The full moon was now almost overhead. The evening air, while calm, had a preternatural closeness and intensity. A portentous pause prevailed--a lingering as if on the brink of fateful destiny. Nature seemed prophetically to be holding her breath. But the reveries of the scions of Benoni were not disturbed by portentous signs. Nothing so motionless could cause them to forget the riches of ancient Hebrew lore, or obscure the bright plans in the near future for Saulus. As each was wrapped in meditation, some time passed without a word being spoken. But at length strains of music in the far distance came floating over the water, and Saulus was aroused by their suggestiveness.
"Attune thy lute, my sister, and sing one of the songs of Israel. If thou wilt, let it be the song of Miriam."
Rebecca took up her favorite instrument, and soon the echoes of her pure voice with its dulcet accompaniment floated out over the waves.
"'Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.'"
Other songs and chants of the Chosen People followed; and then the Holy City, the Temple, and its services formed the theme of converse.
"Peace be with thee, my brother! Have we not come far? Let us turn homeward."
"The evening is well spent; but the Cydnus is serene, and the current favors our return."
The shallop was quickly put about, and Saulus grasped the oars for a steady pull; but, as they turned their gaze down the river, the white roofs and towers of the city were hidden by a great black curtain.
Saulus bent to the oars with an energy born of desperation. Soon a blinding flash of lightning illumined the broad expanse, followed by a heavy peal of thunder.
"The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will be with and keep us, my brother. 'Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.'"
The storm came on apace. The density of the darkness was intensified by the lightning-flashes which like great darting serpents thrust themselves athwart the sky. The fierce roar of the wind was now mingled with the thunder; and although Saulus struggled heroically to keep the sharp prow to the wind, the little craft was borne uncontrollably along, barely being kept upright.