A distance away from the road, a man rose and beckoned.

It was the messenger of the morning, disguised, as a beggar.
They went northerly toward the sea.

The mother's straining eyes looked ever forward.

How if the Christians had been discovered! How long the way was! A faintness seized upon her as they neared the sea.

What if her sons were not there?
She hurried forward.
The sea splashed on the rocks at her feet.