At least so it happened.

Pharaoh might command, but his servants would not obey.

Moreover, the story spread, and that night many deserted from the host of Pharaoh and encamped about us, or fled back towards the cities whence they came.

Also with them were not a few councillors and priests who had talked secretly with Bakenkhonsu.

So it chanced that even if Pharaoh desired to make an end of us, as perhaps he purposed to do in the midnight watches, he thought it wisest to let the matter lie until he had finished with the people of Israel.
It was a very strange night, silent, with a heavy, stirless air.