The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-08-21

has been hanged"
"Most probably the villain who has
been giving us SO much trouble lately,
was the quiet rsjoinder. swell, he de.
served his fate"
And they passed on.
No sooner were they out of sight thar
our friend slipped down from his exalted
position, and carrying the rope with him.
the road. along which the herdsman would
have to pass. Then he chose another
sturdy LOOKING tree, to a branch of which
he again suspended himself.
The herdsmen were not long in making
their appearance.
There's another poor wretch who has
been hanged" cried one.
ut is the same one we saw before, u
said his companion.
"Nonsense," exclaimed the first speak.
er; ''are you SILLY? How can one man
dead or alive, be in two places at the same
timer"
''I'll bet you new coat that it is the
same"
Done. Well run back to see if the
little man in the mouse colored clothes il
still hanging from the old oak tree. But
first let us tie the bull up"
So they made the animal fast to the
trunk of tree, and then they started of
in desperate hurry to see who had LOST
the bet. But no sooner were they out Of
sight than the little man slipped down
from his perch and walked off in triumph
with the bull.
When he presented himself with the
bull next day before the King, the latter
was very angry, and said unless he stole
his own Queen from his side, he should
surely be hanged.
The little man was much disheartened,
but for all that he determined to try. The
King meanwhile gave the strictest orders
that the Queen should under no circum.
stances expose herself to the danger Of
being induced to go, or forcibly carried
away.
That same evening towards dusk holy
friar might have been seen slowly wend.
ing his way towards the palace to collect
aims and broken meat for the poor. He
begged of every one he met, and when the
Queen had contributed her mite he thank
ed her humbly.
"YouI Majesty is both merciful and
LIBERAL" he then added, land pities am
sure, the poor unfortunate who tomorrow
will expiate his crimes on the gallows.
He Is very anxious to see you, and wishes
to impart to you few secrets of the utmost
Importance"
Secrets" exclaimed the Queen, to
whom few people impaired secrets. 81
should like to know some secrets"
''The first secret will enable you always
to get your own way. The second will
teach you how to retain the affections of
all around you. And the third is the Sc
cret of lifelong beauty"
The Queen jumped up and clasped her
hands. '1'll learn those"
Then you must be quick about 1t, for
the little man can only reveal his secrets
whilst he is free. The very moment he
becomes a prisoner, he loses his power of
imparting them"
Then take me to hun at once-but stop
i forgot-the King has given strict
orders that am not to leave the house. Oh,
what am to do?"
"Then the King is wicked tyrant who
does not deserve to be obeyed. But if you
won't come, why, the secret must die with
its possessor, unless"
"Unless what?" asked the Queen. with
eagerness.
"Unless some more trusting lady
chooses to confide herself to my care"
1t was bad enough to remain in ignor-
ance of the secret herself, but to hear that
another woman might acquire the knowl.
edge which she so apparently coveted, was
gall and wormwood to the Queen. She
hesitated for a minute, and then concluded
to go in spite of her husbands commands.
That evening when before supper the
King was waiting for his spouse. and of.
ticer OF the guard came in and informed
his Majesty that somebody wished to
speak with him."
81 can't see anybody" shouted the
King; 81 am just going to supper"
''Sire," returned the officer, 1.-THE person
Of whom l am speaking is-the little
man. We should have
hanged him then and there at the castle
gates, but he told us he had message of
Importance to deliver to you-some State
secret that had been con6ded to him by
the Queen"
by the Quecn?" shouted the King.
as it possible2 He has actually stolen
the Queen. Bring him hither."
The little mouse-colored man entered,
made low low to the King, and another
10 the officers of the court, and then wait
ed to hear what the former had to say to
him. There was nothing meek or humble
in the little mans demeanor now. On the
contrary, he looked as if tn say: Catch
me if you cant"
What have you done with the Queen9"
roared the King.
Don't put yourself out about her.
She is all night. She'll be here directly"
was the calm reply.
"You have stolen her, you thief"
"You ordered me to do so."
But Observation-Disclosures did you
teal her?''
"Did you not pass friar on your road
Yes"
81 vas the friar. Your wife will be |
here soon. Ny grand chamberlain is es-
,ortine her home now"
Your grand chamberlain,
"Yes. Ny grand chamberlain. King,
may IS well tell You at once who am.
vay hither to ask your consent to my mar
lage with your only daughter, when q
udden storm compelled me to take refuge
nth my chamberlain IN the priests cot
age at Skalkolt. After leaving the cot
age, chance threw me in the way of that
most simple minded of peasants, poor old
'ritz with whom have lodged ever since
found the good man and his wife starv-
ng. and, as Prince. naturally could not
ccept their hospitality without making
hem some return. Not having my purse
nth me. ! raised forced loan. and"
''Ye-es. replied the King, thoughtful
:: that Is certainly the case. And, any
ray. Prince. l had rather have YOU as q
than as neiehhor. especially