebron!” she exclaimed, “you have arrived just in time. I
 thought we were never going to get away from that dreadful man; and I
-don't know what I should have done if it hadn't been for Ruth. And,
-oh! they have been telling me such terrible things--but they can't be
+don’t know what I should have done if it hadn’t been for Ruth. And,
+oh! they have been telling me such terrible things--but they can’t be
 true--that our dear father had been killed; and that it was you,
 Chebron, who killed dear Paucis; but of course I did not believe
-them--I knew it was all their wickedness."
+them--I knew it was all their wickedness.”
 
-"Never mind about that, dear," Chebron said; "we will talk about all
+“Never mind about that, dear,” Chebron said; “we will talk about all
 this afterward. The first thing is to get you away from this place.
 Jethro and Amuba will soon decide what is best to be done. Are there
-any others in the house?"
+any others in the house?”
 
-"There is one other man," Ruth replied, "and an old woman; I think the
-other man is at the door with the chariot."
+“There is one other man,” Ruth replied, “and an old woman; I think the
+other man is at the door with the chariot.”
 
-"I had better tell Jethro," Chebron said, and he again went into the
+“I had better tell Jethro,” Chebron said, and he again went into the
 room and told Jethro what he had heard.
 
-"We will seize the woman first," Jethro said, "and then go out round
+“We will seize the woman first,” Jethro said, “and then go out round
 the house and come down from the other way upon the chariot. The man
 will have heard the outcry; and if we came suddenly out of the door,
 might leap into the chariot and drive off before we could overtake
-him. But if we come upon it from behind we shall secure him."
+him. But if we come upon it from behind we shall secure him.”
 
-"But you have forgotten to bind Plexo," Chebron said.
+“But you have forgotten to bind Plexo,” Chebron said.
 
-"Plexo is dead," Jethro replied. "As he fell his arm was beneath him,
+“Plexo is dead,” Jethro replied. “As he fell his arm was beneath him,
 and the knife with which he had intended to strike you pierced his
 heart. I am very glad that you observed the way I spoke to Amuba. It
 was of the greatest importance that the name should not be mentioned.
@@ -9071,71 +9038,71 @@ The fact that Mysa was here and was carried away is not in itself any
 proof that we had a hand in it, for Libyan robbers might well have
 carried her and Ruth away to make slaves of. Plexo caught but a
 glimpse of us, and doubtless only rushed out and called to the men to
-come to his father's assistance. At any rate, let there be no names
-mentioned. Now let us finish our work here."
+come to his father’s assistance. At any rate, let there be no names
+mentioned. Now let us finish our work here.”
 
 The female servant was soon found and bound; then the four prisoners
 were placed in different rooms, and fastened securely to the wall or
 pillars.
 
-"Never put two prisoners together," Jethro said; "always remember
+“Never put two prisoners together,” Jethro said; “always remember
 that. Tie one man up and you may keep him; tie up two and they are
-sure to escape. They can bite through each other's cords, or untie the
-knot with their teeth, or possibly even with their fingers."
+sure to escape. They can bite through each other’s cords, or untie the
+knot with their teeth, or possibly even with their fingers.”
 
-"Now, what is the next thing to do?" Amuba asked.
+“Now, what is the next thing to do?” Amuba asked.
 
-"The next thing is to have a consultation. Do you, Chebron, go out
+“The next thing is to have a consultation. Do you, Chebron, go out
 into the garden to the girls. Amuba and I will deal with the other
-man."
+man.”
 
 As soon as Jethro and Amuba had left him Chebron rejoined the girls.
 
-"You saved my life, Ruth. I shall never forget it."
+“You saved my life, Ruth. I shall never forget it.”
 
-"You saved me from the crocodile, my lord. It was but a push and he
-fell. I scarce know how it was done."
+“You saved me from the crocodile, my lord. It was but a push and he
+fell. I scarce know how it was done.”
 
-"Your quickness saved my life all the same, Ruth. I had not noticed
+“Your quickness saved my life all the same, Ruth. I had not noticed
 him till you cried out, and then it would have been too late. We have
 been anxious for you also, Ruth. We hoped that you might be with Mysa,
-but none saw you go out with her."
+but none saw you go out with her.”
 
-"My place was with my mistress," Ruth said quietly. "And she was more
-than a mistress--she was as a friend to me."
+“My place was with my mistress,” Ruth said quietly. “And she was more
+than a mistress--she was as a friend to me.”
 
-"But how came you here, Chebron," Mysa again asked, "and why are you
+“But how came you here, Chebron,” Mysa again asked, “and why are you
 dressed up like a peasant woman? It is not seemly in any man, much
 less in you, a priest. And Amuba and Jethro, too; they are dressed as
 peasants, and their faces seem changed, I do not know how. They look
-darker, and I should not have known them had I not recognized Jethro's
-voice."
+darker, and I should not have known them had I not recognized Jethro’s
+voice.”
 
-"It is a long story, dear, and I will tell you all presently; and we
+“It is a long story, dear, and I will tell you all presently; and we
 want to hear your story too. Ah! here come the others. It is to them,
 Mysa, far more than to me that you owe your rescue. I may know more of
 the learning of our people, but I have none of the readiness and
 coolness of Amuba, while Jethro is as prudent as he is brave. It would
 have fared hardly with me as well as with you, Mysa, had it not been
-for these good friends."
+for these good friends.”
 
 Mysa went up to them as they approached.
 
-"Oh, Jethro! I feel how much I owe to you; and to you, Amuba. My
+“Oh, Jethro! I feel how much I owe to you; and to you, Amuba. My
 courage had all but given way, although Ruth strove so hard to give me
 hope, and I fear I could not have long withstood the threats of that
 bad man. You cannot tell what joy I felt when I recognized your
-voice."
+voice.”
 
-"Our joy was as great in finding you as yours in seeing us," Jethro
-replied. "Amuba and I would gladly have laid down our lives for you.
+“Our joy was as great in finding you as yours in seeing us,” Jethro
+replied. “Amuba and I would gladly have laid down our lives for you.
 And now let us have a consultation; there is much to decide upon and
 arrange. Let us go round to the garden at the other side of the house.
 There we can sit and talk, and at the same time keep watch that no one
 else enters. It is not likely that any one will do so, for the place
 is secluded, and none would know that these men were here; still a
 peasant might enter to sell fowls or fruit, therefore it were best to
-keep an eye upon the entrance."
+keep an eye upon the entrance.”
 
 They went round to some seats placed beneath trees on the other side
 of the house. A fountain worked by the water of a little rill on the
@@ -9145,158 +9112,158 @@ Chebron it seemed as if the events of the last three weeks had been a
 hideous dream, and that they were again sitting in the garden of their
 house at Thebes.
 
-"Now, first of all," Mysa said, "I must have my questions answered.
-How are my father and mother and everyone?"
+“Now, first of all,” Mysa said, “I must have my questions answered.
+How are my father and mother and everyone?”
 
-Jethro took Amuba's arm and turned away.
+Jethro took Amuba’s arm and turned away.
 
-"We will leave you, Chebron, to tell Mysa what has taken place. It
-will be better for you to do so alone."
+“We will leave you, Chebron, to tell Mysa what has taken place. It
+will be better for you to do so alone.”
 
 Ruth rose from her seat to leave also, but Mysa put her hand on her
 arm.
 
-"I am frightened, Ruth; stay with me."
+“I am frightened, Ruth; stay with me.”
 
-"You told me, Mysa," Chebron began, "that they had told you tales that
-our father was dead, and that it was I who killed Paucis."
+“You told me, Mysa,” Chebron began, “that they had told you tales that
+our father was dead, and that it was I who killed Paucis.”
 
-"Yes; but I did not believe them, Chebron. Of course I did not for a
+“Yes; but I did not believe them, Chebron. Of course I did not for a
 moment--at least not for a moment about you. But when I thought of
 those bad men at the gate, and the crash we heard, and the noise of
 the people rushing in shouting, I thought--I was afraid--that perhaps
 it might be true about our father. But, oh, Chebron, surely it is not
-so?"
+so?”
 
-"Alas! Mysa, it is true! They cruelly slew our father. I wish I had
+“Alas! Mysa, it is true! They cruelly slew our father. I wish I had
 been there to have fallen by his side; but you know Amuba and I were
 away. Jethro fought desperately to the last, and would have died with
 him had not our father himself commanded that in case anything
 happened to him he was to take charge of me, and to carry me out of
-the land."
+the land.”
 
 Mysa was crying bitterly now. Presently she looked up.
 
-"But why should you want to leave the land, Chebron? Surely--surely it
-is not true that you----"
+“But why should you want to leave the land, Chebron? Surely--surely it
+is not true that you----”
 
 The thing seemed too terrible for her to put into words.
 
-"That I killed poor Paucis? That is true also, Mysa."
+“That I killed poor Paucis? That is true also, Mysa.”
 
 Mysa gave a little cry of horror.
 
-"Oh, Ruth!" she cried, "this is too dreadful!"
+“Oh, Ruth!” she cried, “this is too dreadful!”
 
-Ruth put her arms round the sobbing girl. "You may be sure, Mysa, that
-your brother did not do it intentionally."
+Ruth put her arms round the sobbing girl. “You may be sure, Mysa, that
+your brother did not do it intentionally.”
 
-"But it is all the same," Mysa cried. "It was the sacred cat, you
-know--the Cat of Bubastes."
+“But it is all the same,” Mysa cried. “It was the sacred cat, you
+know--the Cat of Bubastes.”
 
-"It was, Mysa; and I thought at first, as you did, that although it
+“It was, Mysa; and I thought at first, as you did, that although it
 was the result of an accident the anger of the gods would be poured
 out against me, that I was as one accursed, whose life was forfeited
 in this world, and whose spirit was destined to dwell in unclean
 beasts after death. But when I told my father all, he reassured me,
-and told me not to fear in any way the wrath of the gods."
+and told me not to fear in any way the wrath of the gods.”
 
 He then related to his sister the manner in which the cat had been
 killed, the steps he and Amuba had taken to conceal the body, and his
 avowal to his father of his fault.
 
-"I see it was not your fault, Chebron. But you know the laws of Egypt,
+“I see it was not your fault, Chebron. But you know the laws of Egypt,
 and the punishment for killing even a common cat. How could our father
-say that the gods would not be angry?"
+say that the gods would not be angry?”
 
-"I cannot tell you all he said, Mysa; though some day had I remained
+“I cannot tell you all he said, Mysa; though some day had I remained
 with you I might have done so. But he did say so, and you know how
 wise and good he was. Therefore I want you to remember what he said,
 so that when I am gone you will not all your life think of me as one
-accursed."
+accursed.”
 
-"Oh! I should never do that!" Mysa exclaimed, starting up and throwing
-her arms round her brother's neck. "How could you think so? But why
-are you talking about going, and where are you going?"
+“Oh! I should never do that!” Mysa exclaimed, starting up and throwing
+her arms round her brother’s neck. “How could you think so? But why
+are you talking about going, and where are you going?”
 
-"I am going, Mysa, because the people of Egypt do not view this matter
+“I am going, Mysa, because the people of Egypt do not view this matter
 in the same light as my father, but are hunting all the land to find
 and slay me and Amuba; for, not knowing the exact truth, they put us
 down as equally guilty. So we must fly. Our father gave full
 directions to Jethro, and we should by this time have been a long
-distance away had it not been that we stayed to find and rescue you."
+distance away had it not been that we stayed to find and rescue you.”
 
-"Then if the other things they told me are true, Chebron, it may be
+“Then if the other things they told me are true, Chebron, it may be
 true too that the letter they showed me ordering me to consent to
 marry Plexo was from my mother. How could she tell me that when she
 knew that I hated him, and she has over and over again spoken
-scornfully of his family before me?"
+scornfully of his family before me?”
 
-"What did she say?" Chebron asked.
+“What did she say?” Chebron asked.
 
-"She said that now disgrace had fallen on the family I might think
-myself very fortunate in obtaining such an offer."
+“She said that now disgrace had fallen on the family I might think
+myself very fortunate in obtaining such an offer.”
 
 Chebron was silent. He knew that his mother had never shown any
 earnest love either for Mysa or himself, that her thoughts were
 entirely devoted to dress and entertainments, and that any love she
 had to give had been bestowed upon his brother.
 
-"I fear it is true, Mysa."
+“I fear it is true, Mysa.”
 
-"But I will never marry Plexo!" Mysa exclaimed passionately. "My
-father always said I should never marry a man I disliked."
+“But I will never marry Plexo!” Mysa exclaimed passionately. “My
+father always said I should never marry a man I disliked.”
 
-"You will never marry Plexo, Mysa--he is dead."
+“You will never marry Plexo, Mysa--he is dead.”
 
 Ruth uttered an exclamation.
 
-"He died by his own hand, Ruth--that is, by an accident. As he fell
+“He died by his own hand, Ruth--that is, by an accident. As he fell
 his dagger pierced his own heart, and when Jethro went to look at him
-he was dead."
+he was dead.”
 
-"The Lord requited him for his evil," Ruth said firmly. "All things
+“The Lord requited him for his evil,” Ruth said firmly. “All things
 are in his hands. As I did not mean to slay him, I lament not over
 his death. Besides, he strove to take your life, and had I had a
-dagger in my hand I should assuredly have used it."
+dagger in my hand I should assuredly have used it.”
 
-"Then what is to become of me?" Mysa asked.
+“Then what is to become of me?” Mysa asked.
 
-"You must go back to your mother, Mysa. There is naught else for you
-to do."
+“You must go back to your mother, Mysa. There is naught else for you
+to do.”
 
-"I will not!" Mysa exclaimed. "She never loved me. She would have
+“I will not!” Mysa exclaimed. “She never loved me. She would have
 married me against my will to Plexo, although she knew he was bad, and
 that I hated him. She would make me marry some one else who was rich,
 regardless of my wishes. No, Chebron, nothing shall make me go back to
-her."
+her.”
 
 Chebron looked perplexed.
 
-"Here come Jethro and Amuba, dear. You had best talk it over with
-them. I see nothing else for you to do."
+“Here come Jethro and Amuba, dear. You had best talk it over with
+them. I see nothing else for you to do.”
 
 As Jethro came up Mysa walked to meet him.
 
-"I will not go back to my mother, Jethro!" she exclaimed impetuously.
-"She wanted me to marry Plexo. She would give me to some one else, and
+“I will not go back to my mother, Jethro!” she exclaimed impetuously.
+“She wanted me to marry Plexo. She would give me to some one else, and
 my father always said I should only marry some one I liked. You can
-never be so cruel as to give me up to her?"
+never be so cruel as to give me up to her?”
 
-"I know that your father's wishes were strong upon that point," Jethro
-said; "for he spoke to me of you when he gave me his commands
+“I know that your father’s wishes were strong upon that point,” Jethro
+said; “for he spoke to me of you when he gave me his commands
 respecting Chebron. He said that he wished that I could watch over you
 as over him, and it was because of what he had said that I disregarded
 his orders as to our instant flight, and lingered here in hopes of
 freeing you. Still I see not anything else to be done. Your mother
-doubtless wrote while still overpowered by grief at your father's
+doubtless wrote while still overpowered by grief at your father’s
 loss, and thought that she was acting for your welfare in securing you
 an advantageous marriage in spite of the cloud under which your family
-was resting."
+was resting.”
 
-"I will not go to her!" Mysa repeated. "She thought of herself, as
+“I will not go to her!” Mysa repeated. “She thought of herself, as
 she always did, and not of me in any way. You know it was so,
-Chebron--you cannot deny it!"
+Chebron--you cannot deny it!”
 
 Chebron was silent. His whole affection had been given to his father,
 for his mother he had comparatively little. As a child he had seldom
@@ -9306,23 +9273,23 @@ that his fidgeting about was too much to be borne. Nor since that time
 had he been much more with her. It was his father who had seen to his
 welfare and that of Mysa, who would put aside his grave studies to
 walk and talk with them, who was always indulgent, always anxious to
-give them pleasure. He therefore thoroughly entered into Mysa's
+give them pleasure. He therefore thoroughly entered into Mysa’s
 feelings, but saw no possible alternative for her.
 
