“But the Prime Minister, or Great Panjandrum, as he was called, wished his son to marry the Queen and become King, so he, and his minions planned to get rid of me. “Lola-Akwa, that was the Queen's name, discovered the plot, and resolved to save me. “You all read your Bibles, and you will remember that in the olden days there were places that were called 'Cities of Refuge.' On that island there was a Tree of Refuge. It was at least one hundred feet high and for two hundred feet from it, in every direction, not a tree or shrub could be found. This open space gave the pursuers a fine chance for an arrow shot before the refugee reached the tree. “Lola-Akwa told me to climb to the top of that tree and stay there until she sent word for me to come down. “But the Great Panjandrum discovered my hiding place. The Queen declared that I was protected by all that was sacred in their religion, but the Great Panjandrum proved by the cannibal Bible that only cannibals were entitled to its protection. He said they would roast a man, and if I would eat him and pick his bones I might go free. I declined, for I am rather particular about my diet. “Then the Great Panjandrum seized an axe and struck at the foot of the tree. Others followed his wicked example and it soon began to totter. They next tied a rope about the trunk of the tree. The plotters were sixteen in number--I counted them. They stood in line, tugging at the rope. “Lola-Akwa stood far back awaiting the terrible moment of my death. I could see that her eyes were filled with tears. The tree fell, and I went flying through the air--to certain death! “When I came to, I found myself clasped in Lola-Akwa's arms. 'Where am I?' I asked. 'Look' she said. I did, and learned the wonderful truth. “The Great Tree had fallen upon the Great Panjandrum and his fifteen conspirators and killed them all.” For a moment there was silence, then a chorus of voices exclaimed: “Did you marry the Queen?” The stranger pressed his hand upon his forehead. “No. If I remember correctly some one held an ace and took my Queen.” He rose from the nail-keg. “I'm hungry. I would like some supper and a bed for the night. To-morrow I will embrace my only living relative. Is there a boarding house in town?” “Somethin' better'n that,” said Abner. “We've got a Hotel--the Hawkins House. Mrs. Hawkins keeps it. I'm going along that way and I'll interduce you. She's a pretty good talker herself,” and Abner winked with both eyes as they went out. “Well,” said Benoni, as the door closed after them. “The Bible says Ananias was a pretty good story teller, but that gentleman seems to have added some modern improvements.” “He's a cussed liar,” said Bob Wood. “And if Mrs. Hawkins is smart she'll make him pay in advance.” The door was thrown open full width and two men rushed in. “Have you seen him?” cried one. “Seen who?” asked Strout. “He's tall--black clothes--had on a straw hat--” “Who in thunder is he?” cried Strout.