"Shadrach!"

Hananiah, with a slight blush, that rendered him but the more comely,
left his seat, and stood by the side of his cousin, in the presence of
the king.

"Meshach!"

Mishael, with a smile on his lip, and an unfaltering step, found his
place by the side of his brother.

"Abednego!"

Azariah, with a degree of paleness spread over his youthful countenance,
left his seat, and joined his comrades.

"Apgomer!"

Apgomer was startled. The contented youth looked for no such result.
Delighted with the triumph of the Hebrews, and the punishment of his
cousins' vanity, he considered himself well rewarded. But, remembering
himself, he quickly left his seat, and, with a pleasant smile upon his
countenance, he took his place by the side of Azariah.

The parchment was rolled up and delivered over to the king.

The king arose, and thus addressed the five:

"Young men! Your honor cometh not from the king. It is the result of your