The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-06-28
THE DRUMMER AND THE PRIN-
 CESS.
CHAPTER |.

she could win honor for herself and father particularly for her father-was the popular construction. Before the war Graves owned quite a number of slaves, ! and, to surround his home with every 1 possible feature of oriental suggestive ness, seemed to be his chief study. He took up the idea-though whether or nor 1t were based on even tradition 10 one ever knew-that he was descended from royal family of some country. he did no, know which. This made no differ enoe, for, to him, all royal blood was alike, ,ha, the entire world. rather than one particular country, was royalty $ privileged home. in matters of busi- ness the old fellow was pretty sound. as those who had dealings with hin. well knew. As he grew older, ;he belief ;ha. he was of royal blood became firm con- { yiction. and, al one end Of long hall way, he had throne constructed. His overseer discharged the duties of minis ter. His wife was buried with grea; eere- mony, and. instead of the conventional lamb. large crown was chiseled On her tombstone. The war disturbed the old mans reign, but after peace was de- clared, he re- established his court. His daughter Elsie was reared in the belief that she was princess. She was taught al home, and instead of receiving prac- ;ioal education. her mind was ted on wild romances. She sometimes went into society, but with a condescension so painful, ,ha, the young gentlemen of the community. avoided rather than sought, her company. One poor fellow, con- quered by her beauty, ventured to tell her of his love. She was amused instead Of being angered, and told him 10 seek aa audience with the king, her father, and to presen, his petitions n regular court fashion. The young man was ad- miued into the presence oi the king, who. after listening patiently. said:
 Young man, the boldness O. your conduct leads ne to infer .ha, you are of good b.ood.'
 Bet your life, old man. the lover re- piled. live go, good blood and a heap of fit-as good blood as there IS in Arkan- saw"
 The king was startled. ~You do not understand me- he exclaimed ..The blood of .AIkansaw is nc, royal The people of this state are plebeians. My daughter shall marry prince
 Not Bill Prince who runs the ferry, I hope"
 " The only prince who runs ferry is the prince of darkness. My daughter shall marry prince of light
 :" l don, know anything about that. old man, but do know that am mi gh,- fly in love with the gall
 You are no. in love s.gfE the gal. vul- garian. for the sal does not love you. To be be in love with her, would, 10 my mind, imply that you loved each other, which is not the case. Your brazen con- duct merits punishment, bu, the oppres- sive laws to which am bound to sub init, will not allow me to take the proper course in this matter"
 That's where you're off," the young man replied. "rhe law will allow you to take the proper course in this mat;er-,o say, take the gal, would be according to law. Here she is now"
 The princess entered, salu,ed her father and seated herself on the steps of the throne.
 Princess Else.n
 Il await your pleasure. my royal father.'
 "T This man has come to sue for your hand"
 "oh, no, said the young man, ain, come 10 bring suit Go, into one law suit and lost yoke of steers. Don, want any more suits. fyou'll give me the gal, I'll take her, but ain, going to take the affair into court"
 "Avaunt.'' exclaimed the king. Guards, show him out. His ignorance aloae saves him.
 One day, the princess while ou, riding was seen by Chicago drummer. The airy grace of the girl, the loveliness of her face and the richness of her hair. at once claimed the drummer's soul. He made inquiries concerning her, and, at length, after learning her family history, afrayed himself in Mardi-gras costume and visited the large stone house to which old Graves had given the name of pal ace. When the king was informed tha, a prince desired to see him, he convoked his court and ordered the young man to be presented. The drummer, approach ing the throne, bowed with courtly grace, and cast quick glance at the princess, |