Save for the sobs and cries of the fugitives who had lost their friends
and goods the night passed in quiet, since, although it was winter, the
sea was calm and none pursued their ship. At daybreak she anchored,
and coming from the cabin with Nehushta, in the light of the rising sun
Miriam saw before her a ridge of rocks over which the water poured, and
beyond it a little bay backed by a desolate coast. Nehushta also saw and
sighed.
"What is this place?" asked Miriam.
"Lady, it is the spot where you were born. On yonder flat rock lay
the vessel, and there I burned her many years ago. See those blackened
timbers half buried in the sand upon the beach; doubtless they are her
ribs."
"It is strange that I should return hither, and thus, Nou," said Miriam
sighing.
"Strange, indeed, but mayhap there is a meaning in it. Before you came
in storm to grow to womanhood in peace; now, perchance, you come on a
peaceful sea to pass through womanhood in storm."
"Both journeys began with death, Nou."
"As all journeys end. Blackness behind and blackness in front, and
between them a space of sunshine and shadow--that is the law. Yet have
no fear, for dead Anna, who had the gift of prophecy, foretold that you
should live out your life, though with me, whose days are almost done,
it may be otherwise.
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