“Ye are surely well adapted for such an undertaking.  By all means, volunteer your services; and remember that, in the midst of your burning patriotism, these young foreigners hold responsible offices, that must be filled by some competent personages.”

“Away, Scribbo, from the sound of this barking dog!” said Shagoth.  And the two office-seekers hurried away in search of the doomed Hebrews.

They had gone but a little distance when they saw the three brothers together, a few rods on the left from the throne.  The two Chaldeans, unobserved, stationed themselves close behind them, and there waited for the grand result.

Soon, a signal was given for the throng to come to silence and order.  This was not easily accomplished.  At length, however, order was fully gained, and breathless silence reigned over half a million of idolaters.  This silence was broken by the loud accents of heralds, who passed through all parts of the assembly, crying at the top of their voices: 

“To you it is commanded, O people of all nations and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the flute or harp, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.  And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”

The heralds returned to their places, and their voices were no longer heard.

The grand signal was given!  The musical instruments poured forth their loud strains, and the great mass fell prostrate before the glittering idol.  But, yonder, behold those champions of moral integrity!  Only three among five hundred thousand!  While all besides have bowed the knee, there they stand!  Their figures are heroic, their forms are erect, their arms folded, while an involuntary smile of contempt plays on their lips.

“By the gods, we have them!” whispered Shagoth, in ecstasies.  “Behold, Scribbo, how erect their posture!”

“Hold thy peace!” whispered Scribbo, in return, “or they will hear us.  When we rise, then we will confront them to good advantage.  Thanks to the gods, they have well favored us.”

The signal for the vast throng to arise from their worshiping attitude was given.  No sooner was it heard, than Scribbo and Shagoth walked with an air of conscious triumph and stood before the three Hebrews.

“And who are these presumptuous and rash mortals,” said Shagoth, “who thus dare to set the laws of the king at defiance?  Tremble, ye daring wretches! for who are ye to withstand the vengeance of our sovereign?”

“To the king, then, we are accountable; and not to thee, thou crawling reptile,” answered Hananiah.  “So haste thee away; and if thou hast any authority, let it be displayed within its own sphere.”

“Ah!” cried Shagoth, “ye are doomed to die!  See ye not the heated smoke of the fiery furnace?  Your guilty and rash conduct shall be made known to the king without delay.  Your guilty career is well-nigh run; and Chaldea shall soon be delivered from the curse of foreign office-holders.”