The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-17
BY HELENA DAVIS.

SH\ H.l story I am about to tell hap
 pened a very, very long time ago. And 4 the events took place in country across the sea-a country that does not now exist. for not only has It's name been changed these many hundred years, but it's people likewise have become very diff ferent in language and custom from those who lived there during the period of which I write.
 This country was ruled by king whose power was unlimited. But he was a good king, and did not abuse bis 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 regard ing the future of his beloved country after he should have passed out of life. His only child son of 14 years, was lhe real cause of the good kings uneasfness over his subjects 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 80 well, the lessons of mercy and justice. but the young prince would nave none oI his sire's teachings.
 "When I am king" he would say boast ingly. "I shall change things in this country somewhat 1 shall make my SUD jects build for me a palace of gold, and they shall serve me in way behtting king. l shall raise vast army and make war on my small neighbors, taking their countries for my own, and then l shall be more mighty than any king who has gone before me. shall be feared and, there fore, obeyed If one subject oppose my wish he shall be minus head on the h. stant that 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 private chamber a thought came to him. Was not he all-powerful? Could not he make and unmake laws to suit his own pleas ure7 Was not he the Unlimited Power of his realm-a vast land teeming with a million soulsf And was not he the Father of his peoplef And was it not behtting that he should do something for their future as well as for their present? Why should not he devise some law by which his beloved country might remain prosperous and happy even after bis own deathf Yes, that was his duty. And, once seeing 1t, 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 the matter that was now 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 a youth who is wholly un- selfish. Let not the object of their search be spoken of to anyone, 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