The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-04

Failings and the bigheaded man 30 angry
that they at once dragged Ali Dubh away to
the castle, and John Dough and Chick fol-
lowed after, hand in hand, n feeling quite
safe.
Presently they came to a great archway
that led into the courtyard of the castle.
Having passed through this arch, the gin
gerbread man saw groups OF the most
astonishing people, who were busying
themselves 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 a
delicate machine and smashed 1t into bits.
Before they could pull him out the Unlucky
One ran against the whirling arm OF a wind
mill and was tossed half way across the
courtyard, while the Awkward One upset a
boiling kettle and set every one TO cough
ing 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
victims joined in Chicks merry laughter,
and those Of the Failings who had escaped
disaster calmly proceeded to lock up the
Arab in a cell with a strong iron grating for
adoor. and fastened with a huge paddock.
Afterward they all entered through a
second arch into the great castle hall.
This was a long, wide room with a tiled
floor and walls that were covered with
many trophies. u c as armor, spears,
battleaxes and swords of ancient design.
At the further end was a 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 enor-
nous crown, big enough for a giant, which
sparkled with gems. Beside the throne a
very fat man sat in a chair so low that his
knees nearly touched his chin. He wore
a short red coat, a wide white vest and
blue knee breeches, and all were embroid-
cred in gold. The fat mans eyes were
closed and he seemed asleep.
Within the throne sat the kinglet, propped
upon purple cushions so that he would fit
it better. For the Linglet was a small boy
with a long, freckled face, blue eyes, a pug
nose and black l-ir 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 q sceptre with
a jewelled ball at one end, while beyond
the ball projected a small golden knob.
The kinglet's slim legs were crossed under
him like those of a Turk and he seemed
very frail and delicate.
However, when the Failings and the
Fresh Air Fiend and chick and John Dough
entered, the kinglet's brow was puckered
into a frown and his blue eyes fairly flashed
Dire.
odds Zooksi" he cried as they all knelt
before the throne, why have you dared
to wait until this hour to pay me your de-
voirs?"
Then he leaned down and prodded the
fat man with h knob Of his sceptre so that
the sleeper started and opened his eyes.
els that right, Nebbie1 Ia devoir' a
kingly word?' he demanded.
Absolutely kingly, your Majesty" said
the fat man, yawning. 1t was used by
King Arthur and Richard Coeur de Lion
very we'll" said the kinglet proudly.
Then he turned again to b kneeling group
before him. why don't you answer me?"
he exclaimed. why are you so late in
paying me your huudoirs?'
"Devoirs, your Majesty said the fat
man hastily.
Il said devoirs," returned the kinglet.
turning upon him in anger.
we are late because we did not get here
sooner, aid the Awkward, land we could
not get here sooner because we were late
sol" shrieked his Majesty. with blazing
eyes. Now, by my halidom-" He paused
suddenly and turned to the fat man. prod
ding him 40 Rercely that he jumped sew
eral feetinto the air. is halidom the right
word, NebbieT
Sure said the fat man, nodding EN-
phAtically.
What does it mean?- asked the kinglet.
What does haUdom mean?'
yes"
why, a halidom is a halidom,- said the
fat man, ~thoughtfully, and belongs to
kings"
but what is it?"
"It's a-a-a sort of royal p%rerOgative
and IA usually painted red" returned the
fat man. and Immediately resumed his
seat and closed his yes again.
The kinRl"t sighed and turned anew
10 the Faiiins'.
let me sce.' he remarked; -where was
II"
you were by your halidom, your
Majesty" suggested the Blunderer.
-Oh, yes Again the long freckled face
took on a frowa. BY my halidom, churL-"
He stopped e glance at the fat man.