-"But where could you go, Mysa?" Jethro asked. "Where could you be
+“But where could you go, Mysa?” Jethro asked. “Where could you be
 placed? Wherever you were your mother in time would be sure to hear of
-it and would reclaim you."
+it and would reclaim you.”
 
-"I shall go with Chebron, and you, and Amuba," Mysa said positively.
+“I shall go with Chebron, and you, and Amuba,” Mysa said positively.
 
-"Impossible!" Jethro replied. "We are going upon a tremendous journey,
+“Impossible!” Jethro replied. “We are going upon a tremendous journey,
 full of danger and fatigue. We are going among unknown and savage
 peoples; the chances are a hundred to one against our ever arriving at
 the end of our journey. If this is so to myself and to young men like
 Chebron and Amuba--for they are now past eighteen, and will speedily
-be men--what chance would there be of success with you with us?"
+be men--what chance would there be of success with you with us?”
 
-"I can walk as well as Chebron," Mysa said. "You know that, Chebron.
+“I can walk as well as Chebron,” Mysa said. “You know that, Chebron.
 And I suppose I could suffer hardship just as well. At any rate, I
 would rather suffer anything and be with him and all of you than stop
 here. The people have murdered my father. My mother would sell me to
@@ -9331,14 +9298,14 @@ get through your journey in safety, my being with you cannot make them
 so much greater. I have only Chebron in the world, and I will go where
 he goes and die where he dies. The gods can protect me just as well on
 a journey as here. Have they not protected you now, and Chebron too,
-by what he says? You will take me with you, dear Jethro, won't you?"
-she urged pleadingly. "You say my father wished you to watch over me;
+by what he says? You will take me with you, dear Jethro, won’t you?”
+she urged pleadingly. “You say my father wished you to watch over me;
 do not forsake me now. Ruth will come with us too--will you not,
 Ruth?--I am sure she will not be more afraid of the journey than I
-am."
+am.”
 
-"I will assuredly go if you go, Mysa. The God of Israel can take us
-safely through all dangers if it be his will."
+“I will assuredly go if you go, Mysa. The God of Israel can take us
+safely through all dangers if it be his will.”
 
 Jethro was silent. Such an addition to his charge would assuredly add
 immensely to the difficulties of the journey; but on the other hand he
@@ -9349,10 +9316,10 @@ with those of Mysa. He turned away abruptly, and for some minutes
 paced up and down the garden. Then he returned to the group, among
 whom not a word had been exchanged since he left them.
 
-"Mysa," he said gravely, "this is a great thing that you ask; there is
+“Mysa,” he said gravely, “this is a great thing that you ask; there is
 no disguising that your presence will add greatly to our difficulties,
 will add also to our perils, and may render it impossible for me to
-carry out your father's wishes and to conduct Chebron to a land where
+carry out your father’s wishes and to conduct Chebron to a land where
 he will be beyond the persecution of Egypt. Such an enterprise must be
 undertaken in no light spirit. If you go you must be prepared to face
 death in all forms--by hunger and thirst and the weapons of the wild
@@ -9362,58 +9329,58 @@ still, if you are resolved, resolved with the strength and mind of a
 woman and not of a child, that after having once turned your back upon
 Egypt you will never repent the step you have taken or wish to return,
 but will be steadfast under all the trials that may befall us, then I
-say that you shall share our lot."
+say that you shall share our lot.”
 
 Mysa uttered an exclamation of joy.
 
-"I promise, Jethro; and whatever may happen--hardship, danger, or
+“I promise, Jethro; and whatever may happen--hardship, danger, or
 death--you shall never hear a word of complaint from me. Are you not
-glad, Ruth?"
+glad, Ruth?”
 
-"I think it well," Ruth said gravely. "It is a great undertaking; but
-I think that God's hand is in it. I, too, would fain leave this land
-of idols; and except those here I have none in the world to care for."
+“I think it well,” Ruth said gravely. “It is a great undertaking; but
+I think that God’s hand is in it. I, too, would fain leave this land
+of idols; and except those here I have none in the world to care for.”
 
-"And now, Jethro," Amuba said, "what had we best do? It is already
+“And now, Jethro,” Amuba said, “what had we best do? It is already
 almost dark, therefore we could set out at once. Could we make use of
-the chariot?"
+the chariot?”
 
 Jethro considered for a short time.
 
-"Except for carrying any things we may want for our first start, I do
-not see that we can do so," he said; "for where we leave the chariot
-to-morrow morning it would be found, and when it is known that Ptylus'
+“Except for carrying any things we may want for our first start, I do
+not see that we can do so,” he said; “for where we leave the chariot
+to-morrow morning it would be found, and when it is known that Ptylus’
 chariot was missing it would soon be recognized as his, and thus a
 clue be afforded to the fact that we had fled south. As to traveling
 in it beyond to-night, it would be out of the question. Besides, it
 will only hold three at the most. No, if we use it at all it must be
 to drive north, and so throw them off the scent. I think it will be
-worth doing that."
+worth doing that.”
 
-"I will undertake that part of the business," Amuba said. "There will
+“I will undertake that part of the business,” Amuba said. “There will
 be much for you to do to-morrow, Jethro, which only you can arrange.
-There's the boat to be hired, stores laid in, and all got in
+There’s the boat to be hired, stores laid in, and all got in
 readiness. I think the best plan will be for you both to start at once
 with the girls for Thebes. You and Chebron can occupy your
 hiding-place on the hill, and Chigron will be glad to take the girls
 into his house. There is no danger of an immediate search being made
 for them.
 
-"To-night when the priest and his son do not return their servants
+“To-night when the priest and his son do not return their servants
 will suppose that they have slept here. It will not be until late
 to-morrow afternoon that there will be any alarm or any likelihood of
 a messenger being sent over here; then the consternation and confusion
 that will be caused will be so great that probably no one will think
 of carrying the news to the officials until the next morning. Besides,
-until the story of Mysa's having been here and of her being missing is
+until the story of Mysa’s having been here and of her being missing is
 generally known, there is no reason that what has taken place should
 be attributed to us; therefore, for the next forty-eight hours I think
-that they would be perfectly safe at the embalmer's. I will drive the
+that they would be perfectly safe at the embalmer’s. I will drive the
 chariot thirty or forty miles north, then turn the horses loose where
 they are sure to be noticed ere long, and will return on foot and join
-you in your hiding-place to-morrow night."
+you in your hiding-place to-morrow night.”
 
-"I think your plan is a very good one, Amuba. Before we start I will
+“I think your plan is a very good one, Amuba. Before we start I will
 make a search through the house. There will be nothing we want to take
 with us, nor would we touch any of the treasure of the villains were
 the house full of it; but if I toss some of the things about it will
@@ -9426,16 +9393,16 @@ we seemed. Therefore, the first impression assuredly will be that we
 were malefactors of the worst kind, escaped slaves, men with no
 respect for the gods; for assuredly no Egyptians, even the worst of
 criminals, would, in cold blood, have laid hands on the high priest of
-Osiris."
+Osiris.”
 
-"They laid hands on my father," Chebron said bitterly.
+“They laid hands on my father,” Chebron said bitterly.
 
-"Yes, but not in cold blood. Reports had first been spread among them
+“Yes, but not in cold blood. Reports had first been spread among them
 that he was untrue to the gods, and then they were maddened by
 fanaticism and horror at the death of that sacred cat. But in cold
 blood, as I said, no Egyptian, however vile and criminal, would lift
 his hand against a priest. You may as well come with me, Amuba; it
-would be strange if one of us only took part in the search."
+would be strange if one of us only took part in the search.”
 
 In ten minutes Jethro and Amuba had turned the place into confusion in
 forcing open chests and cabinets and littering the floor with
@@ -9446,11 +9413,11 @@ concealed from view by the water-lilies which floated on its surface.
 They examined afresh the fastenings of the captives, and felt assured
 that by no possibility could they free themselves.
 
-"They will be sure to be freed by to-morrow night," Amuba said,
-"otherwise I should not like to leave them here to die of hunger and
-thirst."
+“They will be sure to be freed by to-morrow night,” Amuba said,
+“otherwise I should not like to leave them here to die of hunger and
+thirst.”
 
-"I should be only too glad," Jethro said, "if I thought there was a
+“I should be only too glad,” Jethro said, “if I thought there was a
 chance of their being here forty hours instead of twenty. Doubtless
 this is not the first evil business they have carried out for their
 villain master, and they may think themselves lucky indeed that we do
@@ -9458,29 +9425,29 @@ not take what would be in every way the safest and best course,
 namely, to run a sword through their bodies and silence them forever.
 If I thought they could tell anything I would do so now; but I really
 do not think that anything they can tell will add to our danger. Of
-course the priest's wife knows that Mysa is hidden here, and will
+course the priest’s wife knows that Mysa is hidden here, and will
 proclaim the fact that she has been here and is now missing, as she
 would consider it might afford a clew for the apprehension of those
 who attacked the house and slew her husband and son; therefore I do
 not see that there would be much to be gained by silencing these
-people; but if you think differently I will finish them at once."
+people; but if you think differently I will finish them at once.”
 
 Amuba shook his head, for although human life in those days was
 thought little of, save by the Egyptians themselves, he shrank from
 the thought of slaying captives in cold blood.
 
-"No, they can tell nothing, Jethro. You had best be moving; there is
+“No, they can tell nothing, Jethro. You had best be moving; there is
 nothing more to talk over. I think all our plans were arranged long
 ago; except, of course, that you must get rather a larger boat than
 you had intended, together with garments for the girls. I think it
 would be best that Chebron should still be disguised as a woman; but
 we can settle that to-morrow night. There is a good store of dresses
-for us to choose from at Chigron's."
+for us to choose from at Chigron’s.”
 
 Amuba led the horses to a stone water trough and allowed them to
 quench their thirst. Then he mounted the chariot and drove off, while
 the rest of the party set out on foot for Thebes. It was so late
-before they reached Chigron's house that they thought it better not to
+before they reached Chigron’s house that they thought it better not to
 arouse the inmates, as comment would be excited by the arrival of
 women at so late an hour and unexpected by the master; the girls,
 therefore, passed the night in the rock chamber behind the building,
@@ -9492,18 +9459,18 @@ and told Chigron that they had discovered and rescued Mysa. Chigron
 was much disturbed when he heard of the death of the high priest and
 his son.
 
-"I don't say these men were not villains, Jethro; but that two high
+“I don’t say these men were not villains, Jethro; but that two high
 priests should be slaughtered in the course of a month is enough to
 bring the anger of all the gods upon Egypt. However, the poor girls
 are not responsible for it in any way, and I will willingly shelter
 them, especially as it is but for one night; but I own that I shall be
-vastly relieved when I know that you are all fairly on your journey."
+vastly relieved when I know that you are all fairly on your journey.”
 
-"That I can well understand," Jethro said; "and believe me, the
+“That I can well understand,” Jethro said; “and believe me, the
 gratitude of those you have sheltered, which you will have as long as
 they live, may well outweigh any doubts that may present themselves as
 to whether you have acted wisely in aiding those who are victims to
-the superstitions of your countrymen."
+the superstitions of your countrymen.”
 
 Chigron called his servants and told them that he had just heard of
 the arrival from the country of some friends, and ordered a room to be
@@ -9530,7 +9497,7 @@ Half an hour later Chigron went out again and was soon joined by
 Jethro, who had now resumed his attire as a citizen of middle class.
 It was necessary that Chigron should accompany him and take the chief
 part in making the arrangements; for although Jethro had learned, in
-his two years' captivity, to speak Egyptian fluently, he could not
+his two years’ captivity, to speak Egyptian fluently, he could not
 well pass as a native. Chigron therefore did most of the bargaining,
 Jethro keeping somewhat in the background.
 
@@ -9547,29 +9514,29 @@ constructed entirely for passenger traffic, she had a large
 cabin--divided into two parts for the accommodation of ladies--the
 crew, consisting of the captain and four men, sleeping on the deck.
 
-"I think your boat will do very well," he said to the captain,
-"provided we can come to terms. My friend is going up with his family
+“I think your boat will do very well,” he said to the captain,
+“provided we can come to terms. My friend is going up with his family
 as far as Syene at any rate, and possibly on to Ibsciak; his business
-may take him even further. What will be your terms a week?"
+may take him even further. What will be your terms a week?”
 
-"I suppose my lord will provide food for the crew as well as for his
-own family?"
+“I suppose my lord will provide food for the crew as well as for his
+own family?”
 
-"That will be the best way," Jethro said.
+“That will be the best way,” Jethro said.
 
-"Then will he pay for extra hands where the current runs so strong
-that the crew cannot tow the boat unaided against it?"
+“Then will he pay for extra hands where the current runs so strong
+that the crew cannot tow the boat unaided against it?”
 
 Jethro assented.
 
-"And will he return with it, or remain for awhile at the end of his
-journey?"
+“And will he return with it, or remain for awhile at the end of his
+journey?”
 
-"It is probable that his business may detain him there for a
-considerable time," Chigron replied. "He has relations there with whom
+“It is probable that his business may detain him there for a
+considerable time,” Chigron replied. “He has relations there with whom
 he will wish to make a stay. But this should make no difference; you
 will have no difficulty in obtaining passengers or freight for your
-journey down."
+journey down.”
 
 It was a long time before a bargain was struck, for Chigron knew that
 the boatman would consider it strange indeed were the terms he first
@@ -9594,9 +9561,9 @@ returned with Jethro to his house. Jethro, after seeing the girls, who
 had just woke up and partaken of a meal, went up to the hiding-place
 on the hill and found that Amuba had just joined Chebron there.
 
-"Is all going on well?" the lads asked as he entered.
+“Is all going on well?” the lads asked as he entered.
 
-"Everything is in readiness. The boat is hired and furnished. I have a
+“Everything is in readiness. The boat is hired and furnished. I have a
 good store of merchandise for trading in Meroe, besides trinkets of
 many kinds for the peoples lying between Meroe and the Red Sea. So far
 everything promises well. The boatmen belong to the Upper Nile, and
@@ -9613,9 +9580,9 @@ likely to continue the voyage further to the south than would the
 boatmen of this port, who would regard it as a serious undertaking to
 proceed beyond Ibsciak. Therefore we need fear no suspicion on the
 part of our boatmen. I suppose you disposed of the chariot as we
-arranged, Amuba?"
+arranged, Amuba?”
 
-"Yes, I drove north for five hours and then turned aside into a wood.
+“Yes, I drove north for five hours and then turned aside into a wood.
 Here I loosed the horses so that they could feed as they chose. They
 would doubtless by morning stray into the fields, and so attract
 attention. Then there would be a search to see to whom they belonged,
@@ -9625,11 +9592,11 @@ have doubtless been taken off by those who had attacked him, the
 tidings that the chariot is found will have been taken to the nearest
 town, and it will shortly be reported all over the country that we are
 making north, and the search for us will be made in that direction
-only."
+only.”
 
-"Are you going back to the house, Jethro?"
+“Are you going back to the house, Jethro?”
 
-"Yes. Chigron has given out to his servants that the visitors are
+“Yes. Chigron has given out to his servants that the visitors are
 relatives of mine, and as I have been frequently seen going in and out
 in this garb they are now accustomed to me; and it will be natural for
 me to sleep there to-night and to start with them in the morning. We
@@ -9640,7 +9607,7 @@ steps; and we shall be able to proceed to that point without entering
 the town itself. Be careful with your disguises. The news of the death
 of Ptylus will not, I hope, be generally known in the city until we
 are fairly afloat. Were it otherwise it would be dangerous for you to
-run the risk of being seen abroad."
+run the risk of being seen abroad.”
 
 
 
@@ -9653,7 +9620,7 @@ UP THE NILE.
 Late at night Jethro again went up to the hiding-place on the hill.
 Chigron had just returned from another visit to the city. He said:
 
-"The whole of the town is in an uproar. The news that Ptylus and his
+“The whole of the town is in an uproar. The news that Ptylus and his
 son have been found slain has been received, and the excitement is
 tremendous. The death by violence of two high priests of Osiris
 within so short a time is regarded as a presage of some terrible
@@ -9665,7 +9632,7 @@ ventured to whisper before, the death of Ameres was brought about by
 an intrigue among a party of the priests, headed by Ptylus. Others see
 in it a fresh proof of the anger of the god against Egypt.
 
