New Ulm review., 1921-03-02
King Asa lib
By HAROLD sINCLAIRE
%. 1921, western Newspaper Union,)

and, that paid, all hands, pretty Nettie
included, could live very comfortably.
For over year, however, Mark had
striven and struggled in the city, and
his earnings continued small and his
savings few and far between.
Recently Mark had added side
line to his regular occupation and,
time given, there might be some prom
Using results. With capital, things
might have been FASTENED. Not hav-
ing the capital, Mark worked in a
small way, but learned good deal.
Marks side line was old coins and
rare postage stamps.
Mark worked for real estate firm.
He came back to the Office one morn
ing quite elated over his last savings
deposit, which brought his balance up
to the two hundred mark. He was
ready for a joke, therefore, and he
smiled good-naturedly when the book
keeper pointed over his shoulder and
said in a mysterious whisper:
mark, if you want to see a real live
king, take look into the front office.
No joke-honest Indian"
"a real king?" repeated Mark skep-
tically king of what?"
Guiana island, off the coast Of Chilli.
He's King Asa lib, and no mistake.
Owns an island, has his national flag,
coat of arms, and a royal guard when
at home. Erratic down-easter, they
say, who pre-empted Juana island, got
recognition from three or four South
American republics, and has come
here to finance his island. Old friend
Of the boss, you see. He's got hard
turn down, though"
"How is that?" inquired Mark.
"Why he brought along lot of ore
specimens, thinking he'd struck gold
on his island. Mr.. Boyd had an assay
made. His mine wouldn't pay to
work."
: Later, Mark went out into the build
ing corridor to mail some letters. AS
he neared the street stairway his foot
kicked something bulky. Picking it up,
he found it to be wallet.
A momentary inspection of the OBJ
ject revealed no money, but variety
Of papers. In less than a minute
from these Mark learned that the wal
let belonged to his recently departed
kingship.
"I'd get right down to his hotel with
it, if I were you,' advised the book
keeper, when Mark had told about his
find. ''The old gentleman may be wor-
rying about it,"
"All right" assented Mark, and was
forthwith on his way to the Prospect
hotel. He learned the location Of King
Asa Zibs apartments. The door of
the anteroom was open. Mark en-
tered and sat down.
Voices echoed through the open
doorway Of the next apartment. Very
speedily Mark became aware that it
was the king talking to his secretary.
His royalty was very pessimistic, and
his "grand vizier" had the blues.
Mark was interested. Not only that,
but sympathetic, for he was ''hard
luck" victim himself. OF a sudden
his eyes snapped. He uttered a great
gasp.
"a brilliant idea," he declared.
"Why, it's an inspiration, and walked
unceremoniously into the next ROOM
"From the office of Boyd & Co.. he
said. 81 believe this is your prop
erty, sir. lou dropped it in the hail."
''Why, so it isl" exclaimed King
Asa lib. 81 am greatly obliged to
you. Just now-that is-when I call
again on Mr.. Boyd, I will not forget
you"
Not in the way Of reward, sir"
said Mark. II don't expect that. In
fact your majesty" continued Mark,
I'D rather add to your revenues
"Eh? What's that?" challenged the
secretary, pricking up his ears.
II can furnish it, declared Mark
confidently. "You needn't invest a
cent. Say can get $2,00O,OOO, or even
$4,000. Do get ten per cent commits
sion if I do?"
another quick money scheme, I sup
pooC, lAullC1Su AIuS ASd AlU.
Eyes, quick-and sure" asserted
Mark. ''Let me ask you: what postal
arrangements do you have at Juana
island?'' =
"Oh, few letters go and come,' ex-
planned the secretary "When we send
them, the steamer captains mail them
at the first landing. We give them
an occasional present for carrying
them to mainland"
Exactly, an ideal situation for my
plan," insisted Mark. Here's what
can do; Pm in strong with all the
stamp collectors. I'll arrange for an
issue Of Juana island stamps
Il say, you're clever complimented
the secretary.
Clever enough to have you give me
the commission to put the deal
through?" insinuated Mark.
$50 ahead" nodded King Asa lib.
"You have the royal sanction"
grinned the secretary, with a chuckle.
1t took Mark just an hour to get a
numismatist with money into the
scheme. The next day that enterpris-
ing individual interviewed King Asa
lib, and contract was signed,
sealed and delivered, with all rights
clearly defined and Safe-pllardad