chamber whence came the sound of prayer. They soon found the spot; the
door was open, and the man of God, on his bended knees, was engaged in
solemn devotion.

They gazed upon him for a moment; he saw them not, for his countenance
was turned in another direction. Fraggood did not wish to return without
acquainting Daniel of his presence, but still he wished to escape an
interview. Therefore, in a voice that the first president would surely
hear, he said:

"We beg pardon for this intrusion. Let us not disturb our most excellent
friend whilst he makes his petitions to his God."

The Hebrew prophet gently turned his head, but he saw only the receding
forms of the members of the "committee" as they hastened to the street
below, and so he continued his supplications to the God of his fathers.

The "Union Safety" men were soon back again at the house of President
Kinggron, and great was the demonstration of joy at the promised success
of their malignant plot.

The next morning witnessed again the guilty form of the leading
conspirator, with his two accomplices, on the way towards the king's
palace. They were admitted, and were soon in the presence of their king.

"And what good thing do the presidents desire of the king?" asked Darius,
in rather a surly mood, for, the more he thought of their new statute,
the more repulsive it appeared in his sight.

"O king, live forever!" replied Fraggood, with a deceitful smile on his