Lost Prince Almon (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI God Save the King And So Hillel, still carrying his curious bundle with tender care, was led within, and after much delay stood before Jehoiada in his audience chamber. The high priest sat in a throne-like chair richly carven and inlaid with ivory and gold, on a dais beneath a canopy hung with Tyrian purple. His dress was simple, such as he usually wore in the privacy of his house, when not entertaining distinguished guests or prepared to appear publicly in the exercise of his high office. The old merchant was in no wise daunted by the piercing glance which the pontiff fixed upon him, nor by the almost royal magnificence of the chamber, but he looked askance at the numerous household officers and servants in attendance on their master. "What wouldst thou with me, good man?" asked Jehoiada mildly, as the merchant walked confidently forward. "I pray thee, my lord," said Hillel, bowing low, "to send out from thee all who may hear me, and then thou shalt know." "What strange requirement is this?" asked the high priest, looking with suspicion at the old man and the bundle so carefully guarded in his arms. "But hearken to me, my lord," was the solemn answer, "and I swear to thee that thou wilt thank me for my caution." "Be it so, then," said Jehoiada, for the eyes of the old merchant were so full of kindness and truth that they prevailed. "Beware, my lord," whispered one of the attendants. "Who knoweth but that this may be a snare set by thine enemies to undo thee?" But Jehoiada would not listen, and with a loud voice commanded: "Let all go out hence." And when the two men were quite alone, Hillel tenderly put his burden down before the high priest's chair, and drew away the covering. Then, with a laughing cry, the boy leaped up suddenly, all in th...