Smyrna times., 1886-11-03
The Good Flea and the Wicked
King.

The Good Flea and the Wicked
King.
ONE OF VICTOR HUGO'S TALES TO HIS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT GEs-
TUREs.
Once upon atime there was a wicked
King who made his people very un-
happy. Everybody detested him, and
those whom he had put in prison and
beheaded would have liked to whip
him. But how? He was the strongest;
he was the master; he did not have to
give account to any one; and when he
was told that his subjects We're not con-
tent, he replied
Well, what Of it? l don't care a
rap" which was an ugly answer.
As he continued to act like a king.
and as he became every day u little
more wicked than the day before, this
set a certain little Flea to thinking
over the matter 1t was Il little bit of
Flea who was of no consequence at
all, but full of good sentiments. This
is not the nature OF flcas in general, but
this one had been very well brought
up it bit people with moderation, and
only when it was very hungry.
What if l were to bring the King
to reason?" it said to itself. at is
not without danger-but no matter !
I will try ~
That night the Wicked King, after
having done all sorts of naughty things
during the day, was calmly going to
sleep, when he felt what seemed to be
the prick of a pin.
Bite
He growled and turned over on the
other side
Bite! Bite Bite !"
Here it was that the gesture came
in. A sharp slap of the hand indica-
ted where the Flea had attacked the
King, and the story-teller bounded
about on his chair, the better to ex-
press the agonies Of the monarch.
Who is it that bites me so? cried
the King in terrible voice.
It is - replied little voice.
You? Who are you?"
A little Flea who wishes to correct
you ~
"A Flea! Just you wait Just
you wait and you shall see"
And the King sprang from his bed,
twisted his coverings and shook tie
sheets, all of which was quite useless,
for the Good Flea had hidden itself in
the royal beard.
All" said the King, at has gone
now, and l shall be able to get a sound
sleep"
But scarcely had he laid his head on
the pillow, when -
Bite!"
How? What? Again? ?"
"Bite Bite !"
You dare to return, you abomina-
bic little Flea But think for a mo-
ment what you are doing You are
no bigger than a grain of sand, and
yet you dare to bite one of the great
est kings on earth!"
Well, what of it? 1 don't care a
rapW answered the Flea in the very
words of the King.
All, if only had you!'
Yes, but you haven't got me ~
The Wicked King did not sleep at
all that night, and he arose the next
morning in killing ill-humor. Here
solved to destroy his enemy. By his
orders, they cleaned the palace from
top to bottom, and particularly his bed
| room his bed was made by ten old
women, very skillful in the art of CATCH
ing feas. But they caught nothing
for the Good Flea had hidden itself
under the collar of the Kings coat.
That night, this frightful ty-ant, who
was dying for want of sleep, lay back
on both his ears, although this is said
to be very difficult. But he wished to
! sleep double, and he knew no better
way. l wish you may find a better.
Scarcely had he put out his light when
he felt the Flea on his neck.
Bite! Bite !"
All, POUNDS What is this ?"
" 1t is 1.-THE Flea of yesterday"
But what do you want. you rascal
you tiny pest?"
" wish you to obey me, and to
make your people happy :"
Ho, there, my soldiers, nv captain
of the guard, my ministers, my gen
erals Everybody! The whole lot of
you !"
The whole lot of them came in. The
! King was in rage which made every
body tremble. He found fault with
all the servants of the palace. Every
body was in CONSERVATION. During
this time, the Flea, quite calm, kept it.
self hid in the Kings night-cap.
The guards were doubled; laws and
DEGREES were made; ordinances were
published against all fleas: there were
professions and public prayers to ask
of Heaven the determination of the
Flea and sound sleep for the King. II
was all of no avail. The wretched
King could not lie down, even on the
grass, without being attacked bv his
obstinate enemy, the Good Flea. who
did not let him sleep a single minute
Bite! Bitem
1t would take too long to tell the
many hard knocks the King gave him
self in trying to crush the flea; he was
covered with bruises and contusions
AS he could not sleep, he wandered
about like an uneasy spirit. He grew
thinner. He would certainly have
died, If, at last, he had not made up his
mind to obey the Good Flea.
surrender" he said at last, when
it began again to bite him. 81 ask for
quarter. will do what you ask"
So much the better. On this con-
dition only shall you Sleep" replied the
Flea.
Thank you. What must doPn
" Make your people happy !"
have never learned how. l dc
not know how"
Nothing more easy; you have only
to go away"
Taking my treasures with me?
Without taking anything!"
But shall die if have no money!
Well, what of it? I don't care p
replied the Flea.
But the Flea was not hard hearted
and it let the King fill his pockets will
the money before he went away. AnC
the people were able to be very happ,
by setting up a republic -Brdnder MAI
thelOs in November 50. Nicholas.
Excitement in Texas.