Produced by Al Haines
THE YOKE
A ROMANCE OF THE DAYS WHEN THE LORD REDEEMED THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM THE BONDAGE OF EGYPT
BY
ELIZABETH MILLER
GROSSET & DUNLAP
Publishers -:- New York
COPYRIGHT, 1904
THE BOBBS-MERRILL COMPANY
JANUARY
TO
PERCY MILLER
MY BROTHER
WHO CONSTRUCTED
THE PLOT
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
I CHOOSING THE TENS II UNDER BAN OF THE RITUAL III THE MESSENGER IV THE PROCESSION OF AMEN V THE HEIR TO THE THRONE VI THE LADY MIRIAM VII ATHOR, THE GOLDEN VIII THE PUNISHMENT OF ATSU IX THE COLLAR OF GOLD X THE DEBT OF ISRAEL XI HEBREW CRAFT XII CANAAN XIII THE COMING OF THE PHARAOH XIV THE MARGIN OF THE NILE XV THE GODS OF EGYPT XVI THE ADVICE OF HOTEP XVII THE SON OF THE MURKET XVIII AT MASAARAH XIX IN THE DESERT XX THE TREASURE CAVE XXI ON THE WAY TO THEBES XXII THE FAN-BEARER'S GUEST XXIII THE TOMB OF THE PHARAOH XXIV THE PETITION XXV THE LOVE OF RAMESES XXVI FURTHER DIPLOMACY XXVII THE HEIR INTERVENES XXVIII THE IDOLS CRUMBLE XXIX THE PLAGUES XXX HE HARDENED HIS HEART XXXI THE CONSPIRACY XXXII RACHEL'S REFUGE XXXIII BACK TO MEMPHIS XXXIV NIGHT XXXV LIGHT AFTER DARKNESS XXXVI THE MURKET'S SACRIFICE XXXVII AT THE WELL XXXVIII THE TRAITORS XXXIX BEFORE EGYPT'S THRONE XL THE FIRST-BORN XLI THE ANGEL OF DEATH XLII EXPATRIATION XLIII "THE PHARAOH DREW NIGH" XLIV THE WAY TO THE SEA XLV THROUGH THE RED SEA XLVI WHOM THE LADY MIRIAM SENT XLVII THE PROMISED LAND
THE YOKE
A STORY OF THE EXODUS
CHAPTER I
CHOOSING THE TENS
Near the eastern boundary of that level region of northern Egypt, known as the Delta, once thridded by seven branches of the sea-hunting Nile, Rameses II, in the fourteenth century B. C., erected the city of Pithom and stored his treasure therein. His riches overtaxed its coffers and he builded Pa-Ramesu, in part, to hold the overflow. But he died before the work was completed by half, and his fourteenth son and successor, Meneptah, took it up and pushed it with the nomad bond-people that dwelt in the Delta.
The city was laid out near the center of Goshen, a long strip of fertile country given over to the Israelites since the days of the Hyksos king, Apepa, near the year 1800 B. C.
Morning in the land of the Hebrew dawned over level fields, green with unripe wheat and meadow grass. Wherever the soil was better for grazing great flocks of sheep moved in compact clouds, with a lank dog and an ancient shepherd following them.
The low, shapeless tents and thatched hovels of the Israelites stood in the center of gardens of lentils, garlic and lettuce, securely hedged against the inroads of hares and roving cattle. Close to these were compounds for the flocks and brush inclosures for geese, and cotes for the pigeons used in sacrifice. Here dwelt the aged in trusteeship over the land, while the young and sturdy builded Pa-Ramesu.
