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.
