"It must be," said the youth, with a tone of authority which, however, indicated that he was commanding himself rather than her. "The way is full of dangers. Few ever cross the great gorge of the lower Kedron; and none but those who know the path. All the wild beasts, driven from the open, find lair in its caves and thickets."
"Then I will follow the highway to Jericho, and there take the road by the sea," said Deborah.
"Men might be more cruel than the beasts," was the Arab's reply. "You cannot go alone. If I may not accompany you, I must follow; for my father's bidding I would not dare to disobey. He will require of me an accounting of my safe conduct of you to the fortress of your kinsman."
"Not if I myself release you from the duty."
"You cannot. Yusef is lord of these hills. Besides you are his guest until the shadow of Masada itself protects you. It shall never be said that ill has befallen the daughter of Elkiah anywhere within the echo of Yusef's or Nadan's bugle."
Deborah replied with look and tone that completely won her companion:
"Sheikh Yusef is very gracious. The house of Elkiah will ever remember his kindness this day, and that of his son."
Nadan fell upon one knee, and kissed the hem of her garment.
"I beg you then to lead the way at once," said Deborah, "for we must hasten."
The Arab readjusted the saddle.