class="c4">"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 would lay their petition before my lord the king, and that I would give them his answer at the setting of the sun."

"Barzello!" said the king, in a firm tone, "I cannot change my purpose in regard to those brothers. Nothing shall prevail upon me to give them up. To Babylon they must go! I have spoken the word! Let there be no pleading in their behalf—I cannot grant their petition."

"I humbly beg my lord the king's forgiveness," replied the officer, with a smile; "but let me assure him that the noble youths have made no petition of that nature." "But what do they ask?" asked the king, with some astonishment.

"They ask, O king, as the greatest favor, that this their young orphan sister, be permitted by the king to accompany her brothers to the land of the Chaldeans."

"And has not this small favor been granted?"

"Barzello now stands in the presence of his sovereign in behalf of the Hebrew damsel, asking for her a permission."

"And the permission is granted. And furthermore, Barzello, see that she is well provided for, and dealt gently with, for the maiden is of kingly line."

"All this shall be strictly attended to, O king," said the well-pleased officer, as he respectfully left the presence of the monarch.

It was now late in the afternoon. The "regent of day" was gradually fading from the sight of the inhabitants of the valley, and was smilingly sinking beyond the western hills, and Barzello hastened his footsteps toward his headquarters. After having reached his apartment, he seated himself, and indulged in some reflections, which, if we might judge from his countenance, we might pronounce to be of a pleasing nature.

While thug musing, he was roused by the entrance of one of his servants.

"What now, Franzo?"

"Three young men and a damsel stand below, desiring the favor of an interview with my master."

"Let them be conducted into my presence; and see thou to it that they receive due respect from all below. They are persons of distinction."

The sister and brothers were conducted into the presence of Barzello, where again they were received with peculiar attention.

"The officer of the king of the Chaldeans is always happy to meet his young friends, and will consider it a great pleasure to add to their comfort and happiness. And this young damsel, I am led to believe, is your sister of whom ye spake this morning."

"This is Perreeza, our sister, "replied Azariah;" her sense of obligation to our noble friend for his generous feelings in her behalf, has prompted her to embrace the privilege of appearing in person, to acknowledge her deep gratitude."

"It gives me much pleasure to behold your sister, but I am not aware of any service rendered that calls for a great amount of gratitude."

"Thy servants," said Azariah, "in compliance with the directions received this morning, are in thy presence to learn the will of the king, in regard to thy servants' request, as made known to him through the intervention of his generous officer."

"Ye did well to come at the appointed hour. I am always well pleased with strict punctuality. I am happy to inform you, that your request in regard to your sister is very readily granted; and, moreover, the king has given me particular directions to see that she has everything requisite to her perfect comfort in journeying, which directions will be obeyed with the utmost pleasure."

Silent tears of joy coursed down the cheeks of both sister and brothers. They were so affected by the result of their effort, together with the unaffected tenderness of Barzello, that for a short interval they could in no wise give utterance to their feelings. Perreeza was the first to break the spell.

"The most excellent Barzello will please accept the humble thanks of an orphan maiden of Judah, for his kind regards. The God of the fatherless and motherless will surely reward his servant, and cause blessings and prosperity to rest on his household. Thy kindness shall not be forgotten. Our daily prayers shall ascend to the God of Judah in thy behalf, with the smoke of our morning and evening sacrifices."

"And I trust the youthful maiden of Judah,"