THE Pahdour of Patagascar and the Gookul of Madagonia were

　　disputing about an island which both claimed. Finally, at the

　　suggestion of the International League of Cannon1 Founders2, which

　　had important branches in both countries, they decided3 to refer

　　their claims to the Bumbo of Jiam, and abide4 by his judgment5. In

　　settling the preliminaries of the arbitration6 they had, however,

　　the misfortune to disagree, and appealed to arms. At the end of a

　　long and disastrous7 war, when both sides were exhausted8 and

　　bankrupt, the Bumbo of Jiam intervened in the interest of peace.

　　"My great and good friends," he said to his brother sovereigns, "it

　　will be advantageous10 to you to learn that some questions are more

　　complex and perilous11 than others, presenting a greater number of

　　points upon which it is possible to differ. For four generations

　　your royal predecessors12 disputed about possession of that island,

　　without falling out. Beware, oh, beware the perils13 of

　　international arbitration! - against which I feel it my duty to

　　protect you henceforth."

　　So saying, he annexed14 both countries, and after a long, peaceful,

　　and happy reign9 was poisoned by his Prime Minister.