"She begged to die with her sons. She said Abraham had built one altar on which to sacrifice to God. She had built seven! And she spoke truly." "It is a noble story of noble people," said the children's father. "There were many like them in that old time. Let us hope there are still many in the world." CHAPTER II. THE GAZELLE "SHALL I help?" asked Solomon. "Yes, indeed. Take the seeds in the skirts of your coat and come along," was the answer. Solomon and Esther were visiting some friends in a village near Jerusalem. It was the month of December and the time to plant the crops in Palestine. "After we have scattered the grain," Solomon's friend Levi said, "the camel shall help us plough the ground. Then the seed will take care of itself." It did not surprise Solomon to hear of a camel drawing a plough. Levi's camel was as useful to him as horses are to farmers in America. Solomon and Esther had been at their friend's many times when the great, slow, clumsy animal helped his master about the farm and garden. "He isn't handsome, but I love the dear old fellow," said Levi. "He is more patient than most camels. I know he is slow beside some of his fellows, but he cannot help that." Levi stroked the camel's head. "There, see! He likes to have me notice him as well as my new pet." The camel bent his head down toward his master, with a look that said as plainly as words, "I love you, master, for you are kind to me." "What is the new pet, Levi?" asked Solomon. "When I get through my sowing, you may go into the house and call Esther. Then you two shall see it together." Solomon could hardly wait for Levi to finish his work. But at last the seeds were all scattered. "I won't go at the ploughing just yet. I am tired, and it is warm. We will rest awhile. I know you are anxious to find out what I have to show you. I got it for my wife, Rebecca." Levi was a young man and had been married only a short time. He was very fond of his pretty wife, and liked to have surprises for her. He led the way to the house where Esther was talking with Rebecca. "Solomon wishes to see our new pet," he said. "Have you told Esther about it?" "Not yet. We will all go together," answered the young Jewess. They went out to the stable and Levi pointed to a bed of straw over in the corner. There something lay curled up and sound asleep. "It's a gazelle. Oh, what a beauty!" cried Esther. "It's only a baby still." "I never saw such a little one before," said Solomon. "May I take it up in my arms?" The gazelle waked up at the sound of voices. It opened its soft, dark eyes with a frightened look. "It is very shy," said Rebecca. "But we pet it so much it will soon get over its fear. You children ought to see it run and frolic with me." "Here, little one, come and eat," said the gazelle's mistress, in a low, sweet voice.