When you reach Succoth, if the people have gone before your coming, you will find in the hollow sycamore before Amminadab's house a letter which will tell you whither they have turned their steps.

When you overtake them, give my greetings to my father, to my grandfather Elishama, and to Miriam.
Tell them that Hosea will be mindful of the commands of his God and of his father.

In future he will call himself Joshua--Joshua, do you hear?
Tell this to Miriam first.

Finally, tell them that if I remain behind and am not suffered to follow them, as I would like to, that the Most High has made a different disposal of His servant and has broken the sword which He had chosen, ere He used it.

Do you understand me, boy ?" Ephraim nodded, and answered: "You mean that death alone can stay you from obeying the summons of God, and your father's command." "Ay, that was my meaning," replied the chief.