Table of contents (by pages)
- 1: The Yoke by Elizabeth Miller
- 2: She removed the cover and set the bowl on the large platter
- 3: She went to the amphora and poured water into the laver
- 4: Merenra and his purple wearing visitor
- 5: And if Merenra return ere thou art safely gone
- 6: Deborah and Rachel overlooked the troubled camp
- 7: The prophetess went on Israel hath been a green tree
- 8: Atsu said to the soldier who was beginning on Judah
- 9: Meanwhile Atsu walked rapidly down the line to Rachel
- 10: None was more stricken in heart than Atsu
- 11: Mentu was worth particular attention
- 12: Three fingers in breadth and ornamented with metal pieces
- 13: Mentu put away the detaining hand and went on with his work
- 14: Kenkenes interrupted with an anxious note in his voice
- 15: Atsu takes his place over the Israelites
- 16: On the shoulders of four stalwart bearers
- 17: Differing from the classic model of Kenkenes
- 18: Nechutes stifled a derisive groan
- 19: Kenkenes did not pause at the cluster of houses
- 20: Kenkenes crossed the court to talk with him
- 21: He had been sent by Snofru to Tape
- 22: The mothers of Khafra and Sigur
- 23: The priest exclaimed as Anubis disappeared
- 24: The pontiff lowered his voice and drew nearer to Kenkenes
- 25: But it is of serious import to to Nechutes
- 26: Ta meri inquired with interest
- 27: Thanks to the luck of Nechutes
- 28: Kenkenes watched them as long as they were in sight
- 29: Kenkenes joined the crowd at this point
- 30: While Kenkenes examined them in detail
- 31: Now turned her head toward Kenkenes and slowly inspected him
- 32: Kenkenes had caught the name of Har hat
- 33: The solemn porter scrutinized the young sculptor sharply
- 34: They were image makers and curriers
- 35: And asked an audience with Meneptah
- 36: Visiting the court of Meneptah
- 37: Who had already sunk into his throne
- 38: The mysteries of the faith are in possession of Mesu
- 39: Rameses raised himself from the back of his cathedra
- 40: 2 Murket the royal architect
- 41: 'The name of Neferari Thermuthis defends her
- 42: Kenkenes went on in a reckless whisper
- 43: And how shall they appease Athor
- 44: But taking a second look at Hotep
- 45: The young man recognized the servant of Snofru
- 46: Kenkenes frowned with vexation
- 47: Who of Memphis will think I come to Masaarah
- 48: If these be Israelites I never saw one before
- 49: Amorous eyes of high born women of Memphis
- 50: Kenkenes opened his eyes in some astonishment
- 51: A curious new comer bowed before Atsu
- 52: Commander over the Builders of Pa Ramesu
- 53: The new taskmaster over Pa Ramesu
- 54: Ranas stood speechless for an instant
- 55: At last he began the creation of Athor the Golden
- 56: Whose command I most deliberately broke
- 57: Kenkenes understood the look but he did not flinch
- 58: Kenkenes gasped and retreated a step
- 59: Nechutes hath more to tell than that
- 60: Nechutes added in a meek voice
- 61: Nechutes looked at her with reproach in his eyes
- 62: Nechutes has misconducted himself
- 63: Deborah be he Agistas or any other Egyptian
- 64: The queen and Moses used the attar
- 65: And Rameses remembered not his father's covenant
- 66: Rachel turned about and faced Atsu
- 67: Kenkenes watched his father grow young again
- 68: He is a foster brother to Meneptah
- 69: Gave the information into the hands of Mesu himself
- 70: And covered linen scrolls with drawings
- 71: Kenkenes interrupted her with his thanks
- 72: We have but sojourned here a night
- 73: Kenkenes noted her silence and spoke again
- 74: 'Thy god sendeth plague and affliction
- 75: Kenkenes took to be the taskmaster
- 76: Meneptah hastened to meet them
- 77: Kenkenes recognized her with a sudden warmth about his heart
- 78: I have not seen thy father yet
- 79: Ta meri retreated protesting to the prow again
- 80: His very frankness disclaims any heart interest in Ta user
- 81: Senci sat with Ta meri's head in her lap
- 82: As Kenkenes lowered the weapon
- 83: Kenkenes from his aery watched her
- 84: Kenkenes all but satisfied himself
- 85: Kenkenes did not speak immediately
- 86: Dear to the Egyptian sculptor as his bones
- 87: Kenkenes had forsworn some little prejudice
- 88: And purple wearing Egypt would have kissed her sandal
- 89: Rachel had revered her people's song
- 90: Rachel watched with absorbed interest
- 91: CHAPTER XVITEE ADVICE OF HOTEPIf Mentu
- 92: He was impatient with Kenkenes
- 93: But Hotep did not seem to hear
- 94: Kenkenes raised his eyes to the heights of the west
- 95: I have made my peace with Athor
- 96: And now thou boastest that Athor abetted thee
