"
Amram considered, then replied:
"And what if I also have a knife?"
"In that case," said Nehushta, "draw it, and we will see which is the
better, man or woman. Merchant, your weapon is your pen. You have not a
chance with me, an Arab of Libya, and you know it."
"Yes," answered Amram, "I think I do; you desert folk are so reckless
and athletic. Also, to be frank, as you may have guessed, I am unarmed.
Now, what do you propose?"
"I propose that you get us safely out of Caesarea, or, if you prefer it,
that we shall all die here in this grain-store, for, by whatever god you
worship, Phoenician, before a hand is laid upon my mistress or me, this
knife goes through your heart. I owe no love to your people, who bought
me, a king's daughter, as a slave, and I shall be quite happy to close
my account with one of them. Do you understand?"
"Perfectly, perfectly. Why show such temper? The affair is one of
business; let us discuss it in a business spirit. You wish to escape
from Caesarea; I wish you to escape from my grain-store. Let me go out
and arrange the matter."
"On a plank; not otherwise unless we accompany you," answered Nehushta.
"Man, why do you waste words with us. Listen. This lady is the only
child of Benoni, the great merchant of Tyre.
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