'An Outline of History.'"

Chapter XXII

Presently Gud ran dead against an ivory wall; but being versed in
aviation, he flew over it. Having done so he went on walking. Gud
perceived that he was walking in a kingdom, and he walked warily, for he
was doubtful whether monarchy was an ideal form of government.

His doubts increased as he noted the subjects of the kingdom, for they
appeared to be full of guile. So when he became tired and sleepy, he
durst not enter into an abode, but lay down beneath a friendly tree and
fell asleep.

When Gud awoke he found that his sandals had been stolen from off his
feet. This made him very sorrowful, for his sandals had been well broken
to fit his own feet but he was worried lest they might hurt the feet of
the thief. So he made a hue and cry. When a subject of the kingdom
appeared, Gud demanded to be taken at once to the king.

The king, being self-made, was not very wise and did not perceive that
Gud was his equal; therefore Gud was obliged to kneel on the little mat
that the king kept before his throne so that visitors would not bruise
their knees on the agate floor.

When Gud had done kneeling and salaaming, the king offered him a
cigarette and selected a cigar for himself. Then he asked how the crops
were where Gud came from.

"They are very good," said Gud, "but the morals in your kingdom are
not."

To Gud's astonishment, the king replied meekly: "I know it."

Gud now related to the king how the very sandals had been stolen from
off his feet as he slept beneath the tree.

"Oh, wise stranger," cried the king, "it grieves me much to have you,
who come from a distant realm, discover that I have thus failed in the
first duty of government which is the protection of property. Therefore
let me make restitution for the injury done you in my kingdom."

The king now sent a lackey to his treasure vault, and he fetched Gud a
pair of jeweled sandals which fitted his feet perfectly.

Gud's grief being assuaged and his anger abated, he was genuinely sorry
for this stupid king, and said to him: "I have knocked about a bit and
picked up a few ideas in practical politics, so perhaps I can help you."

"It is my shame and sorrow," confessed the king, "to admit to you that I
rule over a realm of thieves. We were formerly proud of our talents in
that direction, for at one time this kingdom was surrounded by rich
neighbors and our prosperity was based on the capturing of bounteou