ing, and in time found out that they were due to Joram's
promptings."

"My great hope at present is," returned Perreeza, "to be spared long
enough to see substantial fruit spring from Uncle Esrom's bounty."

"I second that hope," said Hananiah. "I wish to see all the returned
captives well provided for. The children of all these families must have
doubled advantages as a measure of restitution. We can accomplish much
with the immense sum at our disposal."

"We ought now, under such favorable circumstances," said Mishael, "to
give Israel a new start in commerce and education. We have the benefit of
Daniel's wisdom in this great undertaking; for, on several occasions
before we left Babylon, he outlined plans by which Joram's wishes might
be carried out in a practical manner. With the present government of
Chaldea to protect our nation, the security of life and property is
assured. We can push our projects as hard as we please, and feel
confident that nothing but good is being accomplished."

The melodious voice of young Rebekah was now heard in another apartment,
warbling one of her sweetest songs.

"Jehovah bless the child!" cried the grandmother. "How that voice of
melody cheers my heart!"

"Mother!" quickly replied Monroah. "Permit me to call her into this
apartment, where she may sing and play thy favorite 'song of Judah.'"

"Thou art ever kind to thy mother, dear Monroah; do as thou desirest."

Rebekah was called.

"Will my daughter sing and play for us her grandmother's favorite 'song
of Judah'?"

"With pleasure, mother," cried Rebekah, as she quickly left the
apartment.

In a moment she returned, bearing in her arms a stringed instrument with
which the reader is somewhat familiar, and proceeded with the following
appropriate song:

"When we our weary limbs to rest
Sat down by proud Euphrates' stream,
We wept, with doleful thoughts oppressed,
And Zion was our mournful theme.

"Our harps, that when with joy we sung
Were wont their tuneful parts to bear,
With silent strings neglected hung
On willow trees that withered there.

"Oh, Salem! once our happy seat,
When I of thee forgetful prove,
Then let my trembling hand forget
These speaking strings with art to move!

"Again we hail the sacred hall,
That echoed to our youthful lays!
And Amonober's children all
Have reached their home to end their days.

"To thee, Almighty King of kings,
In new-made hymns my voice I'll raise,
And instruments of