[Illustration: "The Executioner in his agitation dropped his axe."]

"I gave him a wrathful glance, and was about to speak, when at a sign
from the Grand Panjandrum, two powerful slaves sprang forward and bound
and gagged me.

"There was a sound of approaching footsteps, and from another entrance
the Executioner appeared, followed by some slaves carrying the block.

"I thought my last moment had arrived, but just then, to my intense
delight, I felt a curious sensation, which told me that I was about to
disappear.

"My feet went first (this is not always the case), and then my legs, and
I could see the amazement with which the Grand Panjandrum and all the
assembled company were regarding the, to them, extraordinary phenomenon.

"The Executioner in his agitation dropped his axe, and stood
open-mouthed regarding what was left of me; and, although I was rather
anxious lest they should make an attempt to chop off my head before it
finally disappeared, I managed despite my gag to 'grin' in the Grand
Panjandrum's face, and an instant later I found myself here."

Shin Shira, having finished his story, drew his little fan from his
sleeve and sat fanning himself with great composure, while he regarded
my doubtless astonished face with considerable amusement.

"I--I'll put that story down at once, if you don't mind," I stammered,
hurrying to my desk and getting out some papers.