-"The king himself will, it is said, take part in services of
+“The king himself will, it is said, take part in services of
 propitiation in the temple of Osiris to-morrow; sacrifices are to
 be offered, they say, in all the temples. A solemn fast will be
 proclaimed to-morrow, and all the people, high and low, are to shave
@@ -9676,35 +9643,35 @@ the house are questioned by the magistrates, this fact will doubtless
 come out, and the men will own that by the orders of Ptylus they
 carried Mysa away at the time the attack on the house was made.
 
-"At present, however, there is no question of women in the case; and I
+“At present, however, there is no question of women in the case; and I
 can go down to the boat with the girls in company with Chigron without
 any fear whatever. But it is better that you should not be with us
 when we embark; for when the matter comes to be talked over, some one
 who sees us embark might notice that our number tallies with that of
 the three persons present when Ptylus was killed, and the two missing
-girls. Therefore Chigron's opinion is that it will be safer for you to
+girls. Therefore Chigron’s opinion is that it will be safer for you to
 start at once and walk to Mita, a village twenty miles up the river.
 There the boat will lie up to-morrow night, and as soon as it is dark
 you can come on board. I shall tell the boatmen that I expect you to
 join us there, as you have gone on ahead to transact some business for
-me in the neighborhood."
+me in the neighborhood.”
 
-"That is certainly the best plan," Amuba agreed. "There are too many
+“That is certainly the best plan,” Amuba agreed. “There are too many
 who know Chebron by sight for it to be safe for him to go down to the
-boat here and embark in broad daylight. I will take two hours' sleep
+boat here and embark in broad daylight. I will take two hours’ sleep
 before I start; for as I did not sleep last night, and have walked
 forty miles since I left the chariot, I feel in need of a little
 repose before I start again. I was foolish not to have slept this
 afternoon, for I have since midday been hiding near; but there was so
 much to think about that I had no inclination to do so, especially as
-I believed that we would have a night's rest here."
+I believed that we would have a night’s rest here.”
 
-"I will wake you," Chebron said. "I have been asleep the better part
+“I will wake you,” Chebron said. “I have been asleep the better part
 of the day, having had nothing to do since we arrived here yesterday
-evening."
+evening.”
 
 Chebron sat watching the stars until he saw that they had made two
-hours' journey through the sky. Then he roused Amuba. Both now laid
+hours’ journey through the sky. Then he roused Amuba. Both now laid
 aside their garments as peasants and put on the attire prepared for
 them as the sons of a small trader. Amuba had submitted, although with
 much disgust, to have his head shaved on the night following the death
@@ -9758,22 +9725,22 @@ hours before, and that he would be on the lookout for them. In a few
 minutes they saw him looking into one of the shops. He started as they
 went up to him and touched him, for he had not perceived them before.
 
-"All well?" Amuba asked.
+“All well?” Amuba asked.
 
-"Everything has gone off admirably. We got off without the slightest
+“Everything has gone off admirably. We got off without the slightest
 trouble. But come on board at once; the girls are anxious about you,
 although I assured them that there was not the slightest risk of your
-being discovered on your way here."
+being discovered on your way here.”
 
 So saying, Jethro led the way to the boat, which was moored by the
-bank a hundred yards above the village, "in order," Jethro said, "that
+bank a hundred yards above the village, “in order,” Jethro said, “that
 they could make an early start in the morning, and be off before the
-rest of the boats were under way."
+rest of the boats were under way.”
 
-"Here are your brothers," Jethro said in a loud voice as he stepped on
-board. "I found them dawdling and gossiping in the street, forgetting
+“Here are your brothers,” Jethro said in a loud voice as he stepped on
+board. “I found them dawdling and gossiping in the street, forgetting
 altogether that you were waiting for your evening meal until they came
-on board."
+on board.”
 
 Both entered the cabin, which was about eight feet wide and twelve
 feet long, but not high enough for them to stand upright. The floor
@@ -9787,28 +9754,28 @@ cabin allotted to the girls. A lamp swung from the beams overhead.
 Mysa gave a cry of pleasure as they entered and was about to spring to
 her feet, when Jethro exclaimed:
 
-"Mind your head, child! You are not accustomed to these low quarters
-yet."
+“Mind your head, child! You are not accustomed to these low quarters
+yet.”
 
-"Thank the gods we are together again!" Mysa said as Chebron, after
-embracing her, sat down on the cushion beside her. "I feel almost
-happy now, in spite of the dreadful times that have passed."
+“Thank the gods we are together again!” Mysa said as Chebron, after
+embracing her, sat down on the cushion beside her. “I feel almost
+happy now, in spite of the dreadful times that have passed.”
 
-"It does feel homelike here," Chebron said, looking round, "especially
+“It does feel homelike here,” Chebron said, looking round, “especially
 after sleeping in the open air on the hard ground, as we have been
-doing for the last month."
+doing for the last month.”
 
-"I should hardly have known you, Amuba," Mysa said. "You do look so
-different in your wig, and with your skin darkened."
+“I should hardly have known you, Amuba,” Mysa said. “You do look so
+different in your wig, and with your skin darkened.”
 
-"I must look horrible," Amuba replied rather ruefully.
+“I must look horrible,” Amuba replied rather ruefully.
 
-"You don't look so nice," Mysa replied frankly. "I used at first to
+“You don’t look so nice,” Mysa replied frankly. “I used at first to
 think that short, wavy golden hair of yours was strange, and that you
 would look better in a wig like other people; but now I am sorry it is
-gone."
+gone.”
 
-"Here is our meal," Jethro said as the hangings that served as a door
+“Here is our meal,” Jethro said as the hangings that served as a door
 were drawn aside, and one of the men entered bearing a dish of fried
 fish and another of stewed ducks, which he placed on the floor.
 
@@ -9821,33 +9788,33 @@ served them for the purpose of forks. Mysa had been accustomed always
 to the use of a table; but these were only used in the abodes of the
 rich, and the people in general sat on the ground to their meals.
 
-"We have not begun our hardships yet," Mysa said, smiling. "I should
+“We have not begun our hardships yet,” Mysa said, smiling. “I should
 not mind how long this went on. I call this much better than living in
-a house; don't you, Ruth?"
+a house; don’t you, Ruth?”
 
-"It is more natural to me than that great house of yours," Ruth
-replied; "and of course to me it is far more homelike and comfortable.
+“It is more natural to me than that great house of yours,” Ruth
+replied; “and of course to me it is far more homelike and comfortable.
 For I do not think I was a favorite among the other servants; they
-were jealous of the kindness you showed me."
+were jealous of the kindness you showed me.”
 
-"There is one thing I wanted to say," Jethro said. "It is better that
+“There is one thing I wanted to say,” Jethro said. “It is better that
 we should not call each other by our names, I am sure that the boatmen
 have no suspicion here that we are other than what we seem to be; but
 they can hardly help hearing our names, for all Egypt has rung with
 them for the last month, and it would be well if we change them for
 the present. You must of necessity call me father, since that is the
 relation I am supposed to bear to you. Amuba can become Amnis and
-Chebron Chefu."
+Chebron Chefu.”
 
-"And I will be Mytis," Mysa said. "What name will you take, Ruth?
-There is no Egyptian name quite like yours."
+“And I will be Mytis,” Mysa said. “What name will you take, Ruth?
+There is no Egyptian name quite like yours.”
 
-"It matters not what you call me," Ruth said.
+“It matters not what you call me,” Ruth said.
 
-"We will call you Nite," Mysa said. "I had a great friend of that
-name, but she died."
+“We will call you Nite,” Mysa said. “I had a great friend of that
+name, but she died.”
 
-"And there is one thing, Nite," Chebron said, "that I wish you to
+“And there is one thing, Nite,” Chebron said, “that I wish you to
 understand. Just now you spoke to me as my lord Chebron. That sort of
 thing must not be any longer. We are all fugitives together, and Mysa
 and I have no longer any rank. Jethro and Amuba are of high rank in
@@ -9860,9 +9827,9 @@ the will of our father and because he is older and wiser than any of
 us. Amuba is as my elder brother, being stronger and braver and more
 accustomed to danger than I; while you and Mysa are sisters, inasmuch
 as you are both exiled from your own land, and are friendless, save
-for each other and us."
+for each other and us.”
 
-"I am glad to hear you say that, brother," Mysa said. "I spoke to her
+“I am glad to hear you say that, brother,” Mysa said. “I spoke to her
 last night about it, for she would insist on treating me as if she
 were still my servant; which is absurd, and not nice of her, when she
 is going out with us to share our dangers only because she loves me.
@@ -9870,13 +9837,13 @@ It is I rather who should look up to her, for I am very helpless, and
 know nothing of work or real life, while she can do all sorts of
 things; besides, when we were captives it was she who was always brave
 and hopeful, and kept up my spirits when, I do think, if it had not
-been for her I should have died of grief and terror."
+been for her I should have died of grief and terror.”
 
-"By the way," Jethro said, "we have not heard yet how it was that you
+“By the way,” Jethro said, “we have not heard yet how it was that you
 were together. We heard of your being carried off, but old Lyptis told
-me that no one had seen aught of you."
+me that no one had seen aught of you.”
 
-"They were all scared out of their senses," Ruth said scornfully. "The
+“They were all scared out of their senses,” Ruth said scornfully. “The
 men suddenly ran into the room and seized Mysa, and twisted a shawl
 round her head before she had time to call out. I screamed, and one of
 them struck me a blow which knocked me down. Then they carried her
@@ -9888,25 +9855,25 @@ short distance off carrying Mysa to a cart standing a hundred yards
 away. I ran up just as they laid her in it. One of them turned upon me
 with a dagger. I said:
 
-"'Let me go with her, and I will be quiet. If not, I will scream; and
-if you kill me, it will only set the people on your traces.'
+“‘Let me go with her, and I will be quiet. If not, I will scream; and
+if you kill me, it will only set the people on your traces.’
 
-"The men hesitated, and I ran past them and climbed into the cart, and
-threw myself down by Mysa, and then they drove off."
+“The men hesitated, and I ran past them and climbed into the cart, and
+threw myself down by Mysa, and then they drove off.”
 
-"It was brave and good of you, Ruth," Jethro said, laying his hand on
-the girl's shoulder; "but why did you not scream when you first came
+“It was brave and good of you, Ruth,” Jethro said, laying his hand on
+the girl’s shoulder; “but why did you not scream when you first came
 out of the gate? It might have brought aid and prevented Mysa from
-being carried off."
+being carried off.”
 
-"I thought of that," Ruth said, "but there were numbers of rough men
+“I thought of that,” Ruth said, “but there were numbers of rough men
 still coming in at the gate; and knowing how the people had been
 stirred up to anger against us, I did not know what might happen if I
 gave the alarm. Besides, I was not sure at first that these men,
 although they seemed so rough and violent, were not really friends,
-who were taking away Mysa to save her from the popular fury."
+who were taking away Mysa to save her from the popular fury.”
 
-"Yes, that might have been the case," Jethro agreed. "At any rate,
+“Yes, that might have been the case,” Jethro agreed. “At any rate,
 child, you acted bravely and well. We were hoping all along that you
 were with Mysa, for we knew what a comfort you would be to her. Only,
 as the women all declared you did not pass out after her, we did
@@ -9915,18 +9882,18 @@ retire to your own cabin to rest; for though you have both kept up
 wonderfully, all this has been a great strain for you, and you are
 both looking fagged and heavy-eyed. To-night you can sleep in comfort;
 for, for the present, I think that there is no occasion whatever for
-the slightest anxiety."
+the slightest anxiety.”
 
 It was some time before Jethro and his companions lay down to sleep.
 They talked long and earnestly of the journey that lay before them;
 and when they had exhausted this topic, Chebron said:
 
-"Till now, Jethro, I have not asked you about my father's funeral.
+“Till now, Jethro, I have not asked you about my father’s funeral.
 When is it to be? I have thought of it often, but as you did not speak
-I thought it better not to question you."
+I thought it better not to question you.”
 
-"I was glad you did not," Jethro replied. "It will be in about ten
-days' time. As I believed you guessed, Chigron is embalming him; the
+“I was glad you did not,” Jethro replied. “It will be in about ten
+days’ time. As I believed you guessed, Chigron is embalming him; the
 process will not be completed for another four days, and, as you know,
 the relatives do not see the corpse after it is in the hands of the
 embalmer until it is swathed and in the coffin. Chigron has done so
@@ -9935,7 +9902,7 @@ him to be asked to allow you to break through that custom, which to
 him is a sort of religion; beside, dear lad, I thought it better for
 yourself not to renew your griefs by gazing on a lifeless face.
 
-"During the last month you have fortunately had so much to distract
+“During the last month you have fortunately had so much to distract
 your thoughts that you have not had time to dwell upon your loss.
 Moreover, you have needed all your strength and your energy for your
 search for your sister, and right sure am I that your father, who was
@@ -9947,7 +9914,7 @@ for every reason I thought it better to keep silent upon the subject.
 It may be a satisfaction, however, for you to know that everything
 will be done to do honor to the dead.
 
-"The king and all the great men of Egypt will be present, and Thebes
+“The king and all the great men of Egypt will be present, and Thebes
 will turn out its thousands to express its grief for the deed done by
 a section of its population. Had it not been for the express commands
 of your father I should have thought that it might have been worth
@@ -9959,9 +9926,9 @@ it is generally known that Mysa was carried off when Ptylus was slain,
 public opinion will arrive at the truth and say that the fugitives of
 whom they were in search, the slayers of the sacred cat, were the
 rescuers of the daughter of Ameres and the slayers of the high
-priest."
+priest.”
 
-"You are right, Jethro, it will be better for me not to have seen my
+“You are right, Jethro, it will be better for me not to have seen my
 father; I can always think of him now as I saw him last, which is a
 thousand times better than if he dwelt in my memory as he lies in the
 cere-clothes in the embalming room of Chigron. As to what you say
@@ -9969,7 +9936,7 @@ about my appearing at the funeral, I would in no case have done it; I
 would a thousand times rather live an exile or meet my death at the
 hands of savages than crave mercy at the hands of the mob of Thebes,
 and live to be pointed at all my life as the man who had committed the
-abhorred offense of killing the sacred cat."
+abhorred offense of killing the sacred cat.”
 
 The conversation in the cabin had all been carried on in an undertone;
 for although through an opening in the curtains they could see the
@@ -9989,7 +9956,7 @@ fore deck. Then they huddled closely together, pulled another mat or
 two over them, extinguished the torch, and composed themselves to
 sleep.
 
-"We will follow their example; but a little more comfortably, I hope,"
+“We will follow their example; but a little more comfortably, I hope,”
 Jethro said.
 
 The cushions and pillows were arranged, the lamp turned low, and in a
@@ -10000,30 +9967,30 @@ threw back the hangings and looked out; there was a faint
 greenish-yellow light in the east, but the stars were still shining
 brightly.
 
-"Good-morning, young master!" the captain said. "I hope you have slept
-well."
+“Good-morning, young master!” the captain said. “I hope you have slept
+well.”
 
-"So well that I could hardly believe it was morning," Amuba replied.
-"How long will it be before you are off?"
+“So well that I could hardly believe it was morning,” Amuba replied.
+“How long will it be before you are off?”
 
-"We shall be moving in ten minutes; at present there is not light
-enough to see the shore."
+“We shall be moving in ten minutes; at present there is not light
+enough to see the shore.”
 
-"Chefu, are you awake?"
+“Chefu, are you awake?”
 
-"Yes," Chebron answered sleepily, "I am awake; thanks to your talking.
-If you had lain quiet we might have slept for another hour yet."
+“Yes,” Chebron answered sleepily, “I am awake; thanks to your talking.
+If you had lain quiet we might have slept for another hour yet.”
 
-"You have had plenty of sleep the last twenty-four hours," Amuba
-retorted. "Take a cloth and let us land and run along the banks for a
-mile, and have a bath before the boat comes along."
+“You have had plenty of sleep the last twenty-four hours,” Amuba
+retorted. “Take a cloth and let us land and run along the banks for a
+mile, and have a bath before the boat comes along.”
 
-"It is very cold for it," Chebron said.
+“It is very cold for it,” Chebron said.
 
