The rest of the party was now in sight. Two men, one on either side of the ass, were supporting Ruth, who, worn out by the fatigues of the day, could with difficulty keep her seat on the animal. These were her husband and Azariah. Close behind came Micah, carrying on his shoulder the little Judith, who was fast asleep. Then followed Miriam, Judith’s elder sister. The poor child limped sadly along, for her city life had been but a poor training for that long day’s march, and she felt just a little envious of the good fortune which Judith enjoyed in being carried.
Shallum recognized the figures of Seraiah and Ruth, with whom he happened to have had some slight acquaintance in Jerusalem, and from whom indeed he had received no little kindness.
“Benjamin,” he said, in a determined voice, “I know these people, and if I can help it they shall suffer no harm.”
“Well, well; have your way,” said his companion, who indeed was not quite as hard of heart as he would make himself out. “If, as you say, you know them, go down and make friends.”
Shallum at once made his way down into the pass, and, standing in the path, greeted the travellers with the customary salutation, “Peace be with you!”
“What, Shallum!” said Seraiah, “is that you? What brings you here?”
“That were a long story,” returned the man, “and this is not the time to tell it. But can I serve you?”
“Can you find shelter for my poor wife? But it is idle, I fear, to ask you. There can be no inn near this wild place.”
“’Tis true, sir, there is no inn; yet if you can put up with such poor lodging as we can give, the lady will have at least shelter.”
Ruth was lifted from her seat on the ass, and carried between her husband and Azariah up the rocky track that led to the cave, Shallum showing the way with a lighted torch in his hand, for by this time the night had fallen.
Benjamin met the little party at the mouth of the cave. His life of crime had not quenched all kindly feeling in him. He felt, too, that he was a host; and the sense of hospitality, which keeps its hold on an Eastern heart as long as anything good is left to it, bade him do his best for his guests. And the sweet smile of thanks with which Ruth greeted him when she was laid on the couch of cloaks, which the two inmates of the cave had hastily arranged on a pile of heather, won him altogether.