THE WHITE CAT

% INCE upon a time there reigned aking |THE
over a certain kingdom, who had WHITE

three sons, so clever and gallant, that CAT

he began to fear that they might be

impatient to reign in the kingdom

before he was dead.

Now the king, although growing old,

had no idea of abdicating his position and power,

so he thought that the best way for him to manage

under the circumstances would be for him to divert

the minds of his sons by setting them tasks which

would keep them well occupied.

Accordingly he sent for them, and addressing them

kindly, he said—

‘My dear sons, you no doubt perceive that my age

is advanced, and that I am not able to occupy

myself with the affairs of state as I did when I was

younger. I am anxious that the wants of my

subjects should not be overlooked through failure

of my powers, accordingly I have resolved to lay

down the reins of government as soon as I am

satisfied that I can have that which will amuse and

content me when I retire into private life. Now, I

have been considering that a pretty, frisky, faithful

little dog would prove excellent company; accord-

ingly I am prepared to surrender my crown and

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