Deborah expressed her gratitude. She looked at the upturned face of Caleb. It was pale and emaciate with fatigue and exposure.
"Surely, this is no place for the lad," she said, as she held his cheeks between her hands.
"As soon as the shadows darken the ravine yonder you will start?" inquired Judas.
Deborah for a moment made no response. She gazed upon the women and children about her.
"And these?"
"They must remain where they are, and share the fortunes of the men. It would be unsafe to move so many. Besides, the castle is a little one, and would not hold them. But you, if I mistake not, as the daughter of Elkiah, have claims of kinship with Ben Aaron, who occupies Masada."
Deborah sought the sky as if in prayer; then she said:
"Judas, call me no longer the daughter of Elkiah. Call me now only one of the daughters of Israel. Why should I flee to the castle when these, as worthy as I, have no such refuge?"
"But surely——"
"Nay, do not entreat me. Tell me, Judas, have you not a vow to live or die in defense of Israel?"