St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1906-07-07

iMkM lLh,.7 WI ties, and seemed
WbDaM k..NA4kM the gayest Of the
4k@Xkkst.4.i4gV gay, but had
there been any
one present free from the fascination
OF the brilliant scene, and with eyes
to observe he would readily have de-
tected underneath the kings gay ex-
terror nervous apprehension, and
noted that in the depths Of the spark
ling eyes which looked upon the
scene there lurked an expression Of
fear and terror. And IL one had
watched him he would soon have no
ticed that not for an instant did he
lose sight of his first born son in
whose honor the brilliant function had
been arranged. With an eagerness
and intensity almost painful his eyes
followed the young mans every move.
and II for an instant he was lost sight
OF amidst the throng he would start
up uneasily and shift his position un-
TIL he had again brought him within
range of his vision.
Two weeks had passed since his last
interview with Moses, but try as he
would he. could not forget his solemn
warning. He had made light of it. He
had persuaded himself that he In
whom the spirit Of the Egyptian gods
rested had nothing to fear. Day by
day lie had kept his son near him,
quite confident that thus he could
ward of any evil thing which might
seek to overtake him. But as the
days came and went the fear and ap-
prehension wore on his nerves and on
the day before he had sought diversion
for himself and entertainment for his
son in the present function the latter,
all unconscious of the fate which over
Swallowed him, entered with youthful
zest into the feasting and merry-mak-
ing. lie had been half conscious of an
unusual tenderness and solicitude to-
wards him on the part of his father.
but attached no special importance to
it further than to think that his COM
ing Of age and assuming some of the
responsibilities Of the kingdom had
warmed his fathers heart towards
him in a special way and had enlisted
his increasing interest in his behalf.
He was young man Of fine promise
and it was natural that the father
heart should be wrapped up In him
and that he should be planning care
fully for his future. It was his plar
that before many years he would be
sharing the thr )ne with his son, ard
when Moses had come with his last
warning message his words had struck
to the very center Of his heart.
But there was no thought or inclina-
ton on his part Of listening to Moses
or Of needing his warning, for his
naughty. proud, unyielding spirit
turned his heart hard as flint and in
great anger he had driven Moses from
his presence vowing IL he should again
show his face he would lose his life.
But try as he would he could not for
get Moses word Of judgment against
the first born Of Egypt and against
his own son. He did not believe 1t,
and yet he could not dismiss the
| thought from his mind. He had con-
suited the astrologers Of the temple
and his wise men who had assured
him that the stars and all signs were
auspicious for long life and success
| full reign for his son. But notwith-
standing these reassuring words he
| felt apprehensive and whether asleep
or awake the vision of Moses was
ever before him and the words he had
spoken kept ringing In his ears:
"About midnight will Jehovah go
cut in tho midst Of Egypt and all the
first born In the land shall die, from
the first born of Pharaoh even unto
the first born OF the hand maiden. =
midnight" 1.-THE first born, even the
SON Of Pharaoh" How eagerly and
intensely he had watched his son since
fthen! How anxiously he had counted
the time at the midnight hour. Thus
the days had passed.
But he was not content to let the
matter rest there, for he sent his mes
seneers secretly to Goshen to spy on
Moses and find out what was transpir-
ing there. And when he had learned
Of the singular preparations under
way he felt more than ever uneasy and
troubled.
| The last information he had re-
ceived had been obtained the day be.
fore when his messenger told him Of
the preparations which the Hebrews
were making for the sacrifice OF 9
lamb, the blood Of which was to bt
| sprinkled upon the Intel and side
posts Of the doorways OF the people
for, said they solemnly. THE Lord 4
| to pass through the land"
"said they THAR" exclaimed Phar.
laoh. as Moses words came with new
force to him.
"Yes," responded the messenger
who had been deeply impressed with
what he had seen and heard. Yes
the Hebrews seem desperately In earn
| est. and they evidently believe thai
their God is about to do some wonder
ful thing. And % near as could dis
cover from their conversation, the,
expect the visitation at midnight, ant
have all been told to shut themselves
| In their homes. lest death should over
take them"
Pharaoh pa1ed visibly, and silently
and sullenly dismissed his messenger
and then moved BY reckless spirit O
defiance he had planned for the bril-
liant court affair Of that evening
thinking to SO surround himself and
his son With the thrill and throb q
court life as to defy even death.
Pint M the evening wore on Pharaoh