-"Nonsense! the water will refresh you."
+“Nonsense! the water will refresh you.”
 
-"Come along, Chefu," Jethro said, "your brother is right; a dip will
-refresh us for the day."
+“Come along, Chefu,” Jethro said, “your brother is right; a dip will
+refresh us for the day.”
 
 The Egyptians were most particular about bathing and washing. The heat
 and dust of the climate rendered cleanliness an absolute necessity,
@@ -10037,33 +10004,33 @@ enough now for him to distinguish the faces of his passengers, and he
 brought the boat straight alongside the bank. In a few minutes the
 girls came out from their cabin, looking fresh and rosy.
 
-"So you have been bathing?" Mysa said. "We heard what you were saying,
-and we have had our bath too."
+“So you have been bathing?” Mysa said. “We heard what you were saying,
+and we have had our bath too.”
 
-"How did you manage that?" Chebron asked.
+“How did you manage that?” Chebron asked.
 
-"We went out by the door at the other side of our cabin in our woollen
+“We went out by the door at the other side of our cabin in our woollen
 robes, on to that little platform on which the man is standing to
-steer, and poured jars of water over each other."
+steer, and poured jars of water over each other.”
 
-"And you both slept well?"
+“And you both slept well?”
 
-"Yes, indeed, and without waking once till we heard Amnis call you to
-get up."
+“Yes, indeed, and without waking once till we heard Amnis call you to
+get up.”
 
-"You disturbed everyone, you see, Amnis," Chebron said.
+“You disturbed everyone, you see, Amnis,” Chebron said.
 
-"And a very good thing too," Amuba laughed. "If we had not had our
+“And a very good thing too,” Amuba laughed. “If we had not had our
 bath when we did, we should not have got an opportunity all day. Now
-we all feel fresh."
+we all feel fresh.”
 
-"And ready for something to eat," Mysa put in.
+“And ready for something to eat,” Mysa put in.
 
-"What would you like, Mytis?" Ruth asked. "I am a capital cook, you
-know, and I don't suppose the men will be preparing their breakfast
-for a long time yet."
+“What would you like, Mytis?” Ruth asked. “I am a capital cook, you
+know, and I don’t suppose the men will be preparing their breakfast
+for a long time yet.”
 
-"I think that will be a very good plan, Mytis," Jethro said; "but we
+“I think that will be a very good plan, Mytis,” Jethro said; “but we
 will divide the labor between us. The two boys shall stir up the
 brands smoldering on the flat stone hearth forward, I will clean and
 get ready some fish, Nite shall cook them, while Mytis shall, under
@@ -10072,10 +10039,10 @@ bake. We shall have to shift for ourselves later on. There is nothing
 like getting accustomed to it. Of course the men will cook the
 principal meals, but we can prepare little meals between times. It is
 astonishing how many times you can eat during the day when you are in
-the open air."
+the open air.”
 
 In half an hour the meal, consisting of the fish, light dough-cakes,
-which Mysa had with much amusement prepared under Ruth's directions,
+which Mysa had with much amusement prepared under Ruth’s directions,
 and fruit, was ready. The latter consisted of grapes and melons. The
 meal was greatly enjoyed, and by the time it was finished the sun was
 already some distance up the sky. For an hour the party sat on the
@@ -10086,11 +10053,11 @@ free passage of air, and as they sat on the cushions they could look
 out on both sides.
 
 Day after day passed quietly and smoothly. The men generally towed the
-boat from sunrise until eleven o'clock in the day; then they moored
+boat from sunrise until eleven o’clock in the day; then they moored
 her to the bank, prepared a meal, and after eating it went ashore if
 there were trees that afforded a shade there, or if not, spread out
 some mats on poles over the boat and slept in their shade till three
-o'clock. Then they towed until sunset, moored her for the night,
+o’clock. Then they towed until sunset, moored her for the night,
 cooked their second meal, talked and sang for an hour or two, and then
 lay down for the night. Sometimes the wind blew with sufficient
 strength to enable the boat to stem the stream close inshore by means
@@ -10101,30 +10068,30 @@ had had their early breakfast, and again when the heat of the day was
 over; it made a change, and at the same time kept their muscles in a
 state of health and activity.
 
-"We may have to make long journeys on foot," Jethro said, "and the
-more we can accustom ourselves to walking the better."
+“We may have to make long journeys on foot,” Jethro said, “and the
+more we can accustom ourselves to walking the better.”
 
 The time passed so quietly and pleasantly that both Mysa and Chebron
 at times blamed themselves for feeling as light hearted as they did;
 but when the latter once said so to Jethro he replied:
 
-"Do not be uneasy on that score. Remember that in the first place it
+“Do not be uneasy on that score. Remember that in the first place it
 is a comfort to us all that you and your sister are cheerful
 companions. It makes the journey lighter for us. In the next place,
 good spirits and good health go together; and although, at present,
 our life is an easy one, there will be need for health and strength
 presently. This flight and exile are at present blessings rather than
-misfortunes to you. Just as Amuba's captivity following so closely
-upon the death of his father and mother was to him."
+misfortunes to you. Just as Amuba’s captivity following so closely
+upon the death of his father and mother was to him.”
 
-"I can hardly believe," Mysa said, "that we are really going upon a
+“I can hardly believe,” Mysa said, “that we are really going upon a
 dangerous expedition. Everything is so pleasant and tranquil. The days
 pass without any care or trouble. I find it difficult to believe that
 the time is not very far off when we shall have to cross deserts, and
 perhaps to meet savage beasts and wild people, and be in danger of our
-lives."
+lives.”
 
-"It will be a long time first, Mytis. It will be months before we
+“It will be a long time first, Mytis. It will be months before we
 arrive at Meroe, the capital of the next kingdom, which lies at the
 junction of the two great arms of this river. Up to that point I do
 not think there will be dangers, though there may be some little
@@ -10138,12 +10105,12 @@ city of Axoum, which is the capital of the country named Abyssinia,
 passes through a wild land abounding with savage animals; and again,
 beyond Axoum the country is broken and difficult down to the sea.
 
-"Chigron told me, however, that he had heard from a native of Meroe
+“Chigron told me, however, that he had heard from a native of Meroe
 who had worked for him that there is a far shorter road to the sea
 from a point at which the river takes a great bend many hundreds of
 miles below the capital. When we get higher up we can of course make
 inquiries as to this. I hope that it may prove to be true, for if so
-it will save us months of travel."
+it will save us months of travel.”
 
 Several large towns were passed as they journeyed upward. Hermonthis,
 standing on the western bank, by which they were traveling, was the
@@ -10211,17 +10178,17 @@ in hue, with thicker lips and flatter features. These were Ethiopians,
 whose land lay beyond that of Meroe and who had also felt the weight
 and power of the arms of Egypt.
 
-"These people of Meroe," Amuba said, "are very similar in features to
+“These people of Meroe,” Amuba said, “are very similar in features to
 the Egyptians, Chebron. And their tongue is also not unlike yours; I
-can understand their speech."
+can understand their speech.”
 
-"Our oldest books," Amuba said, "say that we are kindred people, and
+“Our oldest books,” Amuba said, “say that we are kindred people, and
 are Asiatic rather than African in our origin. The people of Meroe say
 that their far-back ancestors came from Arabia, and first spreading
 along the western shore of the Red Sea, ascended to the high lands and
 drove out the black people who inhabited them.
 
-"As to our own origin, it is vague; but my father has told me that the
+“As to our own origin, it is vague; but my father has told me that the
 opinion among those most skilled in the ancient learning is that we
 too came from Arabia. We were not all one people, that is certain; and
 it is comparatively of recent years, though a vast time as far as
@@ -10236,16 +10203,16 @@ the black people. Each fresh wave that came from the east pushed the
 others further and further, until at last the ancestors of the people
 of Lower Egypt arrived and settled there.
 
-"In Meroe the temples and religion are similar to our own. Whether
+“In Meroe the temples and religion are similar to our own. Whether
 they brought that religion from Arabia, or whether we planted it there
 during our various conquests of the country, I cannot tell you; but
 certain it is that there is at present but little more difference
 between Upper Egypt and Meroe than there is between Upper Egypt and
-the Delta."
+the Delta.”
 
-"And beyond Meroe the people are all black like those we see here?"
+“And beyond Meroe the people are all black like those we see here?”
 
-"So I believe, Amuba. Our merchants penetrate vast distances to the
+“So I believe, Amuba. Our merchants penetrate vast distances to the
 south exchanging our products for gold and ivory, and everywhere they
 find the country inhabited by black people living in wretched
 villages, without, as it seems, any government, or law, or order,
@@ -10256,12 +10223,12 @@ make excellent slaves. Lying between Meroe and the sea, the country
 called Abyssinia is also inhabited by a race of Arab blood, but
 differing more from us than those of Meroe.
 
-"They have great towns, but I do not think that their religion is the
+“They have great towns, but I do not think that their religion is the
 same as ours; our traders say that their language can be understood by
 them, although more rough and unpolished. I have heard my father say
 that he considered that all the country lying east of the Nile, and of
 its eastern branch that rises in Abyssinia and is called the Tacazze,
-belongs to Asia rather than to Africa."
+belongs to Asia rather than to Africa.”
 
 The party found that the death by violence of two successive high
 priests of Osiris was one of the principal topics of conversation
@@ -10466,28 +10433,28 @@ should remain in seclusion.
 Jethro, Amuba, and Chebron were standing together at one of the angles
 of the encampment when the former suddenly exclaimed:
 
-"There are men or animals moving on that steep hill opposite! I
+“There are men or animals moving on that steep hill opposite! I
 thought several times I heard the sound of stones being displaced. I
-certainly heard them then." Then turning round he raised his voice: "I
+certainly heard them then.” Then turning round he raised his voice: “I
 can hear sounds on the hill. It were best that all stood to their arms
-and prepare to resist an attack."
+and prepare to resist an attack.”
 
 In an instant the sound of song and laughter ceased amid the groups
 assembled round the fires and each man seized his arms. There was a
 sharp ringing sound close to Jethro, and stooping he picked up an
 arrow which had fallen close to him.
 
-"It is an enemy!" he shouted. "Draw up close to the breastwork and
+“It is an enemy!” he shouted. “Draw up close to the breastwork and
 prepare to receive them. Scatter the fires at once and extinguish the
-blazing brands. They can see us, while themselves invisible."
+blazing brands. They can see us, while themselves invisible.”
 
 As he spoke a loud and terrible yell rose from the hillside and a
 shower of arrows was poured into the encampment. Several men fell, but
-Jethro's orders were carried out and the fires promptly extinguished.
+Jethro’s orders were carried out and the fires promptly extinguished.
 
-"Stoop down behind the breastwork," Jethro shouted, "until they are
+“Stoop down behind the breastwork,” Jethro shouted, “until they are
 near enough for you to take aim. Have your spears ready to check their
-onslaught when they charge."
+onslaught when they charge.”
 
 Although Jethro held no position entitling him to command, his orders
 were as promptly obeyed as if he had been in authority. The men
@@ -10507,15 +10474,15 @@ For a few minutes the contest was doubtful, but encouraged by the
 shouts of Jethro, whose voice could be heard above the yells of the
 natives, the Egyptians defended their position with vigor and courage.
 As fast as the natives climbed over the low breastwork of merchandise
-they were either speared or cut down, and after ten minutes' fierce
+they were either speared or cut down, and after ten minutes’ fierce
 fighting their attack ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and as if by
 magic a dead silence succeeded the din of battle.
 
-"You have done well comrades," Jethro said, "and defeated our
+“You have done well comrades,” Jethro said, “and defeated our
 assailants; but we had best stand to arms for awhile, for they may
 return. I do not think they will, for they have found us stronger and
 better prepared for them than they had expected. Still, as we do not
-know their ways, it were best to remain on our guard."
+know their ways, it were best to remain on our guard.”
 
 An hour later, as nothing had been heard of the enemy, the fires were
 relighted and the wounded attended to. Sixteen men had been shot dead
@@ -10532,99 +10499,99 @@ having been hurt by a spear thrust, which, however, glanced off his
 ribs, inflicting only a flesh wound, which he treated as of no
 consequence whatever.
 
-"Why did not Amuba come down with you?" Mysa asked. "Are you sure that
-he escaped without injury?"
+“Why did not Amuba come down with you?” Mysa asked. “Are you sure that
+he escaped without injury?”
 
-"I can assure you that he has not been touched, Mysa; but we are still
+“I can assure you that he has not been touched, Mysa; but we are still
 on guard, for it is possible that the enemy may return again, although
-we hope that the lesson has been sufficient for them."
+we hope that the lesson has been sufficient for them.”
 
-"Were you frightened, Chebron?"
+“Were you frightened, Chebron?”
 
-"I felt a little nervous as they were coming on, but when it came to
+“I felt a little nervous as they were coming on, but when it came to
 hand-to-hand fighting I was too excited to think anything about the
 danger. Besides, I was standing between Jethro and Amuba, and they
 have fought in great battles, and seemed so quiet and cool that I
 could scarcely feel otherwise. Jethro took the command of everyone,
 and the rest obeyed him without question. But now I must go back to my
 post. Jethro told me to slip away to tell you that we were all safe,
-but I should not like not to be in my place if they attack again."
+but I should not like not to be in my place if they attack again.”
 
-"I have often wondered, Ruth," Mysa said when Chebron had left them,
-"what we should have done if it had not been for Jethro and Amuba. If
+“I have often wondered, Ruth,” Mysa said when Chebron had left them,
+“what we should have done if it had not been for Jethro and Amuba. If
 it had not been for them I should have been obliged to marry Plexo,
 and Chebron would have been caught and killed at Thebes. They arrange
-everything, and do not seem afraid in the slightest."
+everything, and do not seem afraid in the slightest.”
 
-"I think your brother is brave, too," Ruth said; "and they always
-consult with him about their plans."
+“I think your brother is brave, too,” Ruth said; “and they always
+consult with him about their plans.”
 
-"Yes; but it is all their doing," Mysa replied. "Chebron, before they
+“Yes; but it is all their doing,” Mysa replied. “Chebron, before they
 came, thought of nothing but reading, and was gentle and quiet. I
 heard one of the slaves say to another that he was more like a girl
 than a boy; but being with Amuba has quite altered him. Of course, he
 is not as strong as Amuba, but he can walk and run and shoot an arrow
 and shoot a javelin at a mark almost as well as Amuba can; still he
 has not so much spirit. I think Amuba always speaks decidedly, while
-Chebron hesitates to give an opinion."
+Chebron hesitates to give an opinion.”
 
-"But your brother has a great deal more learning than Amuba, and so
-his opinion ought to be worth more, Mysa."
+“But your brother has a great deal more learning than Amuba, and so
+his opinion ought to be worth more, Mysa.”
 
-"Oh, yes, if it were about history or science; for anything of that
+“Oh, yes, if it were about history or science; for anything of that
 sort of course it would, Ruth, but not about other things. Of course,
 it is natural that they should be different, because Amuba is the son
-of a king."
+of a king.”
 
-"The son of a king?" Ruth repeated in surprise.
+“The son of a king?” Ruth repeated in surprise.
 
-"Yes, I heard it when he first came; only father said it was not to be
+“Yes, I heard it when he first came; only father said it was not to be
 mentioned, because if it were known he would be taken away from us and
 kept as a royal slave at the palace. But he is really the son of a
 king, and as his father is dead he will be king himself when he gets
-back to his own country."
+back to his own country.”
 
-"And Jethro is one of the same people, is he not?" Ruth asked.
+“And Jethro is one of the same people, is he not?” Ruth asked.
 
-"Oh, yes! they are both Rebu. I think Jethro was one of the king's
-warriors."
+“Oh, yes! they are both Rebu. I think Jethro was one of the king’s
+warriors.”
 
-"That accounts," Ruth said, "for what has often puzzled me. Jethro is
+“That accounts,” Ruth said, “for what has often puzzled me. Jethro is
 much the oldest of our party, and altogether the leader, and yet I
 have observed that he always speaks to Amuba as if the latter were the
-chief."
+chief.”
 
-"I have not noticed that," Mysa said, shaking her head; "but I do
-know, now you mention it, that he always asked Amuba's opinion before
-giving his own."
+“I have not noticed that,” Mysa said, shaking her head; “but I do
+know, now you mention it, that he always asked Amuba’s opinion before
+giving his own.”
 
