xtent friendly with the Jews since the time when Babylon was
at its greatest. These three men, who had made a journey which must have
occupied them nearly two years, seemed hurriedly intent on some great
mission, and presented themselves at once before the Tetrarch, Herod,
asking for information. They wanted to know where the Child was to be
found who was born King of the Jews, seeming to think that the Tetrarch
must know and would direct them willingly. They said they had seen the
Child's star in the far east and had come to do Him homage. This was
astonishing information to the Tetrarch. As is well known, there are
many political intrigues in progress now, and Herod has adopted a
severe policy. As between the Romans and the Jews he has been
considerate in the endeavor to preserve pleasant relations with both
parties, but he is most alert. His reply to the magi was that he did not
know where the Child was, but he hoped they would succeed in their
mission. He requested, furthermore, that when they had found the King
they should inform him, that he also might visit Him. The magi departed,
and shrewd officers were at once sent to follow them, but, as
subsequently appeared, with slight success. The magi eluded the officers
and found the Child. Joseph and Mary had moved from the stable into a
house in Bethlehem, and there the three Persians bowed down before the
Babe and, after the style of adoration in their country, presented
gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

These last related facts were learned, as were those first given, in
Bethlehem. The next step in the inquiry was naturally to seek an
interview with the magi, the three travelers from Persia who so oddly
showed their belief in the supernatural nature of what has occurred, but
they were found with difficulty. After visiting the Infant they had
returned at once to town, and it proved a hard task to discover their
whereabouts. It was ascertained, after much inquiry, that three Persians
of the better class had been stopping at a small hotel near the southern
gate, and a visit to the place revealed the fact that they were still
there, though about to leave. They had, after their visit to Bethlehem,
remained close indoors, and, the keeper of the hotel said, seemed
apprehensive of a visit from the authorities. The reporter was presented
to three fine-looking Chaldeans, evidently men of some importance at
home, who received him with reserve, but who, after learning his