- 97: The more dismayed Hotep might be
- 98: Thou didst plead offense to Athor and didst boast her pardon
- 99: Kenkenes and having grown bold thereby
- 100: And Mentu and Nechutes entered on the routine of service
- 101: Senci and Hotep's older sister
- 102: Hotep had no need of seers and astrologers
- 103: Kenkenes leaned on his elbow toward him
- 104: Ta meri gathered up the stakes and Nechutes
- 105: But Kenkenes came to the rescue
- 106: Mine exorcism of the Hebrew sorcerer
- 107: Masanath anticipated his intent
- 108: His experience with Hotep had warned him
- 109: The voice of Nechutes was not heard among them
- 110: Across the Nile was the desolate quarry camp for his love
- 111: She looked up into the face of Kenkenes
- 112: On her way back to the camp Rachel met Atsu
- 113: It was the fault of the taskmaster and not mine
- 114: Atsu plunged into the heart of his subject at once
- 115: Atsu stooped and took her hand
- 116: The sculptor turned toward Masaarah
- 117: Which must be told to explain her presence before Athor
- 118: A tall Nubian in a striped tunic
- 119: Kenkenes did not lessen his vigilance
- 120: Atsu meant to escape with me again
- 121: I doubt not Israel of Masaarah
- 122: Which is the greatest monument to Rameses
- 123: Kenkenes paused and laughed a little
- 124: And the answer came up from the hiding place of Athor
- 125: And buried all that was left of Athor the Golden
- 126: Kenkenes returned to Deborah and Rachel
- 127: And I venture there is wine in those amphorae
- 128: Kenkenes looked at the old woman with admiring eyes
- 129: Kenkenes did not answer immediately
- 130: There was Rachel to be comforted
- 131: There ye can abide till I go to Tape and return
- 132: Keep the amphorae filled with water
- 133: He bade Deborah farewell and took Rachel's hand
- 134: He tied his boat to a stake and entered Khu aten
- 135: In some manner the destruction of Khu aten offered
- 136: The mischance did not trouble Kenkenes
- 137: Come and help the unhappy murket
- 138: Atsu had become willing by this time
- 139: Since Hotep had told him of the recent doings of Kenkenes
- 140: If Asar Mut should question him
- 141: The great house of Mentu was darkened
- 142: There is need for the signet now The noble Mentu
- 143: In the plain at its base were the palaces of Amenophis III
- 144: Kenkenes entered and closed the portals behind him
- 145: Kenkenes regained his feet and
- 146: He only grasped the scarab tightly and panted
- 147: Kenkenes was led through the doors
- 148: Kenkenes was led into a corridor
- 149: Kenkenes sat on the floor beside the case
- 150: Kenkenes seized his pen and wrote This from thy subject
- 151: Naught but the darts of Amenti shall delay me
- 152: The next week the Pharaoh would depart
- 153: Thou dost make sport for the Hathors
- 154: All the Memphian nome hath been searched
- 155: Menes cried laughingly to Rameses
- 156: Heardest my words with Masanath
- 157: Masanath is worth more than that
- 158: Hast quarreled with the gentle Seti
- 159: Wilt thou put me aside for Masanath
- 160: Let it return thee to Siptah once again
- 161: It was the next day's noon before Masanath saw her father
- 162: After Rameses after he after he left me
- 163: I have a confederate in Rameses
- 164: The next day after the arrival of Meneptah
- 165: Thereafter even Meneptah saw her rarely
- 166: He controlled himself before Meneptah
- 167: But Kenkenes keeps his counsel
- 168: With great effort Hotep kept a placid face
- 169: His talk of marriage with Masanath was exultation
- 170: That night he wrote to Kenkenes and to Mentu
- 171: Wherein was the murket more immune than his son
- 172: Masanath had given herself up to tears and gloom
- 173: As they passed the stone wharf at Masaarah
- 174: Masanath was silent for a moment
- 175: It was Masanath who must save them
- 176: Masanath would have known it to be Hebrew
- 177: Masanath thrust her fingers through her hair
- 178: The beauty of the picture impressed itself on Masanath
- 179: Masanath obeyed with hesitation and
- 180: Masanath went into the inner chamber
- 181: Deborah muttered under her breath
- 182: Meneptah measured the God of Israel by his own gods
- 183: Meneptah was a man that wished to be swayed
- 184: Meneptah looked in amazement at his scribe
- 185: Meneptah made perfunctory protest
- 186: Seti looked at her reproachfully
- 187: And his share was left with Shaemus
- 188: And whom dost thou trust more than Ta user
- 189: Seti contemplated her with bewilderment in his face
- 190: Nechutes responded uncomfortably
- 191: Rapacious Har hat hath entombed him