-"I have constantly noticed it, Mysa, and I wondered that since he and
-Amuba were your father's slaves he should always consult Amuba instead
+“I have constantly noticed it, Mysa, and I wondered that since he and
+Amuba were your father’s slaves he should always consult Amuba instead
 of your brother; but I understand now. That accounts, too, for Amuba
 giving his opinion so decidedly. Of course, in his own country, Amuba
 was accustomed to have his own way. I am glad of that, for I like
 Amuba very much, and it vexed me sometimes to see him settling things
 when Jethro is so much older. And you think if he ever gets back to
-his own country he will be king?"
+his own country he will be king?”
 
-"I am not sure," Mysa said doubtfully. "Of course, he ought to be. I
+“I am not sure,” Mysa said doubtfully. “Of course, he ought to be. I
 suppose there is some other king now, and he might not like to give up
-to Amuba."
+to Amuba.”
 
-"I don't suppose we shall ever get there," Ruth said. "Amuba said the
+“I don’t suppose we shall ever get there,” Ruth said. “Amuba said the
 other day that this country lay a great distance further than the land
-my people came from a long time ago."
+my people came from a long time ago.”
 
-"But that is not so very far, Ruth. You said that the caravans went in
+“But that is not so very far, Ruth. You said that the caravans went in
 six or seven days from that part of Egypt where you dwelt to the east
-of the Great Sea where your fathers came from."
+of the Great Sea where your fathers came from.”
 
-"But we are a long way from there, Mysa."
+“But we are a long way from there, Mysa.”
 
-"But if it is only six or seven days' journey why did not your people
-go back again, Ruth?"
+“But if it is only six or seven days’ journey why did not your people
+go back again, Ruth?”
 
-"They always hoped to go back some day, Mysa; but I don't think your
+“They always hoped to go back some day, Mysa; but I don’t think your
 people would have let them go. You see, they made them useful for
 building and cutting canals and other work. Besides, other people
 dwell now in the land they came from, and these would not turn out
@@ -10636,9 +10603,9 @@ your gods, and if they were not forced to labor against their will I
 think now that most of them would prefer to live in ease and plenty in
 Egypt rather than journey into a strange country, of which they know
 nothing except that their forefathers hundreds of years ago came
-thence. But here are the others," she broke off as the boat heeled
-suddenly over as some one sprang on board. "Now we shall hear more
-about the fighting."
+thence. But here are the others,” she broke off as the boat heeled
+suddenly over as some one sprang on board. “Now we shall hear more
+about the fighting.”
 
 The next day the journey was continued, and without further adventure
 the flotilla arrived at last at the town where the party would leave
@@ -10669,7 +10636,7 @@ the offer of the usual payment and a request for an escort.
 
 A week later four wild-looking figures presented themselves at the
 house and stated that they were ready to conduct the travelers through
-their chief's territory. Jethro had already made arrangements with the
+their chief’s territory. Jethro had already made arrangements with the
 head man of the place to furnish him with twelve men to carry
 provisions necessary for the journey, and upon the following morning
 the party started, and Mysa and Ruth assumed the garb of boys, Jethro
@@ -10691,20 +10658,20 @@ not suffer from thirst, for an ample supply of fruit was carried by
 one of the bearers, but their limbs ached, and their feet, unused to
 walking, became tender and painful.
 
-"Can we not stop for awhile, Jethro?" Mysa asked beseechingly.
+“Can we not stop for awhile, Jethro?” Mysa asked beseechingly.
 
 Jethro shook his head.
 
-"We must keep on to the wells. They are two hours further yet. They
-told us at starting that the first day's journey was six hours' steady
-walking."
+“We must keep on to the wells. They are two hours further yet. They
+told us at starting that the first day’s journey was six hours’ steady
+walking.”
 
 Mysa was about to say that she could walk no further, when Ruth
 whispered in her ear:
 
-"We must not give way, Mysa. You know we promised that if they would
+“We must not give way, Mysa. You know we promised that if they would
 take us with them, we would go through all difficulties and dangers
-without complaining."
+without complaining.”
 
 The admonition had its effect. Mysa felt ashamed that she had been on
 the point of giving way on the very first day of their starting on
@@ -10713,16 +10680,16 @@ utterly exhausted by the time they arrived at the wells. They felt
 rewarded, however, for their sufferings by the hearty commendation
 Jethro bestowed upon them.
 
-"You have held on most bravely," he said; "for I could see you were
+“You have held on most bravely,” he said; “for I could see you were
 terribly fatigued. I am afraid you will find it very hard work just at
-first, but after that it will be more easy to you. To-morrow's journey
-is a shorter one."
+first, but after that it will be more easy to you. To-morrow’s journey
+is a shorter one.”
 
 It was well that it was so, for the girls were limping even at the
 start, and needed the assistance of Jethro and the boys to reach the
 next halting-place; and as soon as the tent, which was separated into
 two parts by hangings, was erected, they dropped upon their cushions,
-feeling that they could never get through another day's suffering like
+feeling that they could never get through another day’s suffering like
 that they had just passed.
 
 Jethro saw that this was so, and told their escort that he must halt
@@ -10733,7 +10700,7 @@ with a present to each of the four men.
 They offered no objections, while the porters, who were paid by the
 day, were well contented with the halt.
 
-The day's rest greatly benefited the girls, but it was not long enough
+The day’s rest greatly benefited the girls, but it was not long enough
 to be of any utility to their feet; these, however, they wrapped in
 bandages, and started in good spirits when the porters took up the
 loads. They were now following the course of what in wet weather was a
@@ -10746,11 +10713,11 @@ bandages in which they were enveloped hurt them far less than the
 sandals in which they had at first walked, and they arrived at the
 halting-place in much better condition than on the previous occasions.
 
-"The worst is over now," Jethro said to them encouragingly. "You will
-find each day's work come easier to you. You have stood it far better
+“The worst is over now,” Jethro said to them encouragingly. “You will
+find each day’s work come easier to you. You have stood it far better
 than I expected; and I feel more hopeful now that we shall reach the
 end of our journey in safety than I have done since the evening when I
-first agreed to take you with us."
+first agreed to take you with us.”
 
 While passing through some of the ravines the party had been greatly
 amused by the antics of troops of apes. Sometimes these sat tranquilly
@@ -10765,7 +10732,7 @@ sight, and considered it a good omen for the success of their journey.
 The men who escorted them told them that if undisturbed the apes never
 attack travelers, but if molested they would at once attack in a body
 with such fury that even four or five travelers together would have
-but little chance of escape with their lives. During the first week's
+but little chance of escape with their lives. During the first week’s
 journey they saw no other animals; although at night they heard the
 cries of hyenas, who often came close up to the encampment, and once
 or twice a deep roar which their guide told them was that of a lion.
@@ -10776,16 +10743,16 @@ short distance up the hillside, and immediately afterward the heads of
 four or five great beasts could be seen above the mimosa bushes which
 extended from the wood to the bottom of the hill. The bearers gave a
 cry of terror, and throwing down their loads took to their heels. The
-four men of the escort stood irresolute. Although none of Jethro's
+four men of the escort stood irresolute. Although none of Jethro’s
 party had ever before seen an elephant, they knew from pictures and
 carvings, and from the great statues in the Island of Elephanta, what
 these great creatures were.
 
-"Will they attack us?" Jethro asked the men.
+“Will they attack us?” Jethro asked the men.
 
-"They do not often do so," one of them replied; "although at times
+“They do not often do so,” one of them replied; “although at times
 they come down and waste the fields round villages, and will sometimes
-slay any they come across. But it is best to get out of their way."
+slay any they come across. But it is best to get out of their way.”
 
 Jethro pointed out a few of the more valuable packages, and taking
 these up they entered the bushes on the other slope of the hill and
@@ -10795,9 +10762,9 @@ terrible obstacles to passage. All of the party received severe
 scratches, and their garments suffered much, in making their way but
 twenty yards into the bush.
 
-"That will do," Jethro said. "We shall be torn to pieces if we go
+“That will do,” Jethro said. “We shall be torn to pieces if we go
 further; and we are as much concealed from sight here as we should be
-another hundred yards further. I will see what they are doing."
+another hundred yards further. I will see what they are doing.”
 
 Standing up and looking cautiously through the screen of feathery
 leaves, Jethro saw that the elephants were standing immovable. Their
@@ -10805,15 +10772,15 @@ great ears were erected and their trunks outstretched as if scenting
 the air. After two or three minutes hesitation they continued to
 descend the hill.
 
-"Are they afraid of man?" Jethro asked one of the escort.
+“Are they afraid of man?” Jethro asked one of the escort.
 
-"Sometimes they are seized with a panic and fly at the approach of a
+“Sometimes they are seized with a panic and fly at the approach of a
 human being; but if attacked they will charge any number without
-hesitation."
+hesitation.”
 
-"Do you ever hunt them?"
+“Do you ever hunt them?”
 
-"Sometimes; but always with a great number of men. It is useless to
+“Sometimes; but always with a great number of men. It is useless to
 shoot arrows at them; the only way is to crawl out behind and cut the
 back sinews of their legs. It needs a strong man and a sharp sword,
 but it can be done. Then they are helpless, but even then it is a long
@@ -10822,7 +10789,7 @@ lighting great fires and making noises. Solitary elephants are more
 dangerous than a herd. I have known one of them kill a dozen men,
 seizing some in his trunk and throwing them in the air as high as the
 top of a lofty tree, dashing others to the ground and kneeling upon
-them until every bone is crushed to pieces."
+them until every bone is crushed to pieces.”
 
 The elephants had now reached the bottom of the valley, and the chief
 of the escort held up his hand for perfect silence. All were prepared
@@ -10830,10 +10797,10 @@ to fight if the elephants pursued them into the bushes, for further
 retreat was impossible. Amuba and Chebron had fitted their arrows into
 the bowstrings and loosened their swords in the scabbards. The four
 natives had drawn the short heavy swords they carried, while Jethro
-grasped the ax that was his favorite weapon. "Remember," he had
-whispered to the boys, "the back sinews of the legs are the only
+grasped the ax that was his favorite weapon. “Remember,” he had
+whispered to the boys, “the back sinews of the legs are the only
 useful point to aim at; if they advance, separate, and if they make
-toward the girls try to get behind them and hamstring them."
+toward the girls try to get behind them and hamstring them.”
 
 There was a long pause of expectation. The elephants could be heard
 making a low snorting noise with their trunks; and Jethro at last
@@ -10841,13 +10808,13 @@ raised himself sufficiently to look through the bushes at what was
 going on. The elephants were examining the bundles that had been
 thrown down.
 
-"I believe that they are eating up our food," he whispered as he sat
+“I believe that they are eating up our food,” he whispered as he sat
 down again.
 
 Half an hour elapsed, and then there was a sound of breaking the
 bushes. Jethro again looked out.
 
-"Thank the gods!" he exclaimed, "they are going off again."
+“Thank the gods!” he exclaimed, “they are going off again.”
 
 Trampling down the mimosa thicket as if it had been grass, the
 elephants ascended the opposite hill and at last re-entered the wood
@@ -10863,25 +10830,25 @@ grain, and vegetables had been completely cleared up. The skins of
 wine were bursted; but the contents had been apparently appreciated,
 for none remained in the hollows of the rocks.
 
-"What greedy creatures!" Mysa exclaimed indignantly; "they have not
-left us a single thing."
+“What greedy creatures!” Mysa exclaimed indignantly; “they have not
+left us a single thing.”
 
-"They do not often get a chance of such dainty feeding," Amuba said.
-"I don't think we ought to blame them, especially as they do not seem
-to have done very much damage to our other goods."
+“They do not often get a chance of such dainty feeding,” Amuba said.
+“I don’t think we ought to blame them, especially as they do not seem
+to have done very much damage to our other goods.”
 
-"Look how they have trampled down the bushes as they went through. I
-wish their skins were as thin as mine," Mysa said as she wiped away
-the blood from a deep scratch on her cheek; "they would keep up in
-their own woods then and not come down to rob travelers."
+“Look how they have trampled down the bushes as they went through. I
+wish their skins were as thin as mine,” Mysa said as she wiped away
+the blood from a deep scratch on her cheek; “they would keep up in
+their own woods then and not come down to rob travelers.”
 
-"At any rate, Mysa, we ought to feel indebted to them," Chebron said,
-"for not having pushed their investigations further. We should have
+“At any rate, Mysa, we ought to feel indebted to them,” Chebron said,
+“for not having pushed their investigations further. We should have
 had no chance either of escape or resistance in these bushes. Jethro
 told us to move round and attack them from behind; but moving round in
 these thorns is all very well to talk about, but quite impossible to
 do. Two minutes of active exercise and there would not be a morsel of
-flesh left on one's bones."
+flesh left on one’s bones.”
 
 It was two or three hours before the bearers came back one by one.
 They were assailed with fierce reproaches by Jethro for the cowardice
@@ -10897,15 +10864,15 @@ Three days later they arrived at a small village, which marked the
 commencement of the territory of the second chief through whose
 country the road ran. Here the escort and carriers left them, their
 place being supplied by natives of the village. There was no
-difficulty in obtaining a supply of grain and goats'-milk cheese; but
+difficulty in obtaining a supply of grain and goats’-milk cheese; but
 these were a poor substitute for the stores that the elephants had
 devoured. They were too glad, however, at having accomplished half
-the toilsome journey to murmur at trifles, and after a day's halt
-proceeded on their way. Another fortnight's travel and they stood on
+the toilsome journey to murmur at trifles, and after a day’s halt
+proceeded on their way. Another fortnight’s travel and they stood on
 the lower slopes of the hills, and saw across a wide belt of flat
 country the expanse of the sea glistening in the sun.
 
-Two more days' journey and they reached the Egyptian trading station.
+Two more days’ journey and they reached the Egyptian trading station.
 This was situated on a little peninsula connected with the mainland by
 a narrow neck of land, across which a massive wall had been built to
 repulse the attacks of the wild tribesmen, who frequently swept down
@@ -10914,20 +10881,20 @@ they entered the town Jethro was ordered by an official to accompany
 him to the house of the governor. Taking Chebron with him, he left it
 to Amuba to arrange for the use of a small house during their stay.
 
-The governor's inquiries were limited to the state of the country, the
+The governor’s inquiries were limited to the state of the country, the
 behavior of the tribesmen along the road, the state of the wells, and
 the amount of provisions obtainable along the line of route.
 
-"There are a party of Arab traders from the other side who wish to
+“There are a party of Arab traders from the other side who wish to
 pass up to carry their goods either to Semneh or Meroe, but I have
 detained them until news should reach me from above, for if any wrong
 should happen to them their countrymen might probably enough hold us
 responsible for their deaths, and this might lead to quarrels and loss
 of trade; but since you have passed through with so small a party
 there can be no fear, and they can arrange with the people who brought
-you down as to the amount to be paid to the chiefs for free passage."
+you down as to the amount to be paid to the chiefs for free passage.”
 
-He inquired Jethro's reason for making the journey over the mountains
+He inquired Jethro’s reason for making the journey over the mountains
 instead of proceeding by the Nile. He replied that he had received an
 advantageous offer for all his merchandise and had disposed of it to a
 trader going up to Meroe, and that as the Nile had now fallen and the
@@ -10939,11 +10906,11 @@ for his choosing that route was that he might determine whether on his
 next venture it would not be more advantageous to bring down his
 merchandise by ship and start from the seashore for Meroe.
 
-"Undoubtedly it would be better," the governor said; "but it were
-wiser to sail another two days' journey down the coast and then to
-journey by way of Axoum."
+“Undoubtedly it would be better,” the governor said; “but it were
+wiser to sail another two days’ journey down the coast and then to
+journey by way of Axoum.”
 
-A week's rest completely recruited the strength of the girls, and
+A week’s rest completely recruited the strength of the girls, and
 Jethro then engaged a passage in a trading ship which was going to
 touch at various small ports on its way north.
 
