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. The yapping of the town curs became less threatening and, by
the time Momus reached the settlement, half-dressed Jews were hurrying
east out of the village after the flying feet of the girl, in pursuit
of the robber.
For unmeasured time, while the moon crossed its meridian and sloped
down the west, the search continued. Momus did not overtake the
fleet-footed party that preceded him. Stragglers that lost interest
dropped back with him from time to time; but finding him dumb and
immensely distressed, they disappeared eventually and returned to the
town. One by one, at times by twos and threes the party dropped off.
The three or four who remained helpful continued against hope, for
simple pity for the girl. But when she dropped suddenly by the
wayside, exhausted with the strain of many troubles, they stopped to
tell her that the chase was fruitless and to offer their rough
condolences.
Then Momus hobbled up to them. Laodice refused to raise her head to
listen to them and they turned to the old man. But by signs, he showed
them that his tongue was dead, and finally, with suppressed remarks
upon the exceeding misfortune of the pair, they, too, disappeared. A
thoughtful one invited them to return to the village. Laodice,
careless now of what he should think of his exposure to pestilence,
told him bluntly that they were unclean. Hastily he exclaimed at the
sum of their troubles, hastily blessed them, and hastily departed.
There was a pallor along the under-rim of the east; the wind freshened
with the sweet vigor of early morning.
Over the stunned silence came the sound of the infinite trotting of
tiny hooves and a high, wild, youthful yell. Laodice, too worn to
observe, sat still; but Momus, with a rush of old fairy-tales in mind,
sprang to her side and seized her arm. His alarmed eyes searched the
dark landscape for whatever visitation it had to reveal.