The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-02-01

art % bid him welcome homee
rejoice over his victory.
Il am glad othniel went with Mn
she said to herself, and = the -
ton OF The name the color stole 3nfe
her face, for there rs no 2 fAtAAf
depends more upon In dificuity sne
danger than he. Yes she add9e
after a few moments pause. had +
not been for his enthusiasm and AeIp
| father would not have had enough
men to carry out the expedition. az.
he is SO strong, and noble, and brave
and she gave herself up to happy rev
erie from which she was suddenly
aroused by the note OF o horn, 4
looking up quickly she saw coming
across the valley below her father
and his warriors.
Springing to her feet, she sped
down the pathway and was soon
| clasped in his arms, who fastened Tor
ward to meet her, while his men.
stood watching the happy reunion.
And you took the city, father
Achsah askei, eagerly.
= yes, daughter, and / would have
gone against Kirjath-sepher, also, had
I not known that you would be anx-
ious about my return"
And Caleb went on to tell her OF
this second stronghold of the enemy,
and how its capture was necessary
before they could enjoy the fruits Of
their victory over Hebron.
Achsah pursed up her pretty lips,
and a frown settled upon her brow.
Could not / have waited? Did
not l know that God was with you?
Cannot | be brave at home while you
are bravely fighting the enemy? r. she
asked, resentment and disappoint-
ment sounding in her voice.
"Wel spoken, my brave little girl"
exclaimed the father. Il am half
tempted to go back even now and lay
siege to the city. What say you,
menu he asked, turning to his 3
A look of disappointment passed
over their faces at these words, for
they were all eager to get home
again after their fatigue and danger
of the past few days. Caleb noted
the look and then glancing at his
daughters animated face, a sudden
Inspiration came to him, and turning
to his men, he said:
HE that smitheth Kirjath-sepher,
and taketh it, to him will / give Ach.
sab, my daughter, to wife,"
Instantly a half dozen men sprang
forward, and as Achsah stole a shy
glance over her fathers shoulder, she
saw that Othniel was among the
number.
During the days which followed
Achsah's heart was torn by it's con-
fiict of hopes and fears. What II
0thniel did not take the city, and the
pledge of her father should give her
to another? Oh, it could not be.
for there was no more daring and
brave a fighter than he. And she
prayed that fortune might favor his
efforts.
And in the meantime, Othniel,
neryed by the memory of that shy.
beautiful face, pushed forward. rest.
ing neither day nor night as be
worked out his bold plot for the gain.
ing of the inner walls of the city.
This he succeeded in doing, and when
he had thrown open the gates Of the
city, he found his brethren ready to
aid him in the conquest Of the city.
And SO it was that while Achsah kept
her vigil again at the lookout post.
Othniel overthrow the city and turned
his face homeward.
Achsah saw him coming at the
head of his men and, after the first
swift glance of Joy, she fed In maid
emily modesty towards home, but not
before Othniel's quick eye had caught
the futter of her robe in the bright
sunlight, and, running swiftly by a
short cut, he reached a point In her
pathway before her.
All! love, you cannot escape mel"
ne exclaimed, as he sprang from his
hiding place and folded her in his
arms.
"oh, how you frightened metz she
cried. Il thought you were back with
your men"
But he who taketh the quarry,
doth IL by stealth" he rejoined, with
a laugh, "'Twas thus / captured Ktr-
l~ath-sepher, and It's thus I have
taken thee"
Behaves in Ar~ W