The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-12-30

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King" replied John, "and perhaps the royal
family is at dinner. or the King Ia holding
court"
But at the foot OF the stairs they found the
Railways and rooms as deserted M empty
as could be, and their footsteps echoed
with a hollow sound upon the tiled floors.
The furniture OF the castle was magnih-
cent beyond description. and the draperies
and pictures upon The walls were OF keep
tionsl beauty. Everything was in perfect
order, yet the place seemed deserted.
After inspecting the rooms On this floor OF
the castle they found another stairway.
built Of polished white marble, with elabo-
rately carved marble balustrsdes. This they
also descended, and discovered that h
rooms on the lower floor wcre even more
splendid that those they bad already seen.
Occupying the entire centralportion OF the
castle was a great marble hall, having q
domed ceiling and windows which looked
upon the tall city to the east OF the wall az
well as upon the low city to the west. There
we're also great entrance doors. admitting
people from both sides Of the wall, but
these doors were closed.
They wers not locked, however, and John
said to his companions:
We know nothing Of the owner Of this
castle nor Of the people inhabiting the
opposite sides Of the great wall. They
may prove to be either our enemies or our
friends, 80 1 advise that we be cautious
until we know what treatment We may
expect from them. Two Of us should re-
main here, while the third boldly enters
into the cities to make inquiries
I'm CO. aid Chick.
-No, indeed; you're too young and too
small objected Para Bruin.
But I'm just a regular child, while you're
a rubber bear, and John Dough's a ginger
bread man. said the Cherub. They
wouldn't think anything Of my being here;
but, if either Of you two go, there's liable
to be trouble
The Cherub is wise for one 90 young
observed John. Therefore we will let
the child visit the cities and report to us.
Having found the castle deserted, 70 will
take the liberty Of occupying it until our
little friend returns
So they opened one Of the great doors.
and Chick walked boldly out into the main
street Of the high and narrow city to the
eastward.
Pacing before the entrance. as il guard
Auk LILO uOoh way AAOLh WlbhhOdbp voc OANh
who stood more than seven feet in height
but who wal so exceedingly thin and slender
that it really seemed as IL some strange
power had stretched him out lengthwiss.
But Chick noticed that all the people walk
ing along the streets Of this city were just
as tall and slight as the soldier, and quickly
understood why the DOOR and windows
OF thsir houses had been built 30 singu-
larry tall and narrow
The soldier seemed surprised when the
Cherub emerged from the deserted castle,
but he took of his tall hat and bowed po-
litely. His uniform was Of blue cloth,
with brass buttons.
What place is this?" asked Chick.
Thin beauteous stranger, is the great
country Of Hiland,: answered the soldier.
respectfully. And this is the great city
of HE which you see before you; and the
great people you observe are called Hi
landers; and l do not suppose there Is so
great and wonderful a country, or city,
or people anywhere else in the world"
What il the castle CalledI' asked the
child.
we call it the Castle Of Hilo.' said the
man. 1T was the dwelling Of the former
King Of Hilo, who ruled owe our great
nation as well as over the miserable Great
ures residing beyond the wall"
But where is your King nOw?' inquired
Chick. The castle is empty
TO be sure, the castle is vacant at pres
ent, for our King is long since dead, the
soldier replied. But we are patiently await
ing the arrival OF his successor. There is
a prophecy that our next ruler will be a
King who is wise and just, but not made Of
flesh and blood, and although this seems
an impossible thing our people hope that
the prophecy will some day he fulfilled"
But why don't you make one OF your
own people King" asked Chick.
Because the island is divided into two
sections, and one King must rule both sides
Of the wall" replied the man. of course
we would not allow one Of the insignificant
Loes TO rule MS, nor will they consent to
allow one OF our noble HES to rule them.
Therefore we must get along without a
King until the arrival Of the wise and just
ruler who is neither flesh nor blood"
who are the Loes?- the child asked.
Il have never seen them, my dear, for
the great wall divides them from our SUI
perior nation" said the soldier; but they
are said to be short and squat and very
disagreeable. They live on the other eide
Of the island"
Thank you for the information said
Chick, and then turned and reentered the
castle.
What did you find outi" inquired John
and Para Bruin in the same breath.
The child related the conversation with
the HE soldier, and then said;
Now I'll go into the other city and find
out what the people on that side OF the
wall have to say"
So job and Para opened the door at
the opposite side Of the arched hall and the
Cherub passed out and came upon another
soldier, who seemed to be standing guard
at the castle entrance. This one was dressed
in a red uniform, with silver buttons. and
was the shortest and latest person Chick
had ever beheldS But his broad face was
smiling and good natured in expression
and he tipped his low. fat hat gracefully
to the pretty Incubator Baby.
What country is this?" asked the child.
This, most lovely one, is the superb
and grand country OF Leland" replied
the man; -and this splendid city you be-
hold is the city Of Lo; and our msgnifcen,
people are called Lolanders.'
aVuhot IN thu caatla Oo1lad9s ChioE In