In spite of rain, darkness, and thunder the prince's soldiers hurried to bind the Libyans, who made no resistance.
Perhaps they were waiting for Tehenna's command, but he was so crushed that he had not even thought of fleeing.
The storm subsided gradually, and instead of that heat of the daytime a piercing cold seized the desert. The men and horses had drunk all they wanted; the bags were full of water; there were dates and cakes in abundance, so a good disposition prevailed. The thunder grew weak; at last even noiseless lightning flashed less and less frequently; on the northern sky the clouds parted; here and there stars twinkled.
Pentuer approached Ramses,
"Let us return to the camp," said he. "In a couple of hours we shall be there, before the man who has escaped can lead forth an enemy."
"How shall we find the camp in such darkness?" asked Ramses.
"Have ye torches?" asked the priest of the Asiatics.
Torches, or long cords soaked in an inflammable substance they had; but there was no fire, for their wooden fire-drills were rain soaked.
"We must wait till morning," said Ramses, impatiently.
Pentuer made no answer. He took a small instrument from his bag, took a torch from one of the soldiers, and went to one side. After a while there was a low hissing, and the torch was lighted.