The great image far surpassed anything of its kind within the realm.  Its dimensions were large and well proportioned, its height being twenty cubits, and its breadth six cubits, elevated on a richly gilded pedestal, forty cubits in height, thus being perfectly visible to all the worshipers.  Around its base stood the officiating priests of Belus, with solemn visages, their long flowing robes adorned with numerous articles of rich regalia.

Scribbo and Shagoth, faithful to their revengeful promise, were on the keen alert for the three Hebrews.  In their wanderings they came across Apgomer.

“We are in search of thy three Hebrew friends,” said Shagoth.  “Canst thou inform us where we may find them?”

“I can,” promptly replied Apgomer.  “I know the exact spot on which they stand.”

“This is truly gratifying,” replied Scribbo.  “Now lead us to the spot without delay.”

“To my Hebrew friends your presence would be anything but agreeable; and, as I am under far more obligations to them than to some others, I am very happy to disregard your request.”

“Thou art in command of the same daring insolence as characterized thy school-days,” said Scribbo, in an angry tone.

“To be accused of insolence by the envious sons of Skerbood, is fully equivalent to being called noble and gentle by a worthy citizen,” answered Apgomer, with a smile of contempt playing on his lip.  “So permit me to thank you for the high compliment.”

“Speakest thou so to us, thou insulting pretender!” cried Shagoth, in a rage.  “Thou hadst better depart ere we punish thy insolence with the edge of the sword.”

“Terrible words, surely, from mighty swordsmen!” said Apgomer, smiling.  “Is it any wonder I tremble beneath your gaze?  Even from the days of your childhood your courage and valor have been proverbial.  My cousin Scribbo, at the early age of ten years, would, without fear, push headlong into the water little girls years younger than himself; while the brave Shagoth, at the early age of twelve, could find no more pleasing recreation than to scourge his poor relatives of eight years old and under.  Then ye were heroes in embryo; and now, having grown up, is it any wonder that the whole realm quakes beneath your tread?  Hail! all hail, ye mighty sons of Skerbood!  This is the day in which ye look for the full realization of your guilty hope, in the death of three of the choicest noblemen that ever adorned the Chaldean realm.  Be not too sure of your prey.  Strange things have appeared in those young men’s histories, and more strange manifestations may yet appear.”

“Too long already have we listened to thy insolent and silly harangue,” said Scribbo.  “Right glad are we that these foreign pets, who have so long been dandled on the lap of royalty, are at last brought to the test.  We only hope that their fanaticism may lead them to disobedience.  In that event, we would ask for no greater pleasure than to be permitted to throw them into yon blazing furnace.”