Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-14

pened a very, very long time ago.
And the events took place in a
country across the sea-a country that
does not now exist, for not only has its
name been changed these many hum
dred years, but the people likewise have
become very different in language and
custom from those who lived there dur
ing the period of which write.
This country was ruled by king
whose power was unlimited. But he
was a good king, and did not abuse his
great trust. He tried to be just in his
government, making the people happy
and prosperous. But as he advanced IN
years he became very much perplexed
and worried regarding the future of his
beloved country after he should have
passed out of life. His only child,
son of IA years, was the real cause OF
the good kings uneasineSS over his sub
jectS' future. The boy was selfish and
wayward, caring for nothing but his
own pleasures. In vain did the royal
father try to instruct his son and heir
in the lessons he himself had learned SO
we'll, the lessons of mercy and justice,
but the young prince would have none
of his sire's teachings.
when I am king" he would say
boastfully "I shall change things in
my subjects build for me palace of
gold, and they shall serve me in a way
befitting a king. / shall raise a vast
army and make war on my small neigh
bors. taking their countries for my
own, and then | shall be more mighty
than any king who has gone before me.
/ shall be feared, and therefore obeyed.
If one subject opposes my wish he
shall be minus a head in the instant
that l hear of his diSloyalty."
And this boastful talk of the heir to
the throne distressed the king more
than his councillors could know. "Oh,
the prince is young and indiScreet and
proud" his councillors would say,
laughing at their kings anxiety. HE
will grow out of his foolish, vain way
and become worthy of his great and
just SIRE
But the king knew his son better
than the councillors knew him. And
the king feared for the future of his
beloved realm.
One day as he sat alone in his pri-
Vate chamber a thought came to him.
Was not he all-powerful? Could not he
make and unmake laws to suit his own
pleasure? Was not he the unlimited
power of his realm-a vast land teem-
ing with a million souls? And was not
he the father of his people? And was
it not BETTING that he should do some
thing for their future as we'll as for
their present? Why should not he de-
wise some law by which his beloved
country might remain prosperous and
happy even after his own death? Yes,
that was his duty. And, once seeing
it, he must not falter While his own
son was very dear to him, he must not
allow the tie of blood to influence him
in a matter that was SO vital
Summoning his councillors to him, he
announced to them a strange order.
"Let wise men be sent throughout the
realm in quest of youth who is wholly
unselfish. Let not the object of their
search be spoken of to any one, but let
them go as poor wayfarers who are liv-
ing on the charity Of the people. In this
way they will come in close touch with
my subjects and find the way to those
of them who have just hearts. And in
every way possible let them feel the
pulse, so to speak, of the youth of my
realm. For from among the youth they
shall surely find one lad who is wholly
unselfish. When one is found he must
be brought to me at once
The good kings command was obeyed
and that same day twenty of the Wisest
and best men of the kingdom were sent
into the various corners and byways Of
. the realm to find one wholly unselfish
( youth that he might be taken to the
king.
The search lasted for many, many
months, one by one Of the wise men
returning to the king declaring they
had not yet found one wholly unselfish
youth. And after the last of the twenty
wise men had returned disconsolate to
his king, declaring, Il have failed in
the search, sire,,'' the king was very
sad. But his duty said, go you your
self and search for the wholly un-
selfish boy. You will surely find him.
Without a word of his intention to
his councillors, the king retired to his
private chamber, where he dismissed
his body servants saying: IT am very
worn with cares of state and wish to
have complete rest for a few days
Let my food be brought and placed at
my door, but allow no one to enter
my chamber till I ring for him. Send
me my staff-bearer and the minstrel
Then allow no one to approach my
door,
The servants FASTENED to obey their
king. and soon the staff-bearer and the
minstrel were with him. From one he