@@ -10961,7 +10928,7 @@ had felt during their journey. They stopped at many small ports on the
 Arabian side; the captain trading with the natives--selling to them
 articles of Egyptian manufacture, and buying the products of the
 country for sale in Egypt. The party had, before starting, arranged
-that they would land at AElana, a town lying at the head of the gulf of
+that they would land at Ælana, a town lying at the head of the gulf of
 the same name, forming the eastern arm of the Red Sea.[E] By so doing
 they would avoid the passage through Lower Egypt.
 
@@ -10969,7 +10936,7 @@ they would avoid the passage through Lower Egypt.
 
 The question had not been decided without long debate. By crossing
 from Arsinoe[F] to Pelusium they would at the latter port be able to
-obtain a passage in a Phoenician trader to a port in the north of
+obtain a passage in a Phœnician trader to a port in the north of
 Syria, and there strike across Asia Minor for the Caspian. Jethro was
 in favor of this route, because it would save the girls the long and
 arduous journey up through Syria. They, however, made light of this,
@@ -10977,7 +10944,7 @@ and declared their readiness to undergo any hardships rather than to
 run the risk of the whole party being discovered either upon landing
 at Arsinoe or on their journey north, when they would pass through
 the very country that Amuba and Chebron had visited and that was
-inhabited by Ruth's people.
+inhabited by Ruth’s people.
 
  [F] Now Suez.
 
@@ -10990,7 +10957,7 @@ answers as would avoid exciting suspicion.
 
 When the vessel reached the mouth of the long and narrow gulf the
 party were struck by the grandeur of the mountains that rose from the
-water's edge on their left.
+water’s edge on their left.
 
 The captain told them that the chief of these was known as Mount
 Sinai, and that barren and desolate as the land looked, it contained
@@ -11001,7 +10968,7 @@ for it would have seemed an extraordinary proceeding for a trader
 journeying with his family to leave the ship at any of the Arabian
 ports. While sailing up the gulf Mysa complained of illness, and
 indeed so overpowered was she by the heat that there was but little
-fiction in the complaint. Upon arriving at AElana Jethro had her
+fiction in the complaint. Upon arriving at Ælana Jethro had her
 carried on shore, and, hiring a house there, stayed on shore while
 the ship was in port.
 
@@ -11021,7 +10988,7 @@ natives, and he therefore wished to purchase from him a portion of his
 remaining goods suitable for the purpose. As the captain saw that he
 would save the provisions for five persons for the month or six weeks
 that the voyage would yet last, and at the same time get rid of some
-of his surplus cargo, he assented without question to Jethro's
+of his surplus cargo, he assented without question to Jethro’s
 proposal. Several bales of goods were made up, consisting principally
 of cloths of various texture and color of Egyptian manufacture,
 trinkets, and a selection of arms.
@@ -11034,7 +11001,7 @@ time before any vessel came, he thought of getting rid of the rest of
 the merchandise he had brought with him by trade with the people of
 Moab.
 
-"That you can do if you reach Moab," the Egyptian said, "for traders
+“That you can do if you reach Moab,” the Egyptian said, “for traders
 are everywhere well received; but the journey from here is not without
 dangers. It is a country without a master; the people have no fixed
 abodes, moving here and there according as they can find food for
@@ -11050,44 +11017,44 @@ advantage. But between us is a sort of truce--they do not molest our
 armies marching along by the seacoast, nor do we go up among their
 hills to meddle with them. These are the people who at one time
 conquered a portion of Lower Egypt, and reigned over it for many
-generations until, happily, we rose and drove them out."
+generations until, happily, we rose and drove them out.”
 
-"Is the journey between this and the Salt Lake you speak of an arduous
-one?"
+“Is the journey between this and the Salt Lake you speak of an arduous
+one?”
 
-"It is by no means difficult, except that it were best to carry water
+“It is by no means difficult, except that it were best to carry water
 upon the journey, for the wells are few and often dry; but the country
 is flat for the whole distance; indeed, there is a tradition that this
 gulf at one time extended as far north as the Salt Lake. The road,
 therefore, though stony and rough, offers no difficulties whatever;
 but I should advise you, if you determine upon the journey, to leave
-your son behind."
+your son behind.”
 
-"It is better for him to travel than to remain here without me,"
-Jethro said; "and if we go up through the people you speak of to the
+“It is better for him to travel than to remain here without me,”
+Jethro said; “and if we go up through the people you speak of to the
 west of this lake and river, it would be but a short journey for us
 after disposing of our goods to make our way down to a port on the
 Great Sea, whence we may take ship and return quickly to Pelusium, and
-thus arrive home before we should find a ship to take us hence."
+thus arrive home before we should find a ship to take us hence.”
 
-"That is so," the Egyptian said. "The winds are so uncertain on these
+“That is so,” the Egyptian said. “The winds are so uncertain on these
 seas that, as far as time goes, you might journey by the route you
 propose and reach Egypt more speedily than you would do if you went on
 board a ship at once. The danger lies almost entirely in the first
 portion of your journey. The caravans that go hence once or twice a
 year through Moab to Palmyra are numerous and well armed, and capable
 of resisting an attack by these robber tribesmen. But one left a few
-weeks ago, and it may be some months before another starts."
+weeks ago, and it may be some months before another starts.”
 
-"What animals would you recommend me to take with me?"
+“What animals would you recommend me to take with me?”
 
-"Beyond all doubt camels are the best. They are used but little in
+“Beyond all doubt camels are the best. They are used but little in
 this country, but come down sometimes with the caravans from Palmyra;
 and I believe that there is at present in the town an Arab who
 possesses six or seven of them. He came down with the last caravan,
 but was taken ill and unable to return with it. Doubtless you could
 make a bargain with him. I will send a soldier with you to the house
-he occupies."
+he occupies.”
 
 Jethro found that the man was anxious to return to his own country,
 which lay on the borders of Media, and therefore directly in the
@@ -11101,22 +11068,22 @@ far as the borders of Moab. Highly pleased with the result of his
 inquiries, Jethro returned home and told his companions the
 arrangements he had made.
 
-"I have only arranged for our journey as far as Palmyra," he said, "as
+“I have only arranged for our journey as far as Palmyra,” he said, “as
 it would have raised suspicion had I engaged him for the whole journey
 to Media; but of course he will gladly continue the arrangement for
 the whole journey. He has bargained for an escort of ten men, but we
-will take twenty. There is ample store of your father's gold still
+will take twenty. There is ample store of your father’s gold still
 unexhausted; and, indeed, we have spent but little yet, for the sale
 of our goods when we left the boat paid all our expenses of the
 journey up the Nile. Therefore, as this seems to be the most hazardous
 part of our journey, we will not stint money in performing it in
-safety. I have told him that we shall start in a week's time. It would
+safety. I have told him that we shall start in a week’s time. It would
 not do to leave earlier. You must not recover too rapidly from your
 illness. In the meantime I will make it my business to pick out a
-score of good fighting men as our escort."
+score of good fighting men as our escort.”
 
 In this the Egyptian captain was of use, recommending men whose
-families resided in AElana, and would therefore be hostages for their
+families resided in Ælana, and would therefore be hostages for their
 fidelity. This was necessary, for no small portion of the men to be
 met with in the little town were native tribesmen who had encamped at
 a short distance from its walls, and had come in to trade in horses or
@@ -11136,15 +11103,15 @@ one, therefore capable of protecting itself both on the journey out
 and on its return, they demanded but a moderate sum for their
 services. When the owner of the camels learned that they had decided
 positively to pass to the east of the Salt Lake, he advised them
-strongly, instead of following the valley of AElana to the Salt Lake,
+strongly, instead of following the valley of Ælana to the Salt Lake,
 where it would be difficult to obtain water, to take the road to the
 east of the range of hills skirting the valleys, and so to proceed
 through Petra and Shobek and Karik to Hesbon in Moab. This was the
 route followed by all the caravans. Villages would be found at very
 short distances, and there was no difficulty whatever about water.
 
-"My camels," he said, "can go long distances without water, and could
-take the valley route, but the horses would suffer greatly."
+“My camels,” he said, “can go long distances without water, and could
+take the valley route, but the horses would suffer greatly.”
 
 Jethro was glad to hear that the journey was likely to be less
 toilsome than he had anticipated; and all the arrangements having been
@@ -11155,31 +11122,31 @@ The girls were still in male attire, and rode in large baskets, slung
 one on each side of a camel. The camel-driver walked at the head of
 the animal, leading it by a cord. Its fellows followed in a long line,
 each fastened to the one before it. Jethro, Amuba, and Chebron, all
-armed with bows and arrows, as well as swords, rode beside the girls'
+armed with bows and arrows, as well as swords, rode beside the girls’
 camel. Half the escort went on ahead; the other half formed the rear
 guard.
 
-"Which is the most dangerous part of the journey?" Jethro asked the
+“Which is the most dangerous part of the journey?” Jethro asked the
 camel-driver.
 
-"That on which we are now entering," he replied. "Once we arrive at
+“That on which we are now entering,” he replied. “Once we arrive at
 Petra we are comparatively safe; but this portion of the journey
 passes over a rough and uninhabited country, and it is across this
 line that the wandering tribesmen pass in their journeys to or from
 the pastures round Mount Sinai. The steep hills on our left form at
 once a hiding-place and a lookout. There they can watch for travelers
-passing along this road, and swoop down upon them."
+passing along this road, and swoop down upon them.”
 
-"How long shall we be reaching Petra?"
+“How long shall we be reaching Petra?”
 
-"It is three days' fair traveling; but as the beasts are fresh, by
+“It is three days’ fair traveling; but as the beasts are fresh, by
 journeying well on to sundown we could accomplish it in two days.
 After that we can travel at our ease; the villages lie but a few miles
-apart."
+apart.”
 
-"Let us push on, then, by all means," said Jethro. "We can stay a day
+“Let us push on, then, by all means,” said Jethro. “We can stay a day
 at Petra to rest the beasts, but let us get through this desolate and
-dangerous country as soon as we can."
+dangerous country as soon as we can.”
 
 The girls had been greatly amused at first at the appearance of the
 strange animal that was carrying them; but they soon found that the
@@ -11203,28 +11170,28 @@ they arose. They gave a simultaneous cry as the animal rose. They had
 prepared for him to rise on his fore legs, and when his hind quarter
 suddenly rose in the air they were almost thrown from their baskets.
 
-"I don't like this creature a bit," Mysa said as they moved on. "Who
+“I don’t like this creature a bit,” Mysa said as they moved on. “Who
 would suppose that he was going to get up the wrong way first?
 Besides, why does he keep on grumbling? I am sure that Ruth and I
 cannot be such a very heavy load for such a great beast. I believe he
 would have bit us as we got in if the driver had not jerked the rope
 at its head. It must be much nicer to sit on a horse. I am sure that
-looks easy enough."
+looks easy enough.”
 
-"It is not so easy as it looks, Mysa," Chebron replied; "besides, you
-know women never do ride horses."
+“It is not so easy as it looks, Mysa,” Chebron replied; “besides, you
+know women never do ride horses.”
 
-"They do in our country," Amuba said. "When we get there, Mysa, I will
-teach you how to sit on them."
+“They do in our country,” Amuba said. “When we get there, Mysa, I will
+teach you how to sit on them.”
 
-"Ah! it is a long way off, Amuba," Mysa replied; "and I believe this
+“Ah! it is a long way off, Amuba,” Mysa replied; “and I believe this
 creature has made up his mind to shake us to pieces as soon as he
-can."
+can.”
 
-"You should not try to sit stiff," Jethro said. "Sit quite easily, and
+“You should not try to sit stiff,” Jethro said. “Sit quite easily, and
 sway backward and forward with the motion of the basket. You will soon
 get accustomed to it, and will find that ere long you will be able to
-sleep as if in a cradle."
+sleep as if in a cradle.”
 
 They traveled on until the sun was just sinking, and then prepared to
 camp for the night. They had brought with them several skins of water,
@@ -11237,7 +11204,7 @@ in a circle outside.
 
 The men had all brought with them flat cakes, and with these and a
 handful of dates they made their meal; and there was no occasion for
-lighting a fire, for Jethro's party had brought an ample store of
+lighting a fire, for Jethro’s party had brought an ample store of
 cooked provisions for their own use. In a short time quiet reigned in
 the camp. The journey had been a hot and fatiguing one, and the men
 wrapping themselves in their cloaks lay down, each by his spear, and
@@ -11249,12 +11216,12 @@ The men of the escort were, however, of opinion that there was very
 little probability of any attack before morning, even had they been
 watched by a party among the hills.
 
-"They could hardly hope to take us by surprise, for they would be sure
+“They could hardly hope to take us by surprise, for they would be sure
 that we should set a watch in the darkness. They could not make their
 way down the hills without some noise; besides, they believe the
 powers of evil are potent at night, and seldom stir out of their camps
 after dark. If we are attacked at all, it is likely to be just before
-sunrise."
+sunrise.”
 
 Jethro had therefore arranged that Chebron should keep the first
 watch, Amuba the second, and that he himself would take charge four
@@ -11273,44 +11240,44 @@ in token of amity. Two of the Arabs rode forward to meet them. It was
 some time before Jethro returned to the party, who were anxiously
 awaiting the termination of the colloquy.
 
-"What do they say, Jethro?" Amuba asked as he rode up.
+“What do they say, Jethro?” Amuba asked as he rode up.
 
-"He says, to begin with, that we ought to have purchased from him the
+“He says, to begin with, that we ought to have purchased from him the
 right of traveling across the country. I said that I would gladly have
 paid a moderate sum had I been aware that such was required, but that
-as he was not in AElana I could not tell that he claimed such a right.
+as he was not in Ælana I could not tell that he claimed such a right.
 At the same time I was ready to make an offer of four rolls of
 Egyptian cloth. He rejected the offer with scorn, and after a long
 conversation let me know pretty plainly that he intended to take all
 our goods and animals, and that we might think ourselves fortunate in
 being allowed to pursue our way on foot. I said that I would consult
 my friends; that if they agreed to his terms we would keep the white
-flag flying; if we refused them, we would lower it."
+flag flying; if we refused them, we would lower it.”
 
-"Then you may as well lower it at once, Jethro," Amuba said. "We might
+“Then you may as well lower it at once, Jethro,” Amuba said. “We might
 as well be killed at once as be plundered of all we possess by these
 Arab rascals. Besides, as there are twenty-three of us, and all well
 armed, we ought to be able to cut our way through them. At the worst
 the girls could mount behind us, and we could make a circuit so as to
 avoid the footmen, and if the horsemen ventured to attack us we could
-soon give a good account of them."
+soon give a good account of them.”
 
-"Yes. But we should lose our seven camel-loads of goods, and we shall
-want them for trade as we go along," Jethro said. "I propose that we
+“Yes. But we should lose our seven camel-loads of goods, and we shall
+want them for trade as we go along,” Jethro said. “I propose that we
 should form the camels into a square, as we did last night; that you
 two and six of the men armed with bows and arrows shall occupy it and
 take care of the girls, while the rest of us charge the Arabs. If we
 can defeat the horsemen it is probable that the men on foot will draw
 off. But while we are doing so some of those on foot may rush forward
 and attack you. We will take care not to pursue, and you can rely
-upon our coming to your assistance as soon as you are attacked."
+upon our coming to your assistance as soon as you are attacked.”
 
-"I think that is the best plan, Jethro. We can keep them off for some
+“I think that is the best plan, Jethro. We can keep them off for some
 time with our bows and arrows, for certainly Chebron and I can bring
-down a man with each shot at a hundred yards."
+down a man with each shot at a hundred yards.”
 
 Jethro chose six of the men who professed themselves to be good
-archers. Their horses' legs were tied and the animals thrown down just
+archers. Their horses’ legs were tied and the animals thrown down just
 outside the square formed by the kneeling camels. Strict instructions
 were given to the girls to lie down, and the saddles and bales were
 arranged outside the camels to shield them from missiles. Then when
@@ -11318,7 +11285,7 @@ all was prepared the white flag was lowered, and Jethro with his
 fourteen men rode at full gallop against the Arabs.
 
