The L'Anse sentinel., 1905-11-04

| group of merchantmen engaged in
earnest conversation. From their low
tones and the furtive glances which
they cast in his direction frequently,
he felt that 1t was about him they were
talking.
He knew he was to be sold into
servitude, and that at that very mo-
ment they were planning how they
could make the best bargain. but a
strange calmness and resignation pos
sessed him. When he had been sold
by his brothers to these traders. and
had found himself being carried far
ther and farther from his indulgent
father and the home he SO much loved,
he had been thrown into an agony
of despair and grief, but his nature
was too hopeful and buoyant to be
long under such spell, and instead
of showing resentment towards his
new masters and yielding sullen
obedience to their commands. he tried
to make the best of his misfortune.
The taunts Of his brothers still rang
in his ears and he wondered IL Gods
plans for him were to be thus spoiled
by their plotting and wickedness. He
would do the best he could wherever
circumstances placed him. Surely
God could be with him in Egypt as
well as at home with his father and
brethren. He would try to be faith
full to the God of his father. cost
what 1t would. Such manly. kindly
bearing soon won the favor and con-
fidence of the men into whose power
he had fallen, and after the restraint
and close guarding of the first few
days, larger liberties had been given
him. The fetters had been taken off
his legs and he was permitted to
move about much as be chose, even
going on some occasions quite a dis
tance for the water supply. Where 1t
had been possible they had encamped
by the side of tho well or spring
they chanced to find on the journey,
but tonight they k,ad come to run
ming stream and the camp had been
pitched some distance from its brink
in order that they might take advan-
Nge of the higher ground Taking
the empty water skins on the, back
of one of the asses Joseph started for
the river, while the Ishmaelites con-
tinued their council
"We shall sell him for a goodly
sum-" one of the men was saying.
"Yes," responded the leader of the
company, stroking his scanty beard
thoughtfully, and peering after the
youth with cold, calculating eye, that
measured his favorable points, "he
is well-favored, Of strong limb. ami
able, and willing and capable. I know
the Egyptian who will be willing to
pay roundly for him."
| who? You don't mean Puhor, the
keeper Of the kings gardens?'
| "The same
"By the gods thou art clever" ex-
claimed the first speaker, with a grin.
II was about to suggest him. for he
Is always eager to obtain slaves who
have youth and beauty to commend
them"
yea, and he is always in need OF
more, for under his severe exactions
the strongest soon age and lose their
beauty, and then thou knowest their
fate. But what is ,that?' he ex
claimed, suddenly, as he lifted his
eyes and looked towards the river
The others turned as he spoke and
saw company Of Egyptian soldiers
dismounting and giving their horses
drink near the place where JOSEPH
was engaged In filling the water bot
ties. That they we're impressed with
the attractiveness of the youth wa.
evident from the glances cast in hi,
direction, and after a moments con
versation among themselves the com
mander of the force went to him, bu
Joseph, unable to understand wha
was said to him, indicated by signs
that he belonged to the company O
traders yonder and was being taker
to Egypt to be sold. AS he watchet
the soldiers remount and ride onward
at smart canter, he felt the impuls,
J to jump on the ass and ride ava,
with them. And then as quickly re
: aIizing the folly Of such course. h,
lifted his eyes to heaven and breathe,
q prayer that God would take care o
him