- 192: Meneptah frowned with perplexity
- 193: They yet tingle with the kiss of Meneptah
- 194: Masanath raised herself and looked
- 195: The murket looked at her a moment before he answered
- 196: Masanath asked with stiff lips
- 197: Masanath declared hysterically
- 198: At last she broke out Masanath
- 199: Meanwhile Masanath went on pleading
- 200: So here in the canals of the eastern Thebaid
- 201: He could not understand how it came that Ta user
- 202: Kenkenes noted that it was a bari of elegant pattern
- 203: And there they were joined by Anubis
- 204: Anubis was her last hold on Kenkenes
- 205: The world revolved slowly about Rachel
- 206: The wound to the daughter love in Masanath
- 207: Kenkenes sighed from the very heaviness of his unhappiness
- 208: If thou goest into Goshen he began passionately
- 209: Kenkenes recovered himself and retreated
- 210: Kenkenes knew that another plague had befallen Egypt
- 211: Had Rachel gone that way too far and beyond retreat
- 212: Out somewhere in this unlifting gloom
- 213: Kenkenes whirled away with an indescribable sound
- 214: There was yet Atsu to question
- 215: The murket stood very close to his son
- 216: The murket continued with increasing vehemence
- 217: The murket continued stoically
- 218: And Mentu gazed fixedly at the lamp
- 219: Without further counsel with the murket
- 220: But whilom commander over Israel at Pa Ramesu
- 221: If thou lovest Bedouin warfare so well
- 222: She turned about and took the road toward Pa Ramesu
- 223: Likewise the litters were Hebraic
- 224: Caleb saw the meaning of the inscription
- 225: The evilest tie and the strongest between Israel and Mizraim
- 226: And finally returned to the litters
- 227: He looked up the straight highway toward Pa Ramesu
- 228: And Seti regarded the wayfarer with interest
- 229: Seti rejoined with some resentment
- 230: All that I heard in Pithom may be talked openly over Egypt
- 231: They pledged themselves to proceed to Pithom last night
- 232: Meneptah had summoned the court to the royal presence
- 233: Masanath answered by extending her hand to him
- 234: And Masanath continued to the capital
- 235: Masanath set her teeth and prepared to endure
- 236: But for the badge of princehood
- 237: Masanath clasped her hands happily
- 238: And if thou wouldst know how I esteem thee
- 239: Hotep brought it to mine ears months ago
- 240: Masanath saw him through her despairing tears strong
- 241: And yet had not Rachel reviled them
- 242: Masanath recognized as her father's
- 243: Meneptah leaned against his scribe
- 244: Meneptah staggered away from Hotep
- 245: And lifted Meneptah in his arms
- 246: Masanath attempted to return to her apartments
- 247: Kenkenes expressed his gratitude
- 248: Fields and gardens of northern Goshen
- 249: Kenkenes stirred during the tumult
- 250: Jambres made his way to the heavy table and
- 251: But when thou speakest of Israel's sake
- 252: He arose and faced Jambres with kindling eyes
- 253: Jambres looked at Kenkenes with profound admiration
- 254: Then he looked on the funereal capital of Meneptah
- 255: He fixed upon Pithom as the chosen spot for the rendezvous
- 256: Kenkenes approached it dropping with weariness
- 257: Nechutes read the address on the linen scroll
- 258: Meneptah turned his eyes in that direction
- 259: He turned away and faced Nechutes
- 260: Meneptah declared hysterically
- 261: He sprang at Kenkenes and seized his arms
- 262: Walked swiftly over to Kenkenes
- 263: Hotep gazed fixedly at Kenkenes
- 264: Gorgeous from the looms of India
- 265: The cup bearer had brought Hotep with him
- 266: If the Lord God had prepared him against Har hat
- 267: Kenkenes raised the man's head
- 268: Lifted the body of Atsu upon its back
- 269: Some especial blessing laid up for Atsu
- 270: And the radiance had a touch of gold
- 271: Motioned Kenkenes to follow him
- 272: His eyes came back to Kenkenes again
- 273: Kenkenes lifted his head quickly
- 274: The Lawgiver had passed from among them
- 275: Press as the hindmost might upon those forward
- 276: Kenkenes had no very distinct memory
- 277: Kenkenes turned toward the tent
- 278: It made Rachel strong enough to raise him
- 279: She knew that Kenkenes was without
- 280: Kenkenes drew her to him and put his arm about her
- 281: Senci and the murket spoiled Anubis
- 282: Masanath came into the great council chamber
- 283: After much browbeating of the Hak heb
- 284: The genius of Kenkenes did not die
- 285: Half brother to Meneptah and hostile to him
- 286: Daughter of the nomarch of Memphis and beloved by Nechutes
