"Another Egyptian comes to govern Masaarah," the old woman observed. "Agistas departed but now, leaving the camp in charge of the under-drivers."
"It makes little odds with us—this change of taskmasters, Deborah—be he Agistas or any other Egyptian. They are masters and we continue to be slaves," Rachel answered after a little silence.
"Nay, art thou losing spirit?" Deborah asked with animation. "How shall the elders keep of good heart if the young surrender?"
"I despair not," the girl protested. "I did but remark this thing; and
I have spoken truly, have I not?"
"Even so. But this evening there must be more recognition in thee of thy lot since it overflows in words. I, too, have spoken truly, have I not?"
Rachel smiled. "It may be," she said.
When they had supped, they went out before the tent to get the cooling air. It was Deborah again that first broke the silence.
"Elias is smitten with blindness from the stone-dust," she said absently.
"For all time?" Rachel asked anxiously.
"Nay, if he could but rest them and bathe them in the proper simples."