“Hark ye!” whispered Fraggood. “Hark!”
“It is the voice of prayer!” said Bimbokrak.
“Silently! Silently!” answered Scramgee, “or he will surely hear us.”
“Follow me!” said the president. “Tread lightly!”
The “committee,” with beating hearts and light footsteps, sought the 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.