"Let the issue prove me.

Now descend that you may lock the door behind me.

When I return I will stand in the open space yonder with a slave, making pretence to re-bind a burst bundle of merchandise.

Then come down and admit me without fear." When the Phoenician had gone Nehushta sat by her sleeping mistress, and waited with an anxious heart.

Had she done wisely?
Would Amram betray them and send soldiers to conduct them, not to the ship, but to some dreadful death?
Well, if so, at least she would have time to kill her mistress and herself, and thus escape the cruelties of men.