The next instant the muffled beat of the padded hooves drummed the solid bed of the Roman road, and the shapes of camels and fugitive were lost in blue darkness beyond the town.
There was no need for the pair left behind to await a realization of all that the loss meant to them.

One running swiftly as a fine young creature can run when spurred by desperation, and the other, lamely but doggedly, as an old determined man, rushed down the rough side of the slope, leaped into the roadway and ran irrationally after the fugitive mounted upon a camel, fleeter than the fastest horse.
Momus saw with fear that Laodice on this straight inviting road would out-distance him to her peril.

He shouted inarticulately after her, but her reply came back, high with desperation and terror.
"The corner-stone of Israel! All his treasure! God's portion, lost, lost!" She was out of his sight.

The sudden barking of dogs told him that she had crossed the outskirts of the village, and groaning with alarm for her the old man stumbled on after her.

He saw lights flash out; heard shouts, and out of the confusion distinguished Laodice's, vehement and urging.