“How? You speak in riddles to-day.”
“Ay, and there are like to be more riddles tomorrow, for what the upshot of it will be is more than I can tell. See you not that, as the two were lost about the same time, and near the same place, they will probably be found together?”
“Your wits seem to be shaken to-day, old man,” rejoined Bladud, smiling, “for these two were not lost about the same place or time.”
Fortunately for the Hebrew’s peace of mind, an officer accosted them at that moment, and, directing the one to head a band just ready to march, led the other to the force which was to be commanded by the chief in person.
In a few minutes the three bands were in motion, the main bodies marching north, south, and east, while strong parties were sent out from each to skirmish in all directions.
“Think you we shall find them, Hebrew?” asked the chief, who seemed to be in a curiously impulsive state of mind.
“I trust we may. It seems to me almost certain.”
“I hope so, for your sake as well as my own, old man; for, if we do not, I will surely cut your head off for bringing me here for nothing.”
“Does it not seem unjust to punish a man for doing his best?” asked Beniah.
“It may seem so to you men of the east, but to the men of the west justice is not held of much account.”