Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-08-25


pied knoll overlooking the grove where
the people were gathering. and In the
center of which was the great image
around which the feast was TO be held
the next day.
An unusual commotion a short dis
lance from where Esau sat drew his at
tention. A large group OF travellers had
Just arrived, and IL was evident from
the trappings of the camels and the bag
gage that they were of some rank. AT
that moment Beeri came hurting for
ward. and Esau heard him say.
Welcome, my lord chief Elon, ana
thy people"
Scarcely had he spoken his hearty
greeting when there came bounding
out Of one of the tents near by fair
young woman. With delighted cry
she seized in her arms a damsel stand
Ing near the man just addressed by
Beeri.
"Oh. you did come. didn't you, Bash
emath?" she exclaimed, breathlessly.
Father said your father did not think
he would bring you. and was so dis
appointed"
well, had TO coax 10 come but now
that am here. we will have such fun.
won't we, Judith?" And the two girls
turned and walked back towards the
tent. Both were young and beautiful.
and Esau found himself watching their
animated faces and wondering II he
would meet them on the morrow at the
feast IL was evident that they noted
his presence. for after casting shy
glances in his direction they lowered
their voices 10 almost a whisper, and
then disappeared hastily within the
tent.
Day dreaming, or thinking OF that
antelope you lost this afternoon?" asked
a voice at his elbow. Esau started. SO
absorbed had he been with his own
meditation that he had not heard the
footsteps on the soft turf. and he looked
up 10 see Beeri and his friend standing
before him.
This is Chief Elon. head of one or
the tribes OF the Hittites. Beerl went
on. not noticing the embarrassment of
Esau And then turning to the other
he continued. Chief. this is Esau, the
son OF the great Shieb Isaac"
Both bowed low.
All it is an unusual honor TO have
the son of Isaac al one Of our feasts, ."
Elon remarked graciously
Yea" broke in Beeri. heartily. may
It be the beginning Of closer fellowship
between our people and his
Esau's thoughts reverted 20 the vision
of the two young women. and he re-
/ sponded with some warmth:
1T may be Why should It not be SOP"
That night. long after quiet had set
tied down upon the camp, Esau lay in his
! tent and thought over the strange events
which had brought him there As he
followed out each detail of the day $
| happenings he always came back TO the
incident Of the two young women
Although 20 years old. he had never
4 before met the woman that specially in
terested him. in fact the wild free life
which he led in the fields and the noun
tains took him away from all thought
and inclination for female society
But that night new currents were set
ting in in his life. New visions were
/ opening up before him He called the
words OF Beeri expressing the hope OF
/ closer relations between the Hittite
tribes and the tribe OF Isaac. and he
found the thought growing in favor with
him He grew quite enthusiastic as he
considered the prestige and power which
would come TO his people by an alliance
with the Hittite people. He would
y h.,
ing. Thus thinking. Esau fell asleep.
The next morning he was astir early.
Though stiff and sore from his fall he
sauntered forth and soon found himself
wandering along the bank of the river.
Would he meet the young women that
day. he wondered. He stood absent
mindedly watching the water as 1t rip
Piled over the stones. when voices were
heard approaching and. turning. he be
held the two maidens OF his thoughts
coming toward the river with their
water jars on their heads and chatting
merrily. They did not note his presence
until almost upon him and then stopped
IN an embarrassed sort Of way. and half
turned. as il tempted TO beat hasty re-
treat
And Esau. unused as ne was 10 women
and women's ways. felt half inclined 10
stampede. too, but. resisting the panicky
feeling. he stammered out:
Let me fill your jars for you"
'Oh. thank you. both girls exclaimed.
forgetting their shyness in their grail
tude. and watching with admiring eyes
while the stalwart form of the great
hunter bent low over the rivers brink
and dipped up the water from the cool
depths
How come you 10 be abroad so ear
ly?" questioned Judith Did not the
guest OF my father rest well?"
Yes. my fair one. responded Esau:
there was no lack for the comfort OF
the body. but my mind and heart were
much occupied. and reused me early"
Troubled and anxious TO be back
among your own people," she asked.
half reproachfully.
Nay. rather do begin TO dread the
thought Of coming departure. and
Esau looked tenderly al the woman be-