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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-10 06:21:22 -0700 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-10 06:21:22 -0700 |
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diff --git a/old/18441-h.zip b/old/18441-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7a4e12d..0000000 --- a/old/18441-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/18441-h/18441-h.htm b/old/18441-h/18441-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index dd93965..0000000 --- a/old/18441-h/18441-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1799 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Bright-Wits Prince of Mogadore, by Burren Loughlin and L. L. Flood. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ -<!-- - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - hr { width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - visibility: hidden; - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - } /* page numbers */ - - .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ - .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} - - .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} - .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} - .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} - .br {border-right: solid 2px;} - .bbox {border: solid 2px;} - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .u {text-decoration: underline;} - - .caption {font-weight: bold;} - - .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} - - // --> - /* XML end ]]>*/ - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore, by -Burren Laughlin and L. L. Flood - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore - -Author: Burren Laughlin and L. L. Flood - -Release Date: May 23, 2006 [EBook #18441] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BRIGHT-WITS, PRINCE OF MOGADORE *** - - - - -Produced by Library of Congress, Irma Špehar , Janet -Blenkinship and the Online Distributed Proofreaders Europe -at http://dp.rastko.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - - - -<h1>BRIGHT-WITS</h1> - -<h1>PRINCE OF MOGADORE</h1> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/imgtitle.jpg" alt="Title" title="Title" /></div> - - -<h3>BURREN LOUGHLIN AND L.L. FLOOD</h3> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/imgcover.jpg" alt="Book cover" title="Book cover" /></div> - - -<p class='center'>H.M. CALDWELL CO. PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND BOSTON</p> - -<p class='center'><i>Copyright, 1909</i> <span class="smcap">By</span> H.M. <span class="smcap">Caldwell Co.</span></p> - -<p class='center'><i>Electrotyped and Printed by THE COLONIAL PRESS C. H. Simonds & Co., -Boston, U.S.A.</i></p> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CONTENTS</h3> - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align='left'>CHAPTER</td><td align='left'>PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>I. <span class="smcap">Bright-Wits Arrives in Parrabang,</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Where He Meets the Beautiful</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Azalia and Begins His Extraordinary</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Tasks</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>II. <span class="smcap">The Villainy of Garrofat and Doola.</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Prince Solves the Riddle of</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">the Rug, and Finds a New Task</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Awaiting Him</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_9'>9</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>III. <span class="smcap">Bright-Wits Learns That His Marriage</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">with Azalia Depends on</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Three Fountains and Three Gates</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">in the Palace Grounds</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_16'>16</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>IV. <span class="smcap">The Prince Solves the Game of</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Onalba, and Divides the Land of</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Zoltan, the Aga, to the Dismay</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">of Garrofat</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_23'>23</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>V. <span class="smcap">Bright-Wits Grows Jealous. Ablano</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Counsels the Prince to be Patient</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>VI. <span class="smcap">Bright-Wits Picks an Escort for a</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Journey and Foils the Wicked Design</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">of Garrofat</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_35'>35</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>VII. <span class="smcap">The Prince Returns to Find That Ablano</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">the Brahman Has Mysteriously</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Disappeared</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_40'>40</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>VIII. <span class="smcap">Return of Ablano. Garrofat and</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Doola Decide on Desperate Measures.</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Final Test</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'>IX. <span class="smcap">The Last Decree of Onalba. Downfall</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">of the Plotters. Bright-Wits</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Receives His Reward</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_54'>54</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">How Prince Bright-Wits Solved the</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Puzzles</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#Page_59'>59</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h2>THE PUZZLES PRINCE BRIGHT-WITS HAD TO SOLVE</h2> - - - - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Rug</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#therug'>8</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Eight Provinces</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#eightprovinces'>14</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Three Fountains and the Three Gates</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#threefountains'>18</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Five Shields</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#fiveshields'>21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Zoltan's Orchard</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#zoltan'>25</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Nine Disks</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#ninedisks'>30</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Soldiers and Guards</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#soldiers'>36</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Endless Chain</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#endlesschain'>38</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Doola's Game</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#doolasgame'>42</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Eight Pieces of Money</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#eightpieces'>47</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Serpent</span></td><td align='right'><a href='#serpent'>52</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h2>BRIGHT-WITS</h2> - -<h2>PRINCE OF MOGADORE</h2> - - -<h3>CHAPTER I</h3> - -<h4>BRIGHT-WITS ARRIVES IN PARRABANG, WHERE HE MEETS THE BEAUTIFUL -AZALIA AND BEGINS HIS EXTRAORDINARY TASKS</h4> - -<p>Long ago, before geographies were invented, so that it were useless to -seek for the kingdom on any modern map, there lived a wise King who had -but one son, of whom he was exceeding fond. Under the guidance of -learned teachers the young prince had read the Koran according to the -seven traditions, studied the writings of the poets and the science of -the stars, and had become skilled in all the arts and manly exercises to -a degree far surpassing the people of his age; so that his fame had -spread and he was known far and near as "Bright-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>Wits," Prince of -Mogadore. In person, the prince was comely beyond the beauty of men; and -he possessed the strength and courage of the lion, together with the -gentleness of the dove.</p> - -<p>Now when Bright-Wits had reached his eighteenth year, the king called -him to his side and said, "My son, you have arrived at the age when it -befits you to fare forth into the world that your education may be -completed by a knowledge of the ways of men. That when the Great Yama -shall gather me to His bosom you will be prepared to assume the -government of this kingdom and to conduct its affairs wisely and well. -And, lest your inexperience should lead you from the paths of wisdom, I -have arranged that you be accompanied on your journey by Ablano, the -Holy Brahman, who has lately come to our realm. On the morrow, then, you -will be prepared to start in company with an escort of horsemen and a -train of camels as befits your rank and station."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - -<p>At dawn the caravan was drawn up outside the gates of the city, and -Bright-Wits, after embracing his father, mounted a richly caparisoned -horse, and rode away with Ablano, the Brahman, riding on a camel at his -side. Now, although Bright-Wits was arrayed in the richest of garments, -the Brahman was simply appareled in the white robes of his order; his -only ornament being three great rings of gold encircling the cone above -his turban. His face, which was dark as that of an African, his snowy -beard, and his air of majestic dignity gave him a most noble and -striking appearance.</p> - -<p>For some days the caravan journeyed forward, Bright-Wits filled with -constant wonder by the sight of strange cities and people. At last, -after weeks of travel they came upon a defile in the mountains, and -passing through, emerged on a wide plain. Far to the north they could -discern the golden towers of an immense palace rising high<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> above a -large and prosperous city. Thither they pursued their way, entering at -last the great gate in the outer walls they proceeded through the city, -Bright-Wits constantly pausing to exclaim at the size and magnificence -of the buildings; which