ly we could not
strengthen and consolidate it, but for our Emperor. We desire to
maintain, to strengthen our position, hence it has seemed good to the
great International Jewish committee to seek to have a covenant with
Lucien Apleon, Emperor--Dictator of the World. The covenant is for
seven years. We on our part are to serve him in every way, he on his
part to guarantee our protection--for we have neither Army or Navy--in
return for our allegiance to him.

"This covenant, duly drawn up, is here for final signature this
afternoon. As your elected High-Priest, and representative of our
race, I shall sign it on behalf of our people, our Emperor will also
affix his signature. Then all of us, as a sign of our covenant and our
allegiance, will wear a badge which has been prepared. The badge can
be worn--like the written Law of our God, as commanded by our father
Moses, 'as a sign upon our hand, or as a frontlet between our eyes--.'

"Many millions of the badges have been prepared, made in white metal
for _free_ distribution to the poorest of the world, or jewelled, gold
or silver, for those who would fain purchase something more in
accordance with their rank, station, or wealth. The time is at hand
when no one will be able to buy or sell, save he who wears this sign."

He paused, and turning to where a little knot of white-robed priests
stood, they parted, and showed an exquisite little table of gold and
pearl, and on the table a jewelled casket of marvellous workmanship.

Two of the priests bore the table to the centre of the floor where
Cohen stood. He opened the casket, drew forth a small silk-tasselled
parchment roll, and laid it open upon the table. The two priests held
down the curling corners.

A fountain pen--the cylinder of jewelled gold--lay in a hollow of the
casket. Cohen took the pen, and wrote at the foot of the text of the
covenant:

"In the Name of our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and on
behalf of His chosen people, I Solomon Isaac Cohen (Aaron,) First
High-Priest of the new era, in the City of Jerusalem, on the ninth day
of September, 19--, (_world's_ calculation) subscribe myself."

As he lifted his form erect again, he made a sign to the two priests.
They lifted the table and bore it up to the platform of the dais.

Apleon, without rising from the throne, took the pen and made his
signature. Two seals were affixed, Cohen and Apleon, touched them,
then the table was once mor