the smoke of our morning and evening sacrifices."

"And I trust the youthful maiden of Judah," said the officer, in a voice
far from being firm, "will live to see many happy years in the fair land
of the Chaldeans."

The interview was at an end, and the youths of Judah quietly directed
their footsteps to that beautiful mansion which was well known in that
vicinity as the "House of Amonober."



CHAPTER VIII.

ON THE journey to Babylon, nothing of note transpired. The royal captives
continued to receive peculiar marks of attention and very clear
demonstrations of regard. They readily and justly concluded that all this
originated in the generous heart of Barzello; and thus he became more and
more endeared to them.

The King of the Chaldeans' return to Babylon, at the head of his
victorious army, was hailed with loud acclamations of joy. The great
capital of his extensive empire was filled to overflowing with exulting
thousands, to welcome the victorious monarch from a brilliant campaign.
Proud banners floated in triumph on the high turrets, while a thousand
minstrels filled the air with their high-sounding melody.

Nebuchadnezzar was as yet but a young monarch. He spared no pains to
render himself acceptable to his people, by a worthy deportment and a
liberal encouragement of all improvements throughout his realm, and