The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

looked through the opening and saw a large hall, supported by magnificent pil- lars and splendidly decorated.
 In the center was round table, il1um- mated by colored lamps and laden with choice dishes Around this was a gor- geous couch on which sat eight men. In the person of one, the storxs recognized the pedd1er who had sold them the magic powder. Soon he began to tell of his re- cent exploits, and before long he came to the story of the Caliph and his vizier.
 What word did you decise for them?' asked his neighbor, laughing at the tale. "A very difficult Latin one," replied the sorcerer. "It was 'Mutabor.'"
 When the storks heard this they were nearly beside themselves with joy. Their long legs sped to the entrance so swiftly that the owl could scarcely follow. Out in the open air the Caliph addressed the owl with deep emotion. "Deliverer of my life and the life of my friendi" said he. Tn gratitude for what you have done for us accept me as your husband"
 Then he turned quickly toward the east. Thrice the two storks bent their long necks toward the sun that was just rising behind the mountains. ''Mutabor!' they exclaimed, and in an instant they were transformed and fell into each others arms, weeping and laughing.
 But what was their astonishment when they turned aroundl
 A beautiful woman, richly dressed. stood before them.
 Smiling she gave the Caliph her hand. DO you not recognize your ac- quaintance, the owl?"
 It was the owl, indeed, and the Caliph was so enraptured by her beauty and charm that he cried, My greatest fortune came to me when was changed into a stork."
 At once the three set out on the journey to Bagdad. The Caliph found not only the magic powder In his gar ments, but his well-filled purse as well. Therefore he was able to purchase all that they needed and they reached the gates of Bagdad without delay.
 Vast was the astonish of the people when their beloved Caliph ar rived. He had been given up as dead. and the entire city was flooded with joy over the preservation of their ruler.
 With their joy. bitter rage filled the breasts of the people because of the treatment to which the Caliph and his vizier had been subjected. The city rose as one man and soon the pa,ace was surrounded by a mighty throng. Before long the gates were forced open and the sorcerer and his son Mizra were taken captive
 The Caliph sent the sorcerer forth with into the very chamber in the ruined castle that had been inhabited by the Princess Owl. There he was hanged, and all his arts did not avail against the hempen string that throt- tied him in trice.
 As the son Mizra, bad as he was did not understand any of his fathers dan gerous tricks. the Caliph gave him his choice between snuffing or dying. He chose the former. The grand vizier politely proffered him the snuff box, he took good pinch, the Caliph pro- nounced the word of power. and at once Mizra was a stork. He was put into an iron cage and placed on show in the palace gardens.
 Long and happily did the Caliph Chasid live with his wife, the Princess. The hours that delighted him the most were those when his Grand Vizier visited him in the afternoon. Then they spoke often of their adventures as storks, and if the Caliph happened to feel unusually jovial, he would condescend to initiate the Grand Vizier, to show how he acted when he was a stork.
 At such moments of royal relaxation he stalked solemnly up and down the rooms with stiff legs, clappered vociferously, huttered his arms like wings, and showed how the Vizier had turned vainly toward the east, crying, ''Mu-Mu."
 Mme. Caliph and the children always enjoyed this entertainment immensely. But whenever the Caliph continued his clappering and his stalking too long, the Grand Vizier threatened with a chuckle that he would communicate what had been discussed at the door of the Owl Princess to Mime. Caliph.
 In her eager air-painting Fairy Tale had not noticed that the wise watchers had fallen asleep, one after the other. She was just beginning to paint new scene, when pleasant-faced man stepped quickly and quietly to her side and took her little hand.
 See, dear Fairy Tale," said he, your beautiful pictures are nothing to them Slip through the gate quickly!'
 He helped her step across the bodies of the sleepers. Fairy Tale looked behind her with smile and fitted quickly through the gate
 Next Sundays one-page classic will be Peter Simple" by Captain Marryat.