noon
Those on the right were already wading through the rising water in haste and terror ; for already the commands of the Egyptian leaders were heard in the distance . But the enemy was evidently delayed , and Ephraim easily perceived the cause of their diminished speed ; for the road constantly grew softer and the narrow wheels of the chariots cut deeply into it and perhaps sank to the axles . Protected by the darkness , he glided forward toward the pursuers , as far as he could , and heard here a curse , yonder a fierce command to ply the lash more vigorously ; at last he distinctly heard one leader exclaim to the man next him : `` Accursed folly ! If they had only let us start before noon , and not waited until the omen had been consulted and Anna had been installed with all due solemnity in Bai 's place , it would have been easy work , and we should have caught them like a flock of quail ! The chief-priest was wont to bear himself stoutly in the field , and now he gives up the command because a dying woman touches his heart . '' `` Siptah 's mother ! '' said another soothingly .