ide yourself with
the means of redress ere you are overtaken by the bitter pill of
adversity. Mr. Baker, your beautiful home should be insured at once!"

It then occurred to me for the first time that neighbor Teddy was the
general western agent of the Royal Liliuokalani Fire, Marine and
Accident Insurance Company of Hawaii. I have often wondered why a man
when he embarks in the insurance business invariably attaches himself
to a concern located in some far distant clime, and now that I am
thinking of it, I will add that I have often wondered why the efficacy
of patent medicines is so often testified to by the affidavits of
people with strange names who reside in queer streets in obscure
hamlets hundreds of miles distant from the place of publication.

"It would be wise of you," said Mr. Teddy, "to let me write you out a
policy immediately. It is always prudent to take time by the forelock.
Our rates are low, and, as you doubtless are aware, our company is the
most prosperous in the world. We were awarded a medal at the World's
Fair.

"I know absolutely nothing about these things," said I, candidly, "but
I suppose we ought to have the place insured. I should be glad to have
you drop around some evening and talk the matter over with Alice and
me."

To this suggestion Mr. Teddy took very kindly and he promised to call
very soon. As he retired down the gravel walk Colonel Bobbett Doller
came up the same. The two gentlemen saluted each other very coldly.

"Colonel Doller is coming to talk to me about that twenty-five foot
strip of land," says I to myself; but I was in error.

"Ah, good morning, neighbor Baker, good morning!" cried Colonel Doller,
cheerily. "Beautiful weather we 're having--too dry, though, much too
dry! All nature is parched. We need rain badly; otherwise the most
lamentable consequences will follow. I dare say you have noticed by
the paper how alarmingly prevalent conflagrations have become?"

"Have they?" I asked, in genuine surprise.

"Shockingly so," answered Colonel Doller. "The record is simply
appalling. If this thing continues a lot of the little mushroom
insurance companies will fail; it 's an ill wind that blows nobody
good. The public will presently awaken to a realization of the danger
of patronizing the irresponsible concerns which are trying to do
business under the shadow of the old and reliable companies."

"Do you really think there will be a panic?" I asked.

"Amo