The Tupelo journal., 1905-11-03

AZ WfW " their ultimate des-
~T111)N tination. AS he
IkS~ busted himself
~ about the camp
~ where the night
was to be spent, he watched the little
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 it 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 mn. When he had been sold
by his brothers to these traders, and
had found himself being carried far
Their 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 a 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 if Gods
| plans for him were to be thus spoiled
by their plotting and w~ickedness. He
would do the best he could wherever
circumstances placed him. Surely
| God could be with him in Egypt as
we'll as at home with his father and
brethren. He would try to be faith
full to the God of his father, cost what
it would. And in this spirit he had
busted himself about the camp and
on the journey, helping where he
could, and despite the sadness that
| filled his heart he bore a cheerful
countenance. Such manly, kindly
bearing soon won the favor and con-
| idence 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 letters had been taken off
| his legs and he was permitted to
move about much as he chose, even
going on some occasions quite a dis
lance for the water supply. Where it
had been possible they had encamped
by the side of the well or spring
| they CHANGED to find on the journey,
| but tonight they had come to a run
| ming stream and the camp had been
| pitched some distance from it's brink
in order that they might take advan-
tage 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.
eve shall sell him for a goodly
sum-" one of the men was saying.
EYES," 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, che
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.
81 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 a company of Egyptian soldiers
| dismounting and giving their horses
| drink near the place where Joseph
was engaged in filing the water bot
ties. That they were impressed with
| the attractiveness of the youth was
evident from the glances cast in his
| direction, and after a moments con-
~versation among themselves the COM
mander of the force went to him. but
Joseph, unable to understand what
was said to him, indicated by signs
that he belonged to the company of
traders yonder and was being taken
to Egypt to be sold.
Poor Joseph! How he wanted to
tell him his troubles; how he had
been torn from his home and sold
by his brothers to these traders. How
he wanted to appeal to them for help,
but he knew it was useless, and that
he was powerless to change the fate
which awaited him. AS he watched
the soldiers remount and ride onward
at a smart canter, he felt the impulse
to jump on the ass and ride away
with them. And then as quickly re-
alizing the folly Of such q course, he
lifted his eyes to heaven and breathed
q prayer that God would take care Of
him.
God Who Is everywhere, and Who
] has spoken good concerning the chill.