 Trusting to their somewhat superior numbers the Arab horsemen advanced
-to meet them; but Jethro's party, obeying his orders to keep in a
+to meet them; but Jethro’s party, obeying his orders to keep in a
 close line together with their spears leveled in front of them, rode
 right over the Arabs, who came up singly and without order. Men and
 horses rolled over together, several of the former transfixed by the
@@ -11344,7 +11311,7 @@ missiles they hurled at them. Another minute or two and the Arabs
 broke and fled from the hills, leaving over twenty of their number on
 the ground, in addition to the whole of their mounted men. Jethro had
 now time to look round, and saw for the first time that he had not, as
-he supposed, been engaged with the whole of the enemy's party. While
+he supposed, been engaged with the whole of the enemy’s party. While
 some fifty of them had attacked him, the rest had made direct for the
 camels, and were now gathered in a mass around them.
 
@@ -11364,46 +11331,46 @@ gained their fastnesses they again betook themselves to their slings,
 and the horsemen fell back to the camels. Jethro had not joined in the
 pursuit, but as soon as the Arabs fled had leaped from his horse.
 
-"You were almost too late, Jethro," Amuba said.
+“You were almost too late, Jethro,” Amuba said.
 
-"I was, indeed," Jethro replied. "I thought that I was engaged with
+“I was, indeed,” Jethro replied. “I thought that I was engaged with
 the whole of the footmen, and in the heat of the fight did not notice
 that a party had moved off to attack you. You are terribly hurt, I
-fear, both you and Chebron. Are both the girls unharmed?"
+fear, both you and Chebron. Are both the girls unharmed?”
 
 Mysa and Ruth had both risen to their feet as soon as the attack
 ceased.
 
-"We are both safe," Mysa replied. "But oh, how terribly you are hurt,
-both of you; and Jethro, too, is wounded!"
+“We are both safe,” Mysa replied. “But oh, how terribly you are hurt,
+both of you; and Jethro, too, is wounded!”
 
-"My wound is nothing," Jethro said; "let us look to those of Chebron
-first," for Chebron had sat down against one of the camels.
+“My wound is nothing,” Jethro said; “let us look to those of Chebron
+first,” for Chebron had sat down against one of the camels.
 
-"Do not be alarmed," Chebron said faintly. "I think it is only loss of
-blood; my shield covered my body."
+“Do not be alarmed,” Chebron said faintly. “I think it is only loss of
+blood; my shield covered my body.”
 
-"Now, girls," Jethro said, "do you get beyond the camels, open one of
+“Now, girls,” Jethro said, “do you get beyond the camels, open one of
 the bales of cloth, and set to work tearing it up in strips for
-bandages. I will look after these two."
+bandages. I will look after these two.”
 
 After an examination of their wounds Jethro was able to say that he
 did not think that any of them would have very serious consequences.
-Both had been wounded in the leg with javelins, the side of Chebron's
+Both had been wounded in the leg with javelins, the side of Chebron’s
 face was laid open by a sword cut, and a spear had cut through the
 flesh and grazed the ribs on the right side.
 
-Amuba's most serious wound had been inflicted by a javelin thrown at
+Amuba’s most serious wound had been inflicted by a javelin thrown at
 him sideways. This had passed completely through his back under both
 shoulder-blades and had broken off there. Jethro cut off the ragged
 end, and taking hold of the point protruding behind the left arm, drew
 the shaft through. Then taking some of the bandages from the girls, he
 bound up all the wounds, and then proceeded to examine those of the
 men who were already occupied in stanching the flow of blood from
-their comrades' wounds. It was found that one of the defenders of the
+their comrades’ wounds. It was found that one of the defenders of the
 square was dead and three others severely wounded.
 
-Of Jethro's party two had fallen and all had received wounds more or
+Of Jethro’s party two had fallen and all had received wounds more or
 less severe. Had it not been for the shields that covered their
 bodies, few would have emerged alive from the conflict; but these gave
 them an immense advantage over the Arabs, who carried no such means of
@@ -11418,10 +11385,10 @@ again set out. It was well that they were obliged to proceed at the
 pace of the camels, for several men could scarcely sit their horses,
 and could not have done so at a pace exceeding a walk.
 
-"Now, Amuba, let us hear about your fight," Jethro said. "I have not
-had time to ask a question yet."
+“Now, Amuba, let us hear about your fight,” Jethro said. “I have not
+had time to ask a question yet.”
 
-"There is naught to tell," Amuba said. "We saw you charge down upon
+“There is naught to tell,” Amuba said. “We saw you charge down upon
 their horsemen and destroy them, and then ride into the middle of
 their foot. At once a party of about thirty strong detached themselves
 and made straight for us. As soon as they came within range of our
@@ -11434,12 +11401,12 @@ with us. For a bit, aided by our breastwork, we kept them out. But at
 last they managed to spring over, and although we were doing our best
 and several of them had fallen, we had been wounded, and it would have
 gone very hard with us in another minute or two if you had not come up
-to the rescue. Now let us hear what you were doing."
+to the rescue. Now let us hear what you were doing.”
 
 Jethro then described the encounter he and his party had had with the
 footmen.
 
-"They fight well, these Arabs," he said, "and it was well for us that
+“They fight well, these Arabs,” he said, “and it was well for us that
 we all carried shields; for had we not done so they would have riddled
 us with their javelins. As you see, I had a narrow escape; for had
 that dart that went through my ear been an inch or two to the right it
@@ -11449,7 +11416,7 @@ worse than I did. It was lucky that they did not strike at the horses;
 but I suppose they wanted them, and so avoided inflicting injury on
 them. However, it has been a tough fight, and we are well out of it. I
 hope I shall not be called on to use my battle-ax again until I am
-fighting in the ranks of the Rebu."
+fighting in the ranks of the Rebu.”
 
 
 
@@ -11462,10 +11429,10 @@ HOME AT LAST.
 When they neared Petra a horn was heard to blow, and people were seen
 running about among the houses.
 
-"They take us for a party of Arabs," one of the horsemen said. "As I
+“They take us for a party of Arabs,” one of the horsemen said. “As I
 have often been through the town and am known to several persons here,
 I will, if you like, hurry on and tell them that we are peaceful
-travelers."
+travelers.”
 
 The party halted for a few minutes and then moved slowly forward
 again. By the time they reached the town the news that the party were
@@ -11483,12 +11450,12 @@ and offered a present of fowls, dates, and wine. The news that a heavy
 defeat had been inflicted upon one of the wandering bands excited
 satisfaction, for the interference of these plunderers greatly
 affected the prosperity of the place, as the inhabitants were unable
-to trade with AElana unless going down in very strong parties. Every
+to trade with Ælana unless going down in very strong parties. Every
 attention was paid to the party by the inhabitants. Their wounds were
 bathed and oil poured into them, and in the more serious cases boiled
 herbs of medicinal virtue were applied as poultices to the wounds.
 
-Petra at that time was but a large village, but it after ward rose
+Petra at that time was but a large village, but it afterward rose
 into a place of importance. The travelers remained here for a week, at
 the end of which time all save two were in a fit state to continue
 their journey.
@@ -11496,7 +11463,7 @@ their journey.
 Without further adventure the journey was continued to Moab. On their
 arrival here the escort was dismissed, each man receiving a present in
 addition to the stipulated rate of pay that they were to draw upon
-their return to AElana.
+their return to Ælana.
 
 Moab was a settled country. It contained no large towns; but the
 population, which was considerable, was gathered in small villages of
@@ -11513,7 +11480,7 @@ kept on their way north until they reached the mountainous country
 lying between Assyria and the Caspian.
 
 They met with many delays upon the way, and it was six months after
-leaving AElana before, after passing through a portion of Persia, they
+leaving Ælana before, after passing through a portion of Persia, they
 reached the country inhabited by the scattered tribes known by the
 general name of Medes, and to whom the Rebu were related. Through
 this country Thotmes had carried his arms, and most of the tribes
@@ -11547,7 +11514,7 @@ occupant of the throne was discovered. There would, indeed, have been
 small chance of his being recognized had he been alone. Nearly four
 years had elapsed since he had been carried away captive, and he had
 grown from a boy into a powerful young man; but had Jethro been
-recognized his companion's identity might have been suspected, as he
+recognized his companion’s identity might have been suspected, as he
 was known to have been the special mentor and companion of the young
 prince.
 
@@ -11565,7 +11532,7 @@ previous journeys in the land had acquired a fair knowledge of the
 dialect of the people. They soon learned that an Egyptian garrison
 still occupied the capital, that the people groaned under the
 exactions necessary to pay the annual tribute, and that General
-Amusis, who had, as Amuba's father expected he would do, seized the
+Amusis, who had, as Amuba’s father expected he would do, seized the
 throne of the Rebu after the departure of the main Egyptian army, was
 in close intimacy with the Egyptian officials, and was in consequence
 extremely unpopular among the people. He had, on his accession to
@@ -11583,7 +11550,7 @@ rights, to collect a body of adherents and to seek a new home in the
 far west. Jethro, however, was strongly of opinion that the advice,
 although excellent at the time, was no longer appropriate.
 
-"To begin with, Amuba, you were then but a boy of sixteen, and engaged
+“To begin with, Amuba, you were then but a boy of sixteen, and engaged
 as we were in war with Egypt, the people would naturally have
 preferred having a well-known and skillful general at their head to
 a boy whom they could not hope would lead them successfully in war.
@@ -11593,16 +11560,16 @@ on the throne could do much for the people, and could promote their
 welfare by encouraging new methods of agriculture and teaching them
 something of the civilization in Egypt.
 
-"In the second place, in the four years that have elapsed Amusis has
+“In the second place, in the four years that have elapsed Amusis has
 had time to make himself unpopular. The necessity for heavy taxation
 to raise the annual tribute has naturally told against him, to say
 nothing of the fact that he is said to be on friendly terms with our
-foreign oppressors. Therefore the chances would be all in your favor."
+foreign oppressors. Therefore the chances would be all in your favor.”
 
-"But I have no desire to be king," Amuba replied. "I want to live in
-quiet contentment."
+“But I have no desire to be king,” Amuba replied. “I want to live in
+quiet contentment.”
 
-"You are born to be king, Prince Amuba," Jethro said; "it is not a
+“You are born to be king, Prince Amuba,” Jethro said; “it is not a
 matter of your choice. Besides, it is evident that for the good of the
 people it is necessary that the present usurper should be overthrown
 and the lawful dynasty restored. Besides this, it is clear that you
@@ -11612,25 +11579,25 @@ I am sure that your father would not have advocated it under the
 changed circumstances; besides, I think you have had your fair share
 of wandering and dangers.
 
-"Moreover, I suppose you would hardly wish to drag Mysa with you on
+“Moreover, I suppose you would hardly wish to drag Mysa with you on
 your journey to an unknown country, where all sorts of trials and
 struggles must unquestionably be encountered before you succeed in
-founding a new settlement. I suppose," he said with a smile, "you
+founding a new settlement. I suppose,” he said with a smile, “you
 would not propose leaving her here to whatever fate might befall her.
 I fancy from what I have seen during the last six months that you have
-altogether other intentions concerning her."
+altogether other intentions concerning her.”
 
 Amuba was silent for some time.
 
-"But if Amusis is supported by the Egyptians," he said at last, "and
+“But if Amusis is supported by the Egyptians,” he said at last, “and
 is viewed by them as their ally, I should not be able to overthrow him
-without becoming involved in hostilities with them also. It is not,"
-he went on, seeing that Jethro was about to speak, "of the garrison
+without becoming involved in hostilities with them also. It is not,”
+he went on, seeing that Jethro was about to speak, “of the garrison
 here that I am thinking, but of the power of Egypt behind it. Did I
 overthrow Amusis and defeat the Egyptians, his friends, I should bring
-upon my country a fresh war with Egypt."
+upon my country a fresh war with Egypt.”
 
-"Egypt is, as we have found, a very long way off, Amuba. Occasionally
+“Egypt is, as we have found, a very long way off, Amuba. Occasionally
 a warlike monarch arises under whom her arms are carried vast
 distances and many nations are brought under her sway, but such
 efforts are made but rarely, and we lie at the extremest limit of her
@@ -11645,19 +11612,19 @@ and it may be generations before another monarch may arise thirsting
 like Thotmes for glory, and willing to leave the luxuries of Egypt for
 a course of distant conquest.
 
-"Besides, Egypt has already learned to her cost that the Rebu are not
+“Besides, Egypt has already learned to her cost that the Rebu are not
 to be overcome bloodlessly, and that defeat is just as likely as
 victory to attend her arms against us. Therefore I do not think that
 the thought of the vengeance of Egypt need deter you. In other
 respects the present occupation by them is in your favor rather than
 otherwise, for you will appear before the people not only as their
-rightful king but as their liberator from the hated Egyptian yoke."
+rightful king but as their liberator from the hated Egyptian yoke.”
 
-"You are right, Jethro," Amuba said after a long silence; "it is my
+“You are right, Jethro,” Amuba said after a long silence; “it is my
 duty to assert my rights and to restore the land to freedom. My mind
-is made up now. What is your advice in the matter?"
+is made up now. What is your advice in the matter?”
 
-"I should journey through the land until we reach a port by the sea
+“I should journey through the land until we reach a port by the sea
 frequented by Persian traders, and should there leave the two girls in
 charge of the family of some trader in that country; there they can
 remain in tranquillity until matters are settled. Chebron will, I am
@@ -11670,7 +11637,7 @@ yours. When you have once gained your kingdom you will find in
 Chebron a wise counselor, one on whom you can lean in all times of
 difficulty.
 
-"When we have left the girls behind we will continue our journey
+“When we have left the girls behind we will continue our journey
 through the land, and gradually put ourselves into communication with
 such governors of towns and other persons of influence as we may learn
 to be discontented with the present state of things, so that when we
@@ -11678,9 +11645,9 @@ strike our blow the whole country will declare for you at once. As we
 travel we will gradually collect a body of determined men for the
 surprise of the capital. There must be numbers of my old friends and
 comrades still surviving, and there should be no difficulty in
-collecting a force capable of capturing the city by a surprise."
+collecting a force capable of capturing the city by a surprise.”
 
-Jethro's plans were carried out, and the girls placed under the care
+Jethro’s plans were carried out, and the girls placed under the care
 of the wife of a Persian trader in a seaport close to the frontier of
 Persia; the others then started upon their journey, still traveling as
 Persians. Jethro had little difficulty in discovering the sentiments
@@ -11706,14 +11673,14 @@ of the army which had formerly fought under his orders, and that with
 the assistance of the Egyptians he might be able to form a successful
 resistance to a popular rising.
 
-"I intend," he said, "if possible, to collect a small force to seize
+“I intend,” he said, “if possible, to collect a small force to seize
 the person of the usurper by surprise, and so paralyze resistance; in
 which case there would only be the Egyptians to deal with, and these
 would be starved out of their fortress long before assistance could
-reach them."
+reach them.”
 
 After visiting most of the towns Jethro and his companions journeyed
-through the villages remote from the capital. Here the king's
+through the villages remote from the capital. Here the king’s
 authority was lightly felt save when troops arrived once a year to
 gather in the taxes. Less caution was therefore necessary, and Jethro
 soon made himself known and began to enlist men to the service. This
@@ -11735,7 +11702,7 @@ the town. Upon the appointed day the bands began to arrive. Jethro had
 purchased cattle and provisions, and receiving each band as it arrived
 formed them into companies and appointed their leaders. Great fires
 were lighted and the cattle slaughtered. Chebron aided in the
-arrangements; but Amuba, by Jethro's advice, passed the day in a small
+arrangements; but Amuba, by Jethro’s advice, passed the day in a small
 tent that had been pitched in the center of the camp.
 
 By the evening the whole of the contingents had arrived, and Jethro
@@ -11765,7 +11732,7 @@ ascertain the exact position of affairs there, and to learn whether
 the garrison had been placed on their guard by any rumors that might
 have reached the town of disaffection in the country districts. They
 returned with the intelligence that although reports had been received
-that the late king's son had escaped captivity in Egypt and would
+that the late king’s son had escaped captivity in Egypt and would
 shortly appear to claim his rights, the news had been received with
 absolute incredulity, the king and his Egyptian allies scoffing at the
 idea of a captive making his escape from Egypt and traversing the long
@@ -11787,7 +11754,7 @@ gate was open and unguarded, and if he found that it was closed and
 under charge of an Egyptian guard, he was to tell off fifty men of his
 command to attack and overpower the Egyptians, and throw open the gate
 the instant they heard the trumpet, which was to be the signal for the
-attack of the palace. Jethro's party were, therefore, the first to
+attack of the palace. Jethro’s party were, therefore, the first to
 start, going off in little groups, some to the neighboring ports,
 others direct to the city. Jethro himself was the last to set out,
 having himself given instructions to each group as they started as to
@@ -11797,31 +11764,31 @@ should hear his call upon the horn, which was to be repeated by three
 or four of his followers, who were provided with similar instruments,
 they were to hurry to the spot at the top of their speed.
 
