to life a
delightful sensation. As the procession advanced we saw splendid
emporiums of trade chiselled of white marble, crowded roof and window
with dense masses of people. On either side of the fine boulevard
leading to the palace the people were jammed into an immovable mass
and were wild with enthusiasm. The roadway was lined with trees that
seemed like magnolias, oranges, and oleanders.

"Now this is something loike a recipshon," said Flathootly. "I'm well
plazed wid it."

"I am delighted to know that your honor thinks so highly of our
efforts to please you," said the governor.

Flathootly turned round and shouted to the sailors, "Remimber, me
bhoys, we will hev a grand feast at the ind of the performance." As he
spoke, he unfortunately touched the switch starting the bockhockid
into a gallop, and in a moment the machine dashed furiously forward,
running into the musicians, knocking down some of the other
bockhockids, scattering others in all directions, and then flying
ahead amid the roars of the people. Flathootly was thrown off his
seat, but in falling to the ground managed to get hold of the
bockhockid's leg at the knee-joint, to which he clung with the energy
of despair. A squad of police, who also rode bockhockids, dashed after
the flying Flathootly, and one of them got hold of the switch on the
back of the machine and so brought it to a standstill.

Flathootly was terrified, but uninjured. His first concern was to see
if his "insurance" was safe. He found the document still in his
breast, and this being so, was induced to remount his steed. "I hope
your honor has met with no accident?" said the governor, riding up.

"As long as I've yer honor's handwritin' I'm all right," said
Flathootly. "If I break me leg what odds, so long as I'm insured?"

The scattered musicians were assembled in order again and the
procession continued its way toward the palace. There were on all
sides evidences of wealth, culture, and refinement. Every building was
constructed of chiselled marble.

The fortress and palace of Kioram stood in a large square, occupying
the most commanding position in the city. From the fort could be seen
the white shores and surrounding sea of Atvatabar. The harbor was
surrounded with white stone piers lined with the commerce of the
kingdom. The charm of the scene was largely lost on Flathootly and the
sailors, who cared more for the material benefit of their reception
than for its ideal beauty