“And how old is this young sister, of whom ye speak in such terms of commendation?”

“Perreeza has but just commenced her seventeenth year.”

“This request must be presented before my lord, the king.  Call again at 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 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.”