The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-18
John Dough and the Cherub
Copyright, 1905. ov L. Frank Baum.
CONTINUED.
THE LADY ExEcUTIoNER.

lOpITlgHtt AbOos " As r VbNN
CONTINUED.
THE LADY E~xECUTIoNER.
Presently Chick returned, looking bright
and happy as ever; but when the child heard
the tale of Johns wanderings in the rain he
received a sound scolding for being so
careless.
you mustn't pay any attention to the in
ventors," said the Cherub. This isle is full
OF 'em, and most Of their inventions won't
work"
1--WE discovered that" said John.
But they're good fun, il you don't take
'em in earnest. " continued the Baby; and
as it's going to rain all the afternoon I'll
take you around the castle to make some
calls on some OF the cranks that are harm
less"
John readily agreed to his proposal.
90 Chick took his hand and led him through
some OF the wide halls, stopping frequently
to call upon the different inventors and
scientific discoveries who nhabited the
various rooms. They we're all glad to see
the pretty child and welcomed John Dough
almost as cordially.
One parsonage presented the ginger
bread man with a smokeless cigar hat he
had recently invented. Another wanted
him to listen to a noiseless music box and
was delighted when John declared he could
hear nothing at all.
A third wanted him to try a dish OF hot
Ice cream made in a glowing freezer, and
was grieved because the gingerbread man
was constructed in such a way that 1t was
impossible for him to eat it.
Really" said John, Il don't see the use
OF these things"
-Oh, they're not useful at all, replied
Chick, laughing; but these folks are all
trying to 10 something queer. and most OF
them are doing it. Now we'll climb this
tower, and I'll show you what I call a really
fine invention"
So up they climbed to the top Of one OF
the turrets, winding round round a
narrow staircase until they came upona
broad platform. And on this platform
rested a queer machine that somewhat re-
sembled a bird, for it had two great wings
and a big body that glittered as brightly as
II it were made of silver.
While they stood looking at this odd con-
t~rivance a door in the body Of the bird
opened n a young man stepped out and
greeted them.
JOIN thought him quite the most agree
able person, in looks and manner, that he
0aQ vet IneI III lie Isle u Y cACCDbluBS
Of course, his friend Chick. The young
man had a sad face, but his eyes we're
pleasant and int elligent and his brow
thoughtful. In a few polite and well
chosen words he welcomed his guests.
This is Imar," said Chick, introducing
John; -and he has invented a real flying
machine"
-One that will fy?" asked John curl
ously.
-Of course, said the Baby. 1--we had
many a ride in it-haven't l, Imar7"
ITO be sure" replied the young man.
Il have often taken Chick to ride as far as
forty yards from the tower. II it did not
rain just now nothing would give me more
pleasure than TO prove TO you that my
invention will work perfectly
Il see you have made it resemble a bird.
remarked John, who was quite interested
in the machine.
yes" said the dreamy lmar, and the
reason l have succeeded in my invention
is because l have kept close TO natures
own design.
Every muscle of a birds wings is du-
plicated in this machine. But instead OF
being animated by life. I have found it
necessary to employ electric batteries and
motors.
Perhaps the bird isn't exactly as good
as a real bird, but it will fly all right, as
you shall see when l take you for a ride
In H."
He then allowed John to enter the tiny
room in the body of the bird, which was
lust big enough TO allow two to sit close
together. In front of the seat were
various push buttons and a silver lever
-, na Nf uvhioh tho Ainhf Of the machine
was controlled.
1T is very simple" said Imar. proudly.
sEven Chick could guide the machine,
IL properly instructed. The only fault OF
the invention is that the wings are too
light to be strong. and that is why I do not
take very long trips in it,
Il understand" answered John. "It's
quite a distance to the ground, IL anything
happened to break"
True" acknowledged mar sadly; -and
i do not wish to break my neck before l
am able to make a bigger and better ma
chine
That is not to be wondered at" said
John.
Then he thanked the inventor and fol-
lowed Chick down the winding stairs and
through the halls until they again reached
their own room, where they sat and talked
until darkness came and drove the Incu-
bator Baby to her snowy couch. As for the
gingerbread man, he never required sleep
or rest; 50 he sat quietly in a chair and
thought OF many things until a new day
dawned.
BY morning the rain had ceased and the
sun arose in a blue sky and flooded the Isle
with its warm and brilliant rays. The In
cubator Baby was so happy this pleasant
day that It fairly danced away TO get its
regular breakfast OF milk and oatmeal.
But. John Dough's little friend was back
at his side before long, and together they
went hand in hand through the halls OF the
castle to the throne room OF the kinglet.
They found his Majesty already seated
on the throne. with the fat Nebbie asleep
at one side Of him and the girl executioner
carefully sharpening her sword at the other
aide.
This is my busy day" said the kinglet,
nodding ~graciously to Chick and the ginger
bread man. There are too many useless
people In my kingdom and I'm going TO kill
on some Of them. Sit down and watch the
Naah ~ the PRECAUTIONARY aword y