Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-04
chance I have a right to do So" cried the

chance I have right to do So" cried the
Arab.
you're bad man." said Chick. stamp
ing one small foot Indignantly
I'm not" answered All Dubh; I'm a
good man. And I paid Jules Grogande 80
cents for this gingerbread imitation of a
man. who is mixed with my own magic
elixir. Also I paid q witch 50 to trans
port me to wherever the gingerbread man
might be-which is right here-that might
take possession of my own property. So I've
got him, and he's paid for. and he's mine,
and l claim the right to eat him whenever
l please"
you'll do no such thing" declared Chick.
why, John Dough is alive, and no one
has right to make him dead and then eat
him-even If he is paid for!''
Don't worry, my Cherub," said the big
headed man, soothingly; well go at once
and lock this Arab in strong room of the
castle, so that he can't possibly escape"
Chick smiled sweetly at this promise; but
the Arab scowled and said grimly:
Never mind, my time will come. Some
day 1 shall surely eat that gingerbread
man, in spite of this Cherub and all the
rest of you"
This defiance made the Brotherhood Of
Failings and the big-headed man so angry
that they at once dragged Ali Dubh away
to the castle, and John Dough and Chick
followed after, hand in hand, and feeling
lutte safe.
Presently they came to a great archway
hat led into the courtyard of me castle
gerbread man saw groups of the most as
tonishing people, who were busying them
selves over extraordinary tasks. such as
building machines, boiling strange smelling
chemicals in queer pots, drawing curious
designs and like occupations. A sudden
crash announced that the Blunderer had
fallen into the middle of delicate ma
chine and smashed 1t into bits. Before they
could pull him out the Unlucky One ran
against the whirling arm of a windmill
and was tossed halfway across the court
yard, while the Awkward One upset boil
ing kettle and set every one to coughing
who inhaled the odor of the compound that
was spilled upon the ground.
To Johns surprise, no one seemed much
worried over these accidents. Even the VIC
Tins Joined in Chicks merry laughter. and
those of the Failings who had escaped dis
aster calmly proceeded to lock up the Arab
in cell that had a strong iron grating for
a door and fastened with huge paddock.
Afterward they all entered through a
second arch into the great hall of the cas-
tie.
This was a long, wide room with a tiled
floor and walls that were covered with
many trophies, such armor, spears, bat
tie axes and swords of ancient design.
At the farther end was raised platform
upon which stood a gorgeous throne. Back
of the throne was an electric sign, flashing
one letter at a time and reading What is
home without a kinglet?" Over the throne
was suspended an enormous crown-big
enough for giant-which spanked with
gems Beside the throne very fat man
sat in a chair so low that his -.nees nearly
touched his chin. He wore short red coat,
a wide white vest and blue knee breeches.
and all were embroidered in gold. The fat
mans eyes were closed and he seemed
asleep.
Within the throne sat the kinglet. prop
ped upon purple cushions, so that he would
fit it better. For the kinglet was a small
boy with a long. freckled face, blue eyes,
a pug nose and black hair banged across
his forehead and hanging in lank, straight
locks far down over his shoulders. He wore
an ermine cloak lined with purple, and bore
in his hand a scepter with a jeweled ball
at one end, while beyond the ball projected
a small golden knob. The ktnglets slim legs
were crossed under him like those of a
Turk, and he seemed very frail and deli
cate.
However, when the Failings and the
Fresh-Ar Fiend and Chick and John Dough
entered, the kinglet's brow was puckered
into frown and his blue eyes fairly
flashed fire.
odds zooksw he cried as they all knelt
to wait until this hour to pay me your de-
voirs?" .'
Then he leaned down and prodded the
fat man with the knob Of his scepter, so
that the sleeper started and opened his
eyes. rs that right, Nebbie? Is 'devoir'
kingly word?" he demanded.
Absolutely kingly. your majesty" said
the fat man, yawning. ut was used by
King Arthur and Richard Occur de Leon"
VERY we'll" said the kinglet, proudly
Then he turned again to the kneeling group
before him. "Why don't you answer me?'
he exclaimed. "Why are you so late in pay
ing me your boudoirs?"
"Devoirs, you majesty" said the fat man
hastily.
II said 'devoirs' returned the kinglet,
turning upon him in anger.
I'VE are late because we did not get here
sooner" said the Awkward, land we could
"S!" shrieked his majesty, with blazing
eyes. "Now, by my halidom-' he paused
suddenly and turning to the fat man. prod
ding him so fiercely that he jumped several
feet into the air. us 'halidom' the right
word, Nebbie?"