But
he could never repeat more than the first two lines of the hymn--
When Israel of the Lord believed
Out of the land of bondage came.
He said them over and over thousands of times. The driver turned in the saddle
to see if there were any chance of capturing the revolver and ending the ride.
Dick roused, struck him over the head with the butt, and stormed himself wide
awake. Somebody hidden in a clump of camel-thorn shouted as the camel toiled up
rising ground. A shot was fired, and the silence shut down again, bringing the
desire to sleep. Dick could think no longer. He was too tired and stiff and
cramped to do more than nod uneasily from time to time, waking with a start and
punching the driver with the pistol.
"Is there a moon?" he asked drowsily.
"She is near her setting."
"I wish that I could see her. Halt the camel. At least let me hear the desert
talk."
The man obeyed. Out of the utter stillness came one breath of wind. It rattled
the dead leaves of a shrub some distance away and ceased. A handful of dry
earth detached itself from the edge of a rail trench and crumbled softly to the
bottom.
"Go on. The night is very cold."
Those who have watched till the morning know how the last hour before the light
lengthens itself into many eternities.
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