The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-01-05

little children as mine, there," pointing to them as they stood at her side. @And the King said, too. Whosoever shall of- fend one of these little ones it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea- The King doesn't wish any harm to come of his little ones, in any way remember that"
 "Yes'm," replied Nat, absently.
 Well, then," continued Mrs. Tracy, driving the concluding nail in her argu- ment, |" if any bad, wicked men should come here tonight, and try to hurt me or these little ones that belong to the King, you would help us, wouldn't you !''
 She waited anxiously for the reply. Nat looked at her vaguely for moment, and then his eyes wandered aimlessly around the room and then back to her Finally he said, quietly:
 The King sent me. I'll obey orders. How far he understood she did no, know, and all her efforts could draw ou, no more definite reply, and with that she was obliged to be content As the even ing grew late she provided her guest with sleeping place in an adjoining room by throwing few quilts on the floor-for Nat would sleep nowhere else, and then she laid down without undressing. on a bed beside her children. Bu, it was a long time before slumber visited her troubled spirit.
 As for Nat, no thought of worry or anxiety for the future was on his mind and he slep, the " sleep of the just and his dreams were peaceful. But after a time those dreams became disturbed and disoordant voice seemed to be calling to him from his King, and presently he awakened with T start.
 !" Nat. Help. Nat. the king wants you " came Tn smothered tones from the other room.
 In an instant he sprang lightly to his feet and grasping his stick he strode for ward and opened the door. A fearful struggle met his view as he entered. Two rough, evil-looklng men were there one holding Mrs. Tracy. the other the children and they were evidently trying to bind and gag their victims. As Nat witnessed the scene his tail form seemed to tower yet higher and strange, fierce light S
 belong to the King he thundered, = How dare you offend his little ones?
 At this unexpected intrusion one of the burglars released his hold of Mrs. Tracy, and sprang forward to meet him. But Il was in vain. The great stick was whlrled in the air, and then came down with fearful force on the head of the vil- lain, and he sank senseless to the floor. The remaining burglar hastened to his comrades assistance, but he was like child in the hands of the giant. and in a moment he, too. was helpless and mo- uonless. Nat stopped and drew the two insensbie forms towards him.
 Now bring them ropes, and I'll hang a-he paused, and lei, the sentence un- finished.
 But there aint no millstones bout here to hang round their necks '" he added, looking up bewildered. Do you believe big rock would do? must obey orders"
 No. don't believe rock would do, = replied Mrs. Tracy, smiling in spite of her alarm. " Bu, they'll be coming to. pres ently l would just tie their hands and leave them until morning."
 " Yes m, so 1 will The King said lie 'em hand and foot-that's His orders They won, offend His little ones any more" and in few minutes Nat had them safely secured.
 need not tell of the night that followed. of how Nat kept sleeplcss guard over his captives, and of how. when morning came and help came with it, the burglars were safely lodged in the county laii All tha, Is easily surmsed. But al last Nat was hero no, only in his eyes. but in the eyes of all others. He bore his honors Ineekly and with dignity, as right be- longing to a servant of the King.
 He accepted the numerous congratula- tons and hand shaking. wondering. per haps, what Il all meant, and replying 10 the questions heaped upon him with the simple statement T just obeyed or ders.
 Nothing. however. could induce him to accept any reward for his services The royal command was to take no bread, no money Tn his purse. and he would not
 But Nat did not lack for friends after that. He still continued his wanderngs. ard as the story spread, homes and hearts "ete opeh .u nun Ssci yWHcfc- Dul II WAS at lracys that he was more especially welcomed. and as the years came and went Il was noticed that his visits became more frequent and his stays more pro- longed. Indeed. as Tracy expressed i;:
 He'll get his orders to come here an die. yet, reckon an he's welcome to all the care we can give him. An just be- lieve that away up in that other world we read about, he'll be as clear-headed as anybody, and in genuine earnest will for. ever be on business for the King"
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