THE STATUE
A TRAVELER came to a certain great city, and as he entered through one of its wide gates a passer-by spoke to him.
"Welcome, sir," said the citizen. "I saw by your dress that you were a stranger, and make bold to accost you."
"Your welcome is most courteous," answered the traveler, "and I thank you for it."
"You must not fail to see the statue in our market-place," said the citizen. "We take great pride in it, and for my part I consider myself fortunate in being one of the community that owns so fine a work of art and so grand a memorial."
"I shall certainly take pains to see it," answered the traveler, bowing to the citizen as he passed on.
So when the traveler had made his way into the city, he paused for a moment, wondering in which direction the market-place lay. As he stood in doubt, another citizen presented himself, hat in hand.
"You seem unfamiliar with our city," said the new-comer, politely. " If you are seeking the market-place I can easily direct you to it."
"You are right in your supposition," said the traveler.
"Naturally," said the citizen, smiling. "All the world comes to see our great statue; and I have pointed out the way to many. It would be strange if I did not know it, for it was I who proposed the setting up of the statue in the market-place. I am fortunate enough to be one of the town council."
"My respects to you," said the traveler, saluting him.
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