The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-25
Dough and The Cherub
a.
BY L. Frank Baum. Aushor of "rhe Wizard Of o."
c0psrSkL isoA ~ L. Frank Bsu~.

ny this time they had climbed out Of the
birds body and stood upon the roof. IL
Vas 80 high above the rocks that II made
John dizzy TO hook down; but Chick soon
discovered a trap door that led down into
the palace by means Of a tiny staircase.
They descended the stairs and hav-
ing pushed aside a heavy drapery tnst
hung across a doorway cane upon a broad
paesage running through the upper story
Of the palace. This led them 20 another
paseaee, and still another; but although
they turned this way and that in the maze
OF passa yes no living person did they
meet with.
The tiled floors and panellsd walls were
very beautlful and splendid; but they were
% much alike that our Adventures COM
pIetely kost their wsy before they came
by accident TO a broad staircase leading
downward 20 the next story. These stars
we're covered with soft carpsting and the
bahisters were Of nhsree gold. Still no
ono was 20 be seen, either on the stairs or
I'm the passages, ali the palace was silent
~ could be.
They found another staircase. by and by,
and descended 70 the main floor OF The pal
sce. passing through magnificent parlors
and galleries, until finally a hum Of pleasant
voices reached their ears.
Il feel much relieved said John, for
had begun to think the place was unin-
hsbised."
Let us go On replied Chick. and see
Who these peoote are
Turning first 10 the right, then TO the
left. and now following a high arched
nnars,le passage. the adventures suddenly
found themselves before heavy draper1es
OF crimson velvet. from beyond which
csne clearly the sounds OF laughter and
die merry chattering ot many people.
They pushed aside the draperies and
entered a splendid domei chamber OF
such exquisite beauty that the sight made
even Chick pause in Astonishment.
AL around the sides and in the ceiling
were set handsome windows made OF bits
% colored glass, - arranged that they
fcemed very pleasing pictures. Between
me windows were panels Of wrought gold.
having many brilliant gems set in the metal.
Ine Door was covered with priceless rugs
OF quaint patterns, and the furniture con-
sisted Of many setrees and easy chairs
designed to afford the highest degree OF
oomfort.
Fountains OF perfumed waters sparkled
hsre and there. falling into golden basins;
ana little CADteS SCRLtcNcu ADONb tue IOch
bore trays Of dainty refreshments.
Seated within the room were groups OF
Indies and gentlemen, all clothed in gorgeous
apparel. soft OF speech, graceful and courte-
Gus in demeanor and with kindly faces.
These looked up with joyous surprise
O. the gingerbread man and Chick entered.
N the gentlemen all arose and bowed
politely to the strangers.
aU.l,1n,aYs .rsaA fha taAfaa In a zOft
chorus; and then two Of their number came
forward and led their unexpected guests to
ssats in the very centre Of the room.
Others offered them refreshmeut. Of
which Chick eagerly partoOk. for the child
Vas hungry. John Dough was obliged
10 explain that he did not eat, and they
accspted his speech very ~graciously ami
did not remark at all upon his unusual
personality.
When the child had finished eating John
said:
-MAy I ask what palace this is, and who
shles upon this island?'
The ladies and gentlemen exchanged
significant looks and smiled, but one made
snswer, in a d~sierential voice:
Good sir, this is the Palace Of Romance
and We have So ruler at all. each one OF our
nambsr having equal power and author ity
with the others"
I'VE pass our time said another, in
Ealing tales Of romance and adventure.
nnd whenever a stranger comes to our
palace we require him 70 amuse us by telling
m the stories he may know
THAT is a fair requirsme Mt replied
Iohn. Il think I shall like this Palace Of
Homance, although I Do not know many
eaies.'
The more tales you know the longer you
nay enjoy our pIlIce," one Of the ladies
Rernxrked, earnestly.
How - that asked John, surprised.
They were silsnt for a time and ceased
laughing. BIT finally one Of the gentle
msr said:
sour laws oblixe us TO destroy every
sfxanger after he has related 70 US all the
ssprss he knows. II grsves US very much
- te1 you this, but the laws cannot be
sAsnxed and the death Is very simple and
without much pain. For you will be
dropped through a trap into q long side
lndinx % the bottom Of the sea; and there
q kttbe discomfort in dro wuing.'
Now at this John looked pale and worried
snnd even the laughing Chick became
~skcuxhtfnl. Several OF the Indies wiped
their eyes with delicate handksrchiefs, as
n h sorrow for their fate, and the men
IN sighed synpathetically.
why can We not live and Join POUR pleas
amt party" asked John. Why are your
laws % severe regarding Strangers
We number exactly t0O-6fty ladies' and
sffty gentLemen.' was The reply. And, as
the islind is small. a large number Of people
would crowd the palace and render it un-
egmfortAble-
We do not entics strangers here, but
neither dare ~e permit them to escape and
tell the world Of our PLEASANT home, for
thsn tho ocean would be white with the
ships Of curious people coming TO visit us.
@, hong ago, the laws were enacted oblig-
ing us % destroy whatever strangers
shancsd upon our retreat.
but you are in no immediate danger.
Az long a. your stories last you will live,
and while you live you shall enjoy every
pleAsurs our palace affords"
John tired to think how many storiss be
know through thu virtue Of the magic
Elixir, but the startling news be had heard