he soldiers surrounded me. As soon as the circle
was formed the leader of the squad stepped toward me with a show of
bravery, but I saw that he secretly trembled. It was his oath-bound duty
in such a case to lay hands on me and, if necessary, use force to take
me to the central office.

I offered no resistance and went, as I was directed, till I stood in the
odd looking room where all offenders of their law are taken for a
hearing.

[Illustration: Planet of Dubhe.]

The news of my appearance and arrest had by this time spread to all
parts of the city and a motley crowd were gathering, but only a small
portion of the people were able to gain entrance into the building where
I had been taken.

The high officials and educators, hearing of the wonderful giant at the
city hall, hastened thither with all speed. Then I saw an interesting
spectacle. As these higher classes of people arrived, the lower classes
were compelled to leave. The room being full, no laborer was allowed to
remain if a person of nobility wished to occupy his seat. This peculiar
custom or law applies to all public places and assemblies.

In a short time all the lower classes were compelled to leave the hall
to make room for the unprecedented rush of nobility. Nothing so tempted
me to speak as when I saw this partial rule in operation.

During all this gathering the officers stood in a circle around me and
held their weapons ready for instant service. Not hearing what I was or
what I might do, they were ordered to maintain this strict attitude.

Every eye was fastened on me. Some of the nobility were pale with fear;
others were busy inquiring whence I came and where I had been captured.

At length the chief official made a gutteral sound. This must have been
a call for order and the signal for the opening of the court, for at
once the wild confusion gave way to order as much as could be expected
under the circumstances.

The brief formalities of opening the court were ridiculous to me. This
being done, all official attention was given to me. I saw that
everything was under the charge of this presiding official. He first
ordered that I should be bound and, accordingly, my hands and feet were
tied. Then a very heavy chain-like rope was fastened to my body and I
was tied to the criminal's post.

The officers were then released and retired to their special part of the
room.

The chief then stepped toward me and peered into my face with a puzzled
l