All the people who were clever enough to foresee this demand from abroad, and buy up the wheat before the orders came in, have made fortunes during the past few days.  They refused to sell their grain until its price had gone up to nearly double what they had paid for it, and are now smiling and happy, and thinking that prosperity has come at last.

Though a little flurry in the price of wheat cannot of itself make prosperity, the demands on our carrying trade for the shipment of the grain to foreign countries has brought a great deal of business to our shores.  It is stated that the piers around New York present a more busy scene than has been witnessed since the dull times began.

Grain elevators are in constant use loading the ships, and so great is the demand that the little floating elevators are getting a large share of the business.

Ships are being loaded for France, the Argentine Republic, South Africa, Portugal, and many other foreign countries.

Three million bushels of wheat were sent out of the country during the past week.

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You will be interested to hear of the capture of Drunami, the king of Benin, who has been wandering in the African forests since the destruction of Benin City, by the expedition sent out from England last February to punish him for the murder of the English travellers. (See page 344.)

Drunami finally returned to Benin, and surrendered to the British authorities.

The soldiers who were guarding the city one day caught sight of a large body of natives approaching the walls.

Ahead of the main body ran a messenger carrying a white flag, to show that their mission was one of peace.  He was closely followed by Drunami, ten of his principal chiefs, and eight hundred unarmed warriors.

The English soldiers were called out, and the King was allowed to enter the city.

He stated that he had come to make submission to the British Queen or her representative, and begged that in consideration for his rank he might be allowed to make his submission in private.

When this message was brought to the Resident, as the English governor is called, he refused to grant the request.

He said that Drunami’s rebellion against the Queen had been public, and therefore his submission must be public also.

The King of Benin thereupon held a council with his chiefs, who after much arguing decided that it was best to obey the wishes of the Resident, and make public submission.

Word of his intention was accordingly sent to the Resident, who thereupon repaired to the Council House, and, taking his position on its steps, waited the arrival of the penitent King.

Drunami, as he advanced to meet him, presented a very strange appearance.  From head to foot his black skin was covered with coral ornaments.  On his arms and ankles were numberless bangles, those on his arms being so many and so heavy that he could not raise his arms, but had to have them supported by his followers.