"But David did not feel sure that Saul was a true friend. He thought it would be the wisest thing for him to see Jonathan first and ask him to find out how his father really felt.
"Jonathan was a true friend. It did not take him long to learn that Saul was as much an enemy as ever. He must now let David know about it, and prevent his return to the palace. He knew where David was hiding, but he did not dare seek him out.
"Instead of that, he started from the palace to go shooting. He took a boy with him. When he had come close to the place where his friend was hidden, he began to shoot. He spoke to the boy from time to time. He used such words as to let the listening David know that the king was no more his friend than ever."
When Rebecca had got thus far, Miriam looked a little perplexed.
"I don't see how David could understand what he meant," she said.
"He had agreed with Jonathan that certain words should mean certain things, my dear."
"Oh, I see now. Go on with the story, please."
Rebecca smiled pleasantly, and went on.