if he persists in his stubbornness, I shall send sufficient force to drag
him into my presence as a guilty culprit."

The communication was in perfect accordance with the desires and
expectations of the Chaldean officer. Balphoras was in possession of an
amiable mind. He was respectful to his superiors, kind and gentle to his
inferiors. Wherever he was known among his countrymen he was greatly
beloved. However, he was not insensible to injury or indifferent to
abuse. He felt deeply; but had learned to be a greater conqueror than his
master, inasmuch as he that governeth his own spirit is greater than he
that taketh a city. Balphoras, without being unkind or selfish, desired
to witness the humiliation of the King of Judah. The command of his king,
therefore, was put in immediate execution, and the Chaldean minister,
accompanied by a strong and imposing guard, once more was on his way to
demand admission into the presence of the King of Judah.

· · · · · · ·

"Jared! Well would I have served those guilty dogs, if I had given orders
to have their heads taken off. What sayest thou, Jared?"

"They richly deserved it, O king," answered Jared, with his face in
another direction, on which played a suppressed smile.

"Let them beware how they insult the King of Judah! Jared! hast thou
learned aught of Sherakim's whereabouts?"

"Naught, O king."

"Ungrateful dog! Cowardly fool! Miserable brawler!--Sherakim! Bah! Jared,