His Excellency received me cordially enough; but my friend Judge Beyers, the gentleman who presented me, by mentioning that I was on a voyage around the world, unwittingly gave great offense to the venerable statesman, which we both regretted deeply.

Mr.Kruger corrected the judge rather sharply, reminding him that the world is flat.

"You don't mean _round_ the world," said the president; "it is impossible! You mean _in_ the world.

Impossible!" he said, "impossible!" and not another word did he utter either to the judge or to me.

The judge looked at me and I looked at the judge, who should have known his ground, so to speak, and Mr.Kruger glowered at us both.