now to be frightened in my old age from the worship of my God through the
fear of the lions? Is this the strength of Daniel's faith? I laugh to
scorn their blasphemous law!"

Soon after Daniel had left for his devotional exercises, the members of
the "Union Safety Committee" (Fraggood, Bimbokrak and Scramgee) were seen
on their way from the house of Kinggron, moving in the direction of the
house of the first president.

"If we find him in prayer before his God," said Fraggood, "we shall not
be called upon to offer any excuse for our calling. We will ask
forgiveness for the intrusion and retire. But if we find him otherwise,
our object seems reasonable indeed."

"May the gods grant that we need not speak of our object," said
Bimbokrak.

By this time the "committee" had arrived at the door of the mansion.
Fraggood led the way into the office; but the first president was not
there.

"Hark ye!" whispered Fraggood. "Hark!"

"It is the voice of prayer!" said Bimbokrak.

"Silently! Silently!" answered Scramgee, "or he will surely hear us."

"Follow me!" said the president. "Tread lightly!"

The "committee," with beating hearts and light footsteps, sought the