But, yonder, behold those champions of moral integrity! Only three
among five hundred thousand! While all besides have bowed the knee, there
they stand! Their figures are heroic, their forms are erect, their arms
folded, while an involuntary smile of contempt plays on their lips.
"By the gods, we have them!" whispered Shagoth, in ecstasies. "Behold,
Scribbo, how erect their posture!"
"Hold thy peace!" whispered Scribbo, in return, "or they will hear us.
When we rise, then we will confront them to good advantage. Thanks to the
gods, they have well favored us."
The signal for the vast throng to arise from their worshiping attitude
was given. No sooner was it heard, than Scribbo and Shagoth walked with
an air of conscious triumph and stood before the three Hebrews.
"And who are these presumptuous and rash mortals," said Shagoth, "who
thus dare to set the laws of the king at defiance? Tremble, ye daring
wretches! for who are ye to withstand the vengeance of our sovereign?"
"To the king, then, we are accountable; and not to thee, thou crawling
reptile," answered Hananiah.
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