Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-05-24
Daily. STORY
HIS REWARD.

mule cart into the capital of his coun-
try, loaded with cabbages. He had
scarcely passed the wall before he no.
ticed flags flying from the houses,
crowds in the streets and every APP
pearance of holiday.
What is going on?- asked Jean.
gaping.
What is going on. stupid? Why, do
you not know that the queen comes Of
age tOday?"
THE queen comes of age? What are
they going to do?'
''She receives congratulations and
presents and enters upon directing the
government.
''Presents?'
Yes, you fool, presents. Have you
a present for her?'
why, no. Jean replied musingly,
unless she would accept my cab
bages.'
The very thing" replied the inform
ant. Her majesty is very fond of
them. / would advise you to offer them
by all means
Jean whipped up his mule and as
soon as he had gone there came burst
of laughter from those who had heard
the conversation, but Jean, not hearing
it, drove to the palace. bent on laying
his present at the queens feet. Many
loungers We're there, and he said TO one
of them:
Il wish to see the queen"
"Oh, you do? Well, go right in
there"
Il am going to offer her these cab
bages. Will you watch them for me
while l am gomez
Certainly. Here. comrades. This
fellow has brought load Of cabbages
for the queen
Jean left his cabbages with them
and. going to the door. Joined with
magnateS who were going in TO con-
graduate her majesty, and so dense
was the crowd that he was not noticed
by the attendants. Once in he was
suffered TO go on with the rest and soon
found himself in line near the throne.
When ii came his turn to speak TO the
queen she drew back in surprise.
Il have come" said Jean ito con
graduate your majesty and have
brought my present-a load of cab
bages."
The attendants, seeing something
was wrong. pressed forward TO re-
move the cOuntryman, but the lqueen
would not permit. She asked Jean
where his gift was and directed that it
he brought into the palace; then, giving
Jean her hand to kiss. she Orderedl that
he be conducted to the door. There he
found his guard, whose laughter was
turned TO establishment at seeing an
official of the palace conduct Jean aud
his cart TO the royal kitchen.
Ten years passed. The queen was
at war, and the marshal in command
of her forces was driving everything
before him. In his army was gen
eral who had risen from the ranks.
Having a genius for war he had risen
rapidly and now commanded one Of
the wings of the army. One day he
was missing from his command. He
had gone secretly to the capital and so
licited an audience with the queen.
which was Immediately granted.
What. general, can he the meaning
of your return from the front at such
a timer asked the queen IN surprise.
Certainly the marshal needs your
services"
Il have come to warn your majesty
of danger"
Danger? Whatidanger? Have not
my armies been successful every
where?"
TOO successful, your majesty. Sue
cess has turned our leaders head. He
proposes to marchtback to the capital.
seize the treasury. ienrich his generals
give to the men beautifully. depose his
and put himself in her place
The queen paled; then suddenly re-
covering her confluence she said an
grily, Give me proof of this or march
away from the palace to your execu-
ton
The general produced a paper signed
by the marshal which had been sent
him for his signature. 1t stipulated
that for his support of the intended
movement he was to receive a fortune.
The queen well knew the marshars
signature and sank down overcome.
"Who will save me-" she cried.
81 WILL said the general. "Give me
the command of your troops and 1
will hold them to their duty"
"Can your
Il am sure of it,"
And why have you alone stood by
me?'
do you remember the day you came
Of age and how a countryman ignorant
Of royal ways brought you a load of
cabbages for present?"
Il do
And your majesty instead Of turn
ing him over to be logged accepted
his present and permitted him to kiss
your royal hand?"
Il do J
Il am that peasant. / will save your
throne for you"
The queen quickly called for pen and |
paper and in a moment General Teter- |
lult wes appointed commander of all |
ler forces. AS she handed him the |
paper she said:
IF you are faithful and succeed your |
reward shall be-