rned pale, and
the other three appeared to be similarly affected. But Fraggood,
recovering his self-possession, hastened to the rescue.

"Then my lord the king had rather believe a man that defies his power by
boasting his determination to violate the king's decree at least three
times a day, than his faithful servants who honor his laws, and who
desire to bring the guilty to punishment. Let not the king be deceived by
the smooth tongue of this intriguing old Israelite, who can by the
eloquence of his lips give to truth the color of falsehood, and to
deception the appearance of sincerity. Thy servants now in the presence
of the king are ready to prove all the declarations of thy servants who
testified in thy presence yesterday. But what would avail their testimony
in the ears of Darius? But, O king, remember that thy decree hath gone
forth, and it cannot be recalled. And, moreover, it is well understood in
Babylon that Daniel sets thy power at defiance, and thy decision in this
matter is watched for by tens of thousands; and if this Daniel escapes
the punishment of the law, we may as well burn up our statute books and
give absolute liberty to every ruffian and desperado. Law and order will
be at an end, the union of the provinces will be forever dissolved, and
confusion and desolation shall follow. The question now to be settled is
not, 'How came this law to be enacted?' but, seeing that it is enacted,
is there power enough in the king of the Medes and Persians to put it in
force; and, if there is, will he do it? Or does he wish us to retire from
his presence and send forth heralds through the streets of Babylon to
inform the people that the decree enacted a few days ago, and signed
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which changeth not, is
abolished? Shall it be told in the streets of this proud city that Darius
the Mede has so quickly changed his mind and is sorry for what he hath
done, because one of his favorites has violated the law? Thou saidst
yesterday that thy name would go down to posterity as the name of a fool.
The king was far from being believed by thy servant then, but, if thou
persistest in this determination of letting the guilty escape, I know not
but thou wilt cause to be brought about the fulfillment of thine own
prophecy?"

Long and severe was this interview between the king and the conspirators,
and all the weight of their ingenuity was brought to bear on his mind. It
failed to convinc