The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-05

mild sarcasm on his lips. He emerged
from the ceremonial chamber with a
bedraggled look, his hair dishevelled, a
sword dangling at his heels, and quiz
zical monkey d-parrot smile about his
features.
The Most Eminent Grand Commander,
Bill Fleming, OF Augusta, who succeeded
Judge Black as Congressman from Tom
Watson's Populistic domain. was on hand,
and the Grand Generalissimo, AL. Wal
ton, who has received the honorary bre-
vet OF Colonel since ne left the West and
settled In Georgia, sat on the left OF
Zerubbabel Jones, his expansive face
beamng with delight from tho last notch
Of his double chin around TO the nape
Of his neck.
The banquet proceeded, and for half an
hour the Jingle OF the knives and forks
kept time to the desultory conversation
carried on among the assembled Knights.
all of whom cast furtiye glances from
time 10 time In the direction of Zerubba-
bel. as II 10 assure themselves that he
had not made his escape. At last the
Eminent Commander arose, and in the
most approved style, called for "a short
talk from our newly-obllgated frater."
Zerubbabel arose very deliberately
Strengthened himself cast reproachful
glance over the assemblage, and, setting
his jaws firmly, began TO address them.
After a few general remarks on the beau
tiful tenets Of the great order Of which
he had been made member, proceeded
to tell story, suggested by his recent
experiences. He said:
when old Daniel refused 10 comply
with the demands OF his enemies they be-
gan 70 threaten him with dire punish
ment. Look ahere. old Teller. II you
don't obey the orders OF the King well
fling you into the Hons den," they said.
but they couldn't scare old Daniel He
realized that he had to choose between
going 20 hell IL he didn't do right and
being flung into 4 lions den II he did. He
was in a pretty bad predlcament, / can
tell YOU but he didn't hesitate long. He
told them that he was going to do Just
as he had been doing. and that he didn't
care a cent whether thelr old King liked
IL or not. SO they yanked old Daniel
up and they took him TO the lions den
and they pitched him into It heels over
head, and they said. Now, old Teller,
we've settled with you
But Daniel was not dlsmayed, and
soon made himself at home among the
lions. He gave them 20 understand that
no was some hon himself. The lions nm
ished gnawing their bones and began TO
stretch themselves out for nap. The
old he lion lay down in a nice clean place
and looked ct Daniel as much as TO say,
Here, Daniel, you come lie down here
and put your head on my shaggy name
for a pillow Daniel did SO, and the
lions soon fell asleep. and all was quiet
and peaceable as Daniel lay there with
his head pillowed on the lions name"
The audience sat breathless while the
speakers face assumed a quizzcal look,
as IL he was recalling his recent expe-
riences.
las he lay there looking up toward the
mouth OF the den old Daniel no doubt
thought OF the choice he had made, and
how lucky he had been in following tho
dictates OF his own conscience. and with
a sigh OF satisfaction he exclaimed;
Well. this beats hellr"
The roar OF applause that went up from
the assembled Knights shook the Tenn
pie. The banquet continued until the
Eminent Commander reminded the revei-
lers that IL was time TO put the finishing
touches on Zerubbabel. and they retired
10 the inner chamber. Whether the Rev.
Samuel Jones found In the rest OF the
exercises some other things or not. no
body knows. except possibly those who |
are bound under those blood-curdling