It was at a comparatively early date that I saw Jim in
the exercise of his public functions. His Majesty
entered the office--a portly, rather flabby man, with
the face of a gentleman, rendered unspeakably pathetic
and absurd by the great sabre at his side and the
peacock's feather in his hat.
"I have called to remind you, Mr. Pinkerton, that you
are somewhat in arrear of taxes," he said, with old-
fashioned, stately courtesy.
"Well, your Majesty, what is the amount?" asked Jim;
and, when the figure was named (it was generally two or
three dollars), paid upon the nail and offered a bonus
in the shape of Thirteen Star.
"I am always delighted to patronise native industries,"
said Norton the First. "San Francisco is public-
spirited in what concerns its emperor; and indeed, sir,
of all my domains, it is my favourite city."
"Come," said I, when he was gone, "I prefer that
customer to the lot."
"It's really rather a distinction," Jim admitted. "I
think it must have been the umbrella racket that
attracted him."
We were distinguished under the rose by the notice of
other and greater men.
Pages:
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175