of the
king, side by side, they started towards the palace royal. On their way
thither, they were met by the captain of the guard. The old soldier was
overwhelmed with joy to hear once more the familiar voice of his beloved
king. He fell before him, and would have embraced his feet if permitted.
He begged of the king to remain where he was with Belteshazzar, and
permit him to hasten to the palace to herald the joyful news, and return
with the king's old guard to escort him home. The measure struck the king
favorably, and Arioch, with a bounding heart, was on his way. The regent,
Evil-Merodach, was first apprised of the fact, which he received with
demonstrations of joy.

The news was quickly learned by hundreds, and the palace rang with shouts
of rejoicing. The regent, with the guard, was soon on the march for the
place where Arioch had left the king. When they reached the spot, the
monarch arose and gently bowed. His son now ran up to his father, fell on
his neck, and they warmly embraced each other. The old royal guard, as
soon as their emotions were partially subsided, approached as near their
sovereign as they could, and, at a given signal from their captain, they
broke forth in one grand shout that made the forest ring. The king was
deeply moved; he endeavored to speak, but was not able.

The procession was on its way. The king with his son and the prime
minister, was drawn in the royal chariot. Shouts of joy echoed on the
high turrets of the royal mansion as the restored monarch entered once
more through its massive portals, to sit on the throne of his empire.
Heralds were hurried into every part of the city to acquaint officials
with the king's restoration, and on that night the great metropolis of
Chaldea was brilliantly illuminated, and loud shouts of rejoicing burst
forth from thousands of gladdened hearts.

The king resumed the responsible duties of his government amid the warm
congratulations and the best wishes of his courtiers and subjects. New
life was infused into every department of state, and the metropolis once
more appeared to breathe the breath of former years.

Belteshazzar was now to the king a constant and confiding friend. They
conversed together freely on all points, and no measure was put forth
without the consent and approbation of the Rab Mag.

In regard to the God of Israel no doubt remained longer in the mind of
the king. At last he was wholly saved from idolatry. The process of his
c