“‘Oh, King, I have here two garlands of flowers for you to see and tell me which is the real and which the false,’ said the Queen, after the ceremony of presentation was over.
“As Solomon gazed at the lovely flowers he was at a loss to say which was Nature’s result and which the one made by the cunning of man.
“Then he looked from the window to think how he might detect the false wreath. As he did so, he saw some bees buzzing in and out of the blossoms hanging from a vine over the window casement. This gave him the idea he needed.
“He ordered a slave to open wide the window, and it was done. Soon after, a bee flew in and circled about for a moment, but scenting the sweet flowers, made straight for the wreath in the Queen’s left hand. Another bee followed almost immediately after and settled upon the honey-laden blossoms. Other bees flew in and began sipping the nectar from the cups of the flowers and Solomon said: ‘You have your answer, O Queen!’”
CHAPTER XVI
THE END OF A HAPPY SUMMER
“Say Micky, dis is some trip from Noo York to Happy Hills, ain’t it?” remarked Skelly, as he fidgeted in the seat.
“It’s cuz yeh are so anxious to git there. Now I’m a lookin’ out the winder at all the trees and little houses we pass an’ I ain’t so tired wid de ride,” replied Micky.
“Mick, do yeh really t’ink dey kin make a real artist of Nelly? Why, she’s on’y a kid,” said Skelly to whom it seemed impossible that quiet and meekness should have any power hidden under its cloak.
“Dat’s what Mister Uncle Ben tol’ me last week in his office, yeh know.”
“Why ain’t you or me got some such talent in our heads?” persisted Skelly, complainingly.