obiter dictum_ and a resolution by both Houses
Assembled Drayle's invention was sealed, dated and placed under guard.
That's its history, Sergeant."

* * * * *

The white-haired old gentleman picked up the high silk hat that added
a final touch of distinction to his tall figure, and looked about him
as if trying to recall something. At last the idea came.

"By the way," he inquired suddenly, "didn't I have an extraordinarily
obnoxious grandson with me when I came?"

The attentive auditor was vastly startled. He surveyed the great hall
rapidly, but reflected before he answered.

"No, sir--I mean he ain't no more'n average! But I reckon we'd better
find him, anyhow."

His glance had satisfied the sergeant that at least the object of his
charge was safe and his men still vigilant. "I'll be back in a
minute," he informed them. "Don't let nothin' happen."

"Bring us something more'n a breath," pleaded the corporal,
disrespectfully.

The sergeant had already set off at a brisk pace with the story
teller. For several minutes as they rushed from room to room the hunt
was unrewarded.

"I think, sir," said the sergeant, "we'd better look in the natural
history division. There is stuffed animals in there that the kids is
fond of."

"You're probably right," the patriarch gasped as he struggled to
maintain the gait set by the younger man. "I might have known he
didn't really want to hear the story."

"They never do," answered the other over his shoulder. "I'll bet
that's him down there on the next floor."

* * * * *

The two searchers had emerged upon a wide gallery that commanded a
clear view of the main entrance where various specimens of American
fauna were mounted in intriguing replicas of their native habitat.

The guard pointed an accusing finger at one of these groups and sprang
toward the stairs.

The old gentleman's breath and strength were gone. He could only gaze
in the direction that had been indicated by the madly running guard;
but he had no doubts. A small boy was certainly digging vigorously at
the head of a specimen of _Ursus Polaris_ that the curator had
represented in the dramatic pose of killing a seal. A protesting wail
arose from below as the young naturalist was withdrawn from his field
by a capable hand on the slack of his trousers. And presently,
chagrined with failure, the culprit was before his grandsire.

"Gee!" he complai