the setting of the sun, and ye shall learn his pleasure in this matter.
Be assured that my influence shall be exerted in your behalf."

"And the prayers of thy servants shall always ascend to the God of Judah
for ten thousand blessings on the head of Barzello;" and in the most
respectful manner, they left the apartment.

. . . . . . .

"Barzello," said the King of Babylon, in a pleasant mood, "are my chosen
captives in a ready trim for their departure?"

"All ready at the word of command, O king."

"But what thinkest thou of those brothers? Hast thou had an opportunity
of testing their merits?"

"The brothers and cousins, O king, have been repeatedly in my presence,
and have given me positive proof that they are youths of very superior
abilities and great worth. Their amiable deportment and truly noble
bearing have left on my mind a very favorable impression. Indeed, the
youths of Babylon, who pride themselves so much on their superior
learning and high attainments, might learn precious lessons of wisdom
from these very youths of Judah."

"By the gods! Barzello," said the king, laughing heartily, "if at this
rate these youths continue to grow upon thy good opinion, before many
days thou wilt be a convert to the religion of Judah!"

"Of the religion of Judah I know but little; but if these children are a
fair specimen of its operations, I cannot think that there is anything
very dangerous or offensive in it."

"Well, when we arrive in Chaldea, we shall give their powers a fair
trial. But are there any more brothers in that family?"

"No more, O king," replied the officer, inwardly thanking the king for
the question. "There are but three brothers and one young sister."

"She will be a comfort to her mother in the absence of her sons," said
the king, in a thoughtful mood.

"But the young damsel has no mother. For many years the children have
been both fatherless and motherless."

"Then there must be bitter parting there, Barzello! This young damsel, an
only orphan sister, must be bound to her brothers by more than common
ties."

"True, O king," answered Barzello, somewhat animated. "The thought of
parting grieves them beyond description. It was but this morning that the
brothers sought an interview with me on this very point, and pleaded in
her behalf with such melting eloquence as well-nigh robbed me of all my
generalship. I dismissed them by stating that I w