Israel bethought him then that his household must be asleep, and it flashed on his mind that if this were a human voice the singing ought to awaken them.

Just at that moment the night guard went by and saluted him.

"God bless your morning!" the guard cried; and Israel answered, "Your morning be blessed!" That was all.

The guard seemed to have heard nothing.

His footsteps were dying away, but the voice went on.
Then a strange emotion filled Israel's heart, and he reflected that even if it were Ruth she could have come on no evil errand.