The Meeker herald., 1911-09-09

the favOrlteS OF an ancient ruler, and
its principal virtue is that whoever
sits upon 1t is compelled to tell the
truth while he sits thereon"
THAT would prove Invaluable when
examining Witnesses" observed Mr..
Hanford. with twinkling eyes.
II hive thought of that" said FELTON,
| quietly. Now that have told you
about my ind suppose some Of the
rest of you relate what is the greatest
treasure you have discovered in your
travels"
"And be sure to sit on the carpet Of
truth while you're telling It," advised
Clayton, with a laugh.
I'm willing to, for one." agreed his
aunt II want to test the verify Of MI.
Felton's tradition. May IT'
Certainly. Miss Gray" returned Fell
ton courteously. although apparently
somewhat surprised by the request.
There: will place this chair over the
carpet. and you may sit there with
your feet well within Its border"
mo, no. I wish to sit directly on the
carpet just like an eastern story tell
err" cried Miss Gray, and SO she dis
posed herself amid much merr,ment.
"Of course my story Ia about "a ring"
she began. "This is the one. picked
It up in Constantinople only yesterday,
and 1t involved an adventure" She
gave the ring to Mrs. Hanford. and
that lady passed 1t around the group
with an exclamation of delight.
When 1t came to Professor Trayle
he studied 1t long time with pecul-
lar smile on his kindly face.
"What is the inscription" asked the
professor quietly as he dropped it in
Miss Gray's outstretched hand.
"Chaldean. So he told me-" replied
that lady, dreamily regarding the ring.
"He? Now for the adventure" teas
ed Clayton.
II had forgotten that must tell It,"
said Miss Gray, slipping the ring on
her finger. well. yesterday as l was
strolling among the bazaars came to
the street Of the silversmiths. was
looking at the wares Of one merchant
and trying to select a ring for my col
lection that might be very unique
when brown hand was thrust into
my own and left behind 1t this tur-
qHoise ring"
How romanticv' breathed Mrs. Han
ford softly.
"You would have thought 80 II you
could have seen the donor-a tall. very
thin man dressed in native costume.
confess I cannot place his national
ity. for he wore the baggy trousers
and loose garments Of the Turk. the
mufiiing burnoose Of the Arab"
did he wear green slippers, Miss
Gray?' asked Madeline Trnyle, with
sndden interruption Of the narrative.
Eyes: believe he did, for when he
left me looked after him, wondering
what 1t could all mean and thinking
there must be mistake. All no
ticed was his great height and his n.y.
ing green slippers. And that is ALL"
"No. nor exclaimed Professor TrAyle.
what did your stranger says Are
we net to know the whole story7'
at was nothing-only some silly
rubbish you would not care to hear"
evaded Miss Gray.
Aunt Emeline. you are sitting ON
the carpet of truth" reminded her
nephew. what said your cavalier?"
II have forgotten" faltered Miss
Gray. her sweet face dropping.
"Oh, Aunt Emeliner' chided Clay
ton. then hastily, what is the mat
teri"
Miss Grny was staring at them with
frightened eyes and closely locked lips,
To which she pointed with hopeless
gesture. Cant you speak?" roared
Clayton.
She shook her head despairingly.
Then Alexander Fenton's voice broke
the silence. When he spoke he seemed
to be quoting from some authority
which no one recognized. "'He who
speaketh the truth then shall his
tongue be loosened.'" he said softly.
Miss Gray seemed to hear, for lovely
smile broke over her face, and all at
once she spoke:
II will tell the truth. He said: Wear
this for me. 1t Is a Chaldean stone
and came from the tomb of high
priest Then he ran away. Now that
I have told the truth may l not leave
this carpet?"
Ibid 1t really happen? Could you
not speak 2" cried Mrs. Hanford nerv-
ously.
mot word until spoke the TRUTH"
averred Miss Gray solemnly.
Then please put 1t away for to-
night" exclaimed Mrs. Hanford.
ITS growing late anyway" said
FELTON, practically. 1.-THE moon has
disappeared, and believe 1t is blow
ing up squall."
Hanford and his wife, followed by
young Clayton. moved forward, while
Professor Trayle walked quietly by
Miss Gray's side. When they were In
quiet spot he halted. with her hand
in his arm.
"Your cavalier-did you recognize
him. Miss Gray?" he asked In low
tone.