ould 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 ou