He mounted his command and ordered an advance.

Approaching the camp, they discovered a fact that the scouts had failed to note; a second train had joined the first, and the little host of Israel was now confronted by twice the anticipated force.

This discovery was made too late for them to retire unobserved.

The men, however, expected their leader to make some inquiry concerning the road and then ride on.

But they had not plumbed the depth of his faith.
As the force neared the camp-fire close to the wagons, the rear of the column was lost in the darkness.