poor relatives of eight years old and
under. Then ye were heroes in embryo; and now, having grown up, is it any
wonder that the whole realm quakes beneath your tread? Hail! all hail, ye
mighty sons of Skerbood! This is the day in which ye look for the full
realization of your guilty hope, in the death of three of the choicest
noblemen that ever adorned the Chaldean realm. Be not too sure of your
prey. Strange things have appeared in those young men's histories, and
more strange manifestations may yet appear."

"Too long already have we listened to thy insolent and silly harangue,"
said Scribbo. "Right glad are we that these foreign pets, who have so
long been dandled on the lap of royalty, are at last brought to the test.
We only hope that their fanaticism may lead them to disobedience. In that
event, we would ask for no greater pleasure than to be permitted to throw
them into yon blazing furnace."

"Ye are surely well adapted for such an undertaking. By all means,
volunteer your services; and remember that, in the midst of your burning
patriotism, these young foreigners hold responsible offices, that must be
filled by some competent personages."

"Away, Scribbo, from the sound of this barking dog!" said Shagoth. And
the two office-seekers hurried away in search of the doomed Hebrews.

They had gone but a little distance when they saw the three brothers
together, a few rods on the left from the throne. The two Chaldeans,
unobserved, stationed themselves close behind them, and there waited for
the grand result.

Soon, a signal was given for the throng to come to silence and order.
This was not easily accomplished. At length, however, order was fully
gained, and breathless silence reigned over half a million of idolaters.
This silence was broken by the loud accents of heralds, who passed
through all parts of the assembly, crying at the top of their voices:

"To you it is commanded, O people of all nations and languages, that at
what time ye hear the sound of the flute or harp, ye fall down and
worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And
whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into a
burning fiery furnace."

The heralds returned to their places, and their voices were no longer
heard.

The grand signal was given! The musical instruments poured forth their
loud strains, and the great mass fell prostrate before the glittering
idol. But, yonder, behold those champi