this fine democratic experiment will fail. I know a way to
save it, and you have been sent back into the past from our future--my
future and yours, and that of the land--to help us and make it real.
You will not disappoint me, Christopher?" Mr. Wicker turned burning
eyes on Chris's face. "You will help your country get its start?"

A wave of excitement such as he had never known surged over Chris and
he started to his feet, almost upsetting the table and making the cups
rattle on their saucers.

"Oh, yes sir! You bet! If I can, I'll help!"

Mr. Wicker's face expressed his satisfaction. He rose too and held out
his hand.

"I knew you would," he said. "It had to be, for it could be no other
way. But there is always doubt. Your hand, my boy, for we have work to
do together."

The two hands, large and small, were firm, one in the other, and Chris
felt a new power coming to him from the man whose hand he grasped.

"Listen closely," Mr. Wicker said, and Chris drew nearer. "There is a
wondrous thing, unique in the world, and which, for the benefit of
this growing country, we must obtain. Its possession will mean we can
pay for many things--a new city here, tools; building materials. This
wonderful object is the Jewel Tree belonging to the Princess of
China."

Chris waited, listening.

"This Jewel Tree," Mr. Wicker went on, "is a tree that grows, that
puts out leaves and flowers and bears fruit, but here is the wonder of
it," and he bent his piercing eyes on Chris's intent face. "This
growing tree is made of jewels; leaves and flowers and even seeded
fruit. The leaves are emeralds; the flowers, diamonds and sapphires;
the fruits, huge rubies seeded thick with pearls. Imagine such a
treasure if you can!" He spread his arms wide and Chris's eyes were
shining with excitement.

"Imagine the possession of such a plant!" Mr. Wicker went on. "Break
off a branch of it--another grows. And flowers and fruit--much like
your orange trees--bear both their fruit and flowers at the same
time."

They sat down again, the better to continue their conversation.

"The taking of such a prize would be hard enough," Mr. Wicker
continued, "for it is well guarded. But there is a greater hazard." He
rose from his chair to walk about in his nervousness and eagerness at
what lay ahead. Then he went on.

"There is a man here, posing as a merchant. Claggett Chew. You will
see him in the town when you walk there, which you shall do,
presentl