THE ORANGE TREE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 132, 7 June 1930, Page 18

THE ORANGE TREE

Oiico upon a time there Tuled ' in Orangeland a mighty king. Ho was assisted by tho sweetest little queen that ever ruled over any land, and her name was Oranglie. Now though very good" and wise in most things,, this king was of rather a boastful nature, and it is told that onee he boasted to a powerful magician that his wife was tho fairest woman in the world. This happened to bo true, and the magician, having heard much about this wonderful queen, begged the king to invite him to his palace. This the king was only too delighted to do, and so tiicy set off. Tho magician speedily fell in love with the fair beauty of Oranglie, and sought by all the arts within his power to gain her love, but she remained true to her husband. Seeing that she would not come to him of her own free will, the magician decided to try and gain her by trickery. He shut himself up in his rooms for many days, and then demanded a private interview with tho king. As soon as they were alone the magican drew from under his cloak several round golden balls; He handed one to the king, and bade him follow him out into the open park. Whenthey had reached the desired spot the magician bade the king throw the ball on the ground This the king did, and 10l Before the astonished eyes of the .kingarose a wonderful green and brown marble palace. Hundreds of slaves came out; followed by fair damsels, dressed in fragrant white, who led the king and tho magician inside.

m Part I.

At.length the magician led him into the throne room. Leading him up to tho round golden throne, tho magician placed a magnificent crown upon his head. He then pulled;a golden cord, and as ho did so the doors swung open and thousands of peoplo poured in, ..Courtiers in rich robes, ladies in 'wonderful gowns, and even tho slaves.Were dressed far more richly than the courtiers of the king's own palace. On beholding the king they bowed'low before him and sent up a chant of exquisite music in his praise. With a wave of his hand, the magician dismissed them and, turning to the king, said,'' Would you not like this palace and.others even. more magnificent?" The king declared he would give anything he possessed if. such a thing could come to pass. With a smile the magician assured • him that it was quite possible, and that in exchange for as many golden.bails as the king desired, he wanted only one thing, and that he would choose when they arrived back at the palace. Joyfully the king hastened back, eager to tell Oranglie- the wonderful nows, but when they reached her compartment the magician took her hand and, turning to the king, said, is my price." Saying this, he flung his'black' cloak around the astonished queen-and vanished into the air with her, leaving the remainder of the golden balls lying scattered at the king's feet. (To be concluded.) "HEEHAW." ■ Xcwtown. '••