August, 1935
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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them, nor our God either. He says they just happen ! But anyhow, Mother, those plagues don’t come to Goshen any more. Our cattle didn’t die, and our men were not sick. When the dreadful hailstorm came that spoiled all the gardens of Egypt, it didn’t touch us. Zelda’s father says we just happened to be out of its path. And don’t you remember when that awful darkness came, it was all light in Goshen?”
“But you, my child, are wanting to go out of Goshen tonight of all nights! Listen, my child; though it breaks your heart I must tell you. This plague is different from all others. Our God is passing through Egypt tonight to take the eldest son in every house. Only where He sees the sign of blood on the door will He pass over.” Miriam stood with' suddenly blanched face, her hands clasped at her throat, a great fear growing in her eyes. “Oh, Mother! Not every house! He wouldn’t take Balthazar, would He?” “He said every house/’ answered the mother sadly. “From the house of Pharaoh upon the throne, to the house of the maid behind the mill. Those were His very words.” “Oh, Mother, not Balthazar! Don’t say He will take Balthazar! Why, I was to dance with him tonight! And he is sending me flowers!” Suddenly down the path came flying footsteps, a tap sounded upon the door, and Zelda, bright-faced and eager, burst into the room. “Why don’t you come, Miriam? You promised to be over long before this, and where is Joseph? Balthazar says the sun is high and the flowers will droop if they are not picked right away. Won’t you call Joseph, and you both come at once ?” “I—can’t come, Z elda^”' murmured Miriam, whiter lipped, lifting eyes brimming with tears. “You can’t come? Why? What is the matter? You promised ! I am depending on you.” “Zelda rj,something has happened! We have—a feast-A tonight. I did not know about it before. And—we are going on a journey. But—oh—Zelda! It is .¡something more than that! Another plague is coming tonight.” “Another plague! How silly. I thought I had you all over that nonsense. How could you know a plague was coming, and why should that make any difference anyway ? Are you a coward ? We can take care of you if anything happens, though I don’t believe it will.” “You don’t understand, Zelda; this plague is different. Our God will pass through Egypt, and take the oldest son from every house unless the sign is over the door.” “How ridiculous!” laughed Zelda, with a sneer upon her lovely face. “My brother is well and strong. What do you think could happen to him between now and to morrow morning ? I told you all your family were super stitious, and now I know it. There! There is Joseph now in the yard with your father! I ’m going out to make him come home with me. He has common sense. He won’t be afraid to come.” She turned toward the door, her gaze still out the window, but suddenly stopped and drew back, her hands pressing at her throat. “Oh,” she cried out in fright, “what are they doing to that darling little white lamb? Isn’t that the lamb your father had penned up, the one without a single spot? They’re not going to kill it, are they ? Oh, why does your mother let them do that ? That darling little white lamb! I think they are cruel! Oh, see! There is blood!” She pressed her fingers against her closed eyes: “I cannot bear the sight of blood! It makes me feel fain t!” Then opening her eyes almost against her will she looked again: “Why are they dipping that bunch of hyssop in the lamb’s blood? Why are they doing that? Miriam, do you see ? They are smearing it all over the doorposts and over the lintel. Why doesn’t your [Continued on page 308]
"Oh , see! There is blood!"
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