re I beg to request a week's time before giving my
answer."

To this no objection was made, and the Patriarch prepared to go.
Respectfully bowing to all present, as if nothing out of the common
had happened, he slowly moved toward the door apparently in deep
thought.

Just as he reached the door he turned back and addressing the judges,
said:

"Gentlemen, one of the reasons I had great pleasure in meeting you
to-day was because I wished to have your advice on a difficult legal
problem which has been presented to me by some members of my
community. Knowing your great wisdom, I thought you might assist me,
and as you are now sitting in lawful council I shall, if agreeable to
you, put the case before you and be greatly pleased to learn your
opinion."

The judges, whose curiosity was aroused, and who were flattered that a
man of such reputation for wisdom should submit a matter to them for
their opinion, signified to him to proceed.

"Gentlemen and wise men," began the Patriarch, "there was once a
father, and this father had thirteen sons, who were esteemed by all
who knew them. As time with sure hand marked its progress on the issue
of this good man, and the children grew into youth, they one by one
went into the world, spreading to the four known quarters of the
globe, and carrying with them the good influence given by their
father. Through them the name of the father spread, causing a great
moral and mental revolution throughout the world. The father in his
native home, however, saw that his days were few, that he had
well-nigh turned the leaves of the book of life, and yearned to see
his sons once more. He accordingly sent messengers all over the
world, saying: 'Come, my sons, and receive your father's blessing; he
is about to depart this life, come and get each one your portion of
the worldly possessions I have, together with my blessing, and again
go forth, doing each your duty to God and man.'

"One by one the sons of the aged father came, and once more were
united in the ancient home of their childhood, with the exception of
one son. The remaining days of the old man were spent with his twelve
sons, and the brothers found that all of them had retained the
teachings of infancy, and the pleasure was great. The reuniting of the
family, though of comparatively short duration, was happier by far
than the years of childhood and youth which they had spent together.
Still the thirteenth son was not found. The messe