"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.