Believe me, I have no prejudice against Christians, since those
of them whom I have met were always honest and paid their debts in full.
I do not wish to see you or your mistress eaten by lions or tortured.
I shall be very glad to think that you are following the maxims of your
peculiar faith to an extreme old age, anywhere, outside the limits of my
grain-store. The question is, how can I help you do this? At present I
see no way."
"The question is--how will you manage to keep your life in you over the
next twelve hours?" answered Nehushta grimly. "Therefore I advise you
to find a way"; and to emphasise her words she turned, and, having made
sure that the door was locked, slipped its key into the bosom of her
dress.
Amram stared at her in undisguised admiration. "I would that I were
unmarried," he said, "which is not the case," and he sighed; "for
then, upon my word, I should be inclined to make a certain proposal to
you----"
"Nehushta--that is my name----"
"Nehushta--exactly. Well, it is out of the question."
"Quite."
"Therefore I have a suggestion to make. To-night a ship of mine sails
for Tyre. Will you honour me by accepting a passage on her?"
"Certainly," answered Nehushta, "provided that you accompany us.
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