"Hail to our munificent sovereign, Gaddbai, ruler of the realm and mightiest monarch of Njambai!"
Thus the pæans of the soldiers.
The words were echoed by the crowd, and a surging roar went up from the talking machines: "Hail to his majesty, King Gaddbai!"
On the heels of the tumult the kaka draperies parted at the rear of the royal balcony and the king appeared, bowed and seated himself. He had a reserved seat for the performance and could see everything that took place.
"Let the executioner-general stand forth, prepare himself for his work and then proceed—all in the royal presence!"
Instantly the master of ceremonies put in an appearance. He wore a white kirtle, carried himself with a lordly air, and was followed by a retinue of attendants.
Two of the attendants bore the official zetbais; another carried the official word-box; four more were dragging a cart on spherical wheels—an open cart laden with an object that startled us.
"Great heavens, Mr. Munn!" gasped the professor. "Unless my eyes deceive me, the executioner-general is having my tub of anti-gravity compound hauled after him!"
"Your eyes do not deceive you, sir," I made answer.
"But what in the world are they going to do with it?"