-"One can never tell," he said, when he told Amuba the orders he had
-given, "what may happen. I believe that every man here is devoted to
+“One can never tell,” he said, when he told Amuba the orders he had
+given, “what may happen. I believe that every man here is devoted to
 you, but there may always be one traitor in a crowd; but even without
 that, some careless speech on the part of one of them, a quarrel with
-one of the king's men or with an Egyptian, and the number of armed men
+one of the king’s men or with an Egyptian, and the number of armed men
 in the city might be discovered, for others would run up to help their
 comrade, and the broil would grow until all were involved. Other
 reasons might render it advisable to strike at an earlier hour than I
-arranged."
+arranged.”
 
-"I cannot think so," Amuba replied. "I should say if anything were to
+“I cannot think so,” Amuba replied. “I should say if anything were to
 precipitate affairs it would be most prejudicial. You, with your small
 force, would be certain to be overwhelmed by the large body of
 followers whom, as we have learned, the king keeps in his palace, to
 say nothing of the Egyptians. In that case not only would you lose
 your lives, but you would put them so thoroughly upon their guard that
-our enterprise at night would have little chance of success."
+our enterprise at night would have little chance of success.”
 
-"That is true," Jethro said; "and I certainly do not mean to make the
+“That is true,” Jethro said; “and I certainly do not mean to make the
 slightest variation from the plan we agreed upon unless I am driven to
-it. Still it is as well to be prepared for everything."
+it. Still it is as well to be prepared for everything.”
 
-"Of course I know that you will do nothing that is rash, Jethro. After
+“Of course I know that you will do nothing that is rash, Jethro. After
 being all these years my guide and counselor, I know that you would do
-nothing to endanger our success now that it seems almost assured."
+nothing to endanger our success now that it seems almost assured.”
 
 Jethro had in fact a reason for wishing to be able to collect his men
 suddenly which he had not mentioned to Amuba. He thought it possible
@@ -11829,7 +11796,7 @@ that, as he had said, at the last moment the plot might by some means
 or other be discovered. And his idea was that if that were the case he
 would instantly gather his followers and attack the palace, trusting
 to surprise and to his knowledge of the building in the endeavor to
-fight his way to the king's abode and slay him there, even if he
+fight his way to the king’s abode and slay him there, even if he
 himself and his men were afterward surrounded and cut to pieces. The
 usurper once removed, Jethro had no doubt that the whole nation would
 gladly acknowledge Amuba, who would then have only the Egyptian
@@ -11860,7 +11827,7 @@ impostor might be trading on his name.
 Several bodies of men had been dispatched from the town to the places
 whence these rumors had been received, to ascertain what truth there
 was in them and to suppress at once any signs of revolt against the
-king's authority. This was highly satisfactory news to Jethro, as in
+king’s authority. This was highly satisfactory news to Jethro, as in
 the first place it showed that the king did not dream of danger in his
 capital; and, in the second place, it reduced the number of fighting
 men in the palace to a number but slightly exceeding the force at his
@@ -11874,7 +11841,7 @@ had last been there. The Egyptians had entirely cleared away the huts
 toward the end of the rock furthest from the sea, and had there
 erected large buildings for the use of the governor, officers, and
 troops; and had run a wall across from the walls on either side,
-entirely separating their quarter from the rest of the town. Jethro's
+entirely separating their quarter from the rest of the town. Jethro’s
 friend informed him that the erection of these buildings had greatly
 added to the hatred with which the Egyptians were regarded, as they
 had been erected with forced labor, the people being driven in by
@@ -11888,8 +11855,8 @@ year, however, owing to the absence of any spirit of revolt among the
 Rebu, and to their confidence in the friendship of the king, they had
 greatly relaxed their vigilance.
 
-By nine o'clock all was quiet in the town. Jethro sent out a messenger
-by the road by which Amuba's force would approach, to tell him that
+By nine o’clock all was quiet in the town. Jethro sent out a messenger
+by the road by which Amuba’s force would approach, to tell him that
 the city walls were all unguarded, and that he had better enter by the
 gate half an hour before midnight, instead of waiting until he heard
 the signal for attack. He could then move his men up close to the
@@ -11919,10 +11886,10 @@ rushed in at the head of his band.
 The garrison, headed by the usurper himself, endeavored to stem their
 inrush; but, taken by surprise, half-armed, and ignorant of the
 numbers of their assailants, they could not long withstand the
-determined onslaught of Jethro's men. Jethro himself made his way
+determined onslaught of Jethro’s men. Jethro himself made his way
 through the crowd of fighting men and engaged in a hand-to-hand fight
 with the usurper, who, furious with rage and despair at the sudden
-capture of the palace, fought but wildly, and Jethro's heavy ax soon
+capture of the palace, fought but wildly, and Jethro’s heavy ax soon
 terminated the conflict by hewing clean through helmet and head.
 
 The fall of the usurper was for the moment unnoticed in the darkness
@@ -11931,23 +11898,23 @@ fall back. Then he called upon the garrison to surrender, telling them
 that Amusis had fallen, and that Amuba, the son of Phrases, had
 arrived, and was now king of the Rebu.
 
-"We do not war against our own people. The Egyptians are our only
+“We do not war against our own people. The Egyptians are our only
 enemies. Some of you may know me. I am Jethro, and I call upon you to
 join us and make common cause against the Egyptians, who are even now
-being attacked by our young king."
+being attacked by our young king.”
 
 The garrison were but too glad to accept the terms. Fear rather than
 love had attached them to Amusis; and they were delighted to escape
 the prospect of death, which had the moment before stared them in the
 face, and to swear allegiance to their rightful king. As Jethro
-ceased, therefore, shouts of "Long live Amuba, king of the Rebu!" rose
+ceased, therefore, shouts of “Long live Amuba, king of the Rebu!” rose
 from them.
 
-"Form up in order instantly under your captains," Jethro commanded,
-"and follow us."
+“Form up in order instantly under your captains,” Jethro commanded,
+“and follow us.”
 
 The fray had been so short that it was but ten minutes from the moment
-when Jethro's horn had given the signal for attack to that when he led
+when Jethro’s horn had given the signal for attack to that when he led
 his force, now increased to twice its former dimensions, to the
 assistance of Amuba. When he reached the wall that separated the
 Egyptian barracks from the rest of the town he found that Amuba had
@@ -11962,7 +11929,7 @@ Jethro ordered the troops who had just joined him, all of whom carried
 bows and arrows, to ascend the walls and open fire upon the buildings
 occupied by the Egyptians. Then he with his own band joined Amuba.
 
-"All has gone well," he said. "The palace is captured and Amusis
+“All has gone well,” he said. “The palace is captured and Amusis
 slain. I would do nothing further to-night. The Egyptians are four
 thousand strong, while we have but half that number. It would be
 madness to risk a repulse now. I will send off messengers at once to
@@ -11971,11 +11938,11 @@ them that the usurper is slain, that you are proclaimed king and are
 now besieging the Egyptians in their quarters, and ordering them to
 march hither at once with every man capable of bearing arms.
 
-"In three days we shall have twenty thousand men here, and the
+“In three days we shall have twenty thousand men here, and the
 Egyptians, finding their position hopeless, will surrender; whereas if
 you attack now we may be repulsed and you may be slain, and in that
 case the country, left without a leader, will fall again into
-slavery."
+slavery.”
 
 Amuba, whose armor had already been pierced by several arrows and who
 was bleeding freely, was with some difficulty persuaded by Jethro to
@@ -11995,15 +11962,15 @@ on the terrace, and a minute or two later the Egyptian governor
 appeared on the terrace of the opposite building. Not a little
 surprised was he to hear himself addressed in his own language.
 
-"In the name of King Amuba, son of King Phrases and lawful ruler of
+“In the name of King Amuba, son of King Phrases and lawful ruler of
 the Rebu, I, Jethro his general, summon you to surrender. The usurper
 Amusis is dead and the whole land has risen against you. Our force is
 overpowering--resistance can only result in the death of every
 Egyptian under your orders. Did we choose we could starve you out, for
-we know that you have no more than a week's provisions in your
+we know that you have no more than a week’s provisions in your
 magazines.
 
-"There is no possibility that assistance can reach you. No messenger
+“There is no possibility that assistance can reach you. No messenger
 could pass the watchers in the plain; and could they do so your
 nearest force is hundreds of miles away, and is of no strength to
 fight its way hither. In the name of the king I offer to allow you to
@@ -12018,7 +11985,7 @@ been until now wrung from the land. This he will do as a proof of the
 honor in which he holds your great nation and as a recognition of its
 power. The king ordered me to say that he will give you until
 to-morrow morning to reflect over his offer. If it is refused the
-whole garrison will be put to the sword."
+whole garrison will be put to the sword.”
 
 So saying Jethro descended from the terrace, leaving the Egyptians to
 consider the terms he proposed.
@@ -12071,7 +12038,7 @@ 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
+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.
@@ -12105,7 +12072,7 @@ some sort. They were at once marched up to the Egyptian inclosure.
 Those with bows and arrows were placed upon the walls; the rest were
 massed near the gate in readiness to advance to the assistance of the
 band within should the Egyptians make an attempt to cut their way out.
-In point of numbers Amuba's forces were now superior to those of the
+In point of numbers Amuba’s forces were now superior to those of the
 Egyptians, but he was well aware that the superior arms and discipline
 of the latter would enable them to make a successful sortie should
 they determine to do so.
@@ -12127,32 +12094,32 @@ the parley had taken place on the previous day.
 A few minutes later the Egyptian governor and a group of his officers
 appeared on the opposite house.
 
-"This is King Amuba," Jethro said in a loud voice. "He is here to
-confirm the terms offered yesterday, and to receive your answer."
+“This is King Amuba,” Jethro said in a loud voice. “He is here to
+confirm the terms offered yesterday, and to receive your answer.”
 
-"We are ready," the Egyptian governor said, "to retire beyond your
+“We are ready,” the Egyptian governor said, “to retire beyond your
 frontier, carrying with us our arms, standards, and valuables, it
 being understood that we make no surrender whatever, but that we march
 out on equal terms, holding, as we do, that we could, if we chose, cut
-our way out in spite of any resistance."
+our way out in spite of any resistance.”
 
-"You may hold that belief," Amuba said (and the Egyptian was
+“You may hold that belief,” Amuba said (and the Egyptian was
 astonished at finding that the king, as well as his general, was
-capable of conversing in the Egyptian tongue); "and, indeed, knowing
+capable of conversing in the Egyptian tongue); “and, indeed, knowing
 and honoring the valor of the Egyptian troops, I admit it is possible
 that, although with great loss, you might make your way out, but more
 than that you could not do. You could not hold the country, for you
 have a nation against you. It is doubtful whether you could reach the
 frontier. Surely it is better, then, that you should leave with honor
-and without loss."
+and without loss.”
 
-"As to the tribute that you offer," the Egyptian commander said, "I
+“As to the tribute that you offer,” the Egyptian commander said, “I
 have no power to agree to any diminution of the terms imposed by the
 king, and if it be his will that an army invades your country to
 enforce the former terms, I, with the troops here, must march as
-ordered, without imputation of having behaved treacherously."
+ordered, without imputation of having behaved treacherously.”
 
-"That is quite understood," Amuba said; "but I trust, my lord, that
+“That is quite understood,” Amuba said; “but I trust, my lord, that
 you, having seen for yourself how poor is our country, how utterly
 unable to continue to pay the tribute formerly demanded from us, which
 has already impoverished us to the last degree, will represent the
@@ -12161,9 +12128,9 @@ obtaining his favorable consideration of our case. I can promise you
 that the tribute shall be paid regularly. I regard Egypt as the
 greatest power in the world, and I am most desirous to continue in
 friendly relations with it, and I swear to you that it will be no
-fault of mine if any complaint reach you of trouble on our part."
+fault of mine if any complaint reach you of trouble on our part.”
 
-Amuba's speech was well calculated to soothe the pride of the
+Amuba’s speech was well calculated to soothe the pride of the
 Egyptian. The latter was perfectly conscious, although he spoke
 confidently, that it would be no easy matter for his troops to cut
 their way through the narrow gateway held by the masses of the Rebu,
@@ -12187,7 +12154,7 @@ 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,
+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
@@ -12207,7 +12174,7 @@ 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
+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
@@ -12248,27 +12215,27 @@ were standing timidly at one end of the room, and both bent profoundly
 as he entered. Amuba for a moment paused in astonishment, and then
 burst into a fit of laughter.
 
-"Is this your sister, Chebron, who thus greets her old friend in such
-respectful fashion? Am I myself or some one else?"
+“Is this your sister, Chebron, who thus greets her old friend in such
+respectful fashion? Am I myself or some one else?”
 
-"You are King Amuba," Mysa said, half-smiling, but with tears in her
+“You are King Amuba,” Mysa said, half-smiling, but with tears in her
 eyes.
 
-"That is true enough, Mysa; but I was always prince, you know. So
-there is nothing very surprising in that."
+“That is true enough, Mysa; but I was always prince, you know. So
+there is nothing very surprising in that.”
 
-"There is a great difference," Mysa said; "and it is only right where
-there is such a difference of rank----"
+“There is a great difference,” Mysa said; “and it is only right where
+there is such a difference of rank----”
 
-"The difference of rank need not exist long, Mysa," Amuba said,
-stepping forward and taking her hand. "Chebron, who is your brother,
+“The difference of rank need not exist long, Mysa,” Amuba said,
+stepping forward and taking her hand. “Chebron, who is your brother,
 and like a brother to me, has given me his consent, and it rests only
-with you whether you will be queen of the Rebu and Amuba's wife. You
+with you whether you will be queen of the Rebu and Amuba’s wife. You
 know that if I had not succeeded in winning a throne I should have
 asked you to share my lot as an exile, and I think you would have said
 yes. Surely you are not going to spoil my triumph now by saying no. If
 you do I shall use my royal power in earnest and take you whether you
-will or not."
+will or not.”
 
 But Mysa did not say no, and six weeks later there was a royal
 wedding in the capital. Amuba had at once allotted one of the largest
@@ -12300,7 +12267,7 @@ similar to those of Egypt took the place of pack animals, which had
 hitherto been used for transport, improved methods of agriculture were
 taught, and contentment and plenty reigned in the land.
 
-Chebron remained Amuba's chief minister, adviser, and friend, and
+Chebron remained Amuba’s chief minister, adviser, and friend, and
 under their joint efforts the Rebu rose from the condition of a mere
 settled tribe to that of a small but flourishing nation.
 
@@ -12331,9 +12298,9 @@ worshiped among his people. He was well aware that the success of the
 work was to no small extent due to the earnestness with which Mysa and
 Ruth had labored among the wives and daughters of the nobles.
 
-"How strangely things turn out," Chebron said one day ten years after
+“How strangely things turn out,” Chebron said one day ten years after
 their arrival in the land, when the little party who had traveled so
-long together were gathered in a room in the palace. "At one time it
+long together were gathered in a room in the palace. “At one time it
 seemed that that unlucky shot of mine would not only bring ruin on all
 connected with me but be a source of unhappiness to me to the end of
 my life. Now I see that, except for the death of my father, it was the
@@ -12342,376 +12309,11 @@ have gone on believing in the gods of Egypt; but for that, although
 you, Amuba and Jethro, might some day have made your escape, Mysa and
 I would assuredly never have left Egypt, never have known anything of
 the life of happiness and usefulness that we now enjoy. All this I
-consider I owe to the fortunate shot that killed the Cat of Bubastes."
+consider I owe to the fortunate shot that killed the Cat of Bubastes.”
 
 THE END.
 
 
 
 
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Cat of Bubastes, by G. A. Henty
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