Daniel loved to pray. He opened the window of his room. The window looked toward Jerusalem. Three times a day, every day, Daniel knelt there and thanked God.

One day they took Daniel down to the lions' den. Inside it was dim and warm. The lions were big, with soft heavy manes.

Daniel closed his eyes and prayed. God sent his angel. The angel shut the mouths of the lions.

And the lions lay down quiet.

One lion yawned, slow and wide. Aaah. Another curled up like an enormous cat. Daniel leaned against a warm furry shoulder.

And the lions lay down quiet.

The whole night went by like that. No roaring. No fright. Only the breathing of the lions. Thum-thum. Thum-thum.

And the lions lay down quiet.

Early in the morning the king came hurrying to the den. He called for Daniel. And Daniel answered:

— I am well. God took care of me.

There was not a single scratch on him.

The sunlight came in slowly past the stone. The lions were still asleep in the sand. Hush. You sleep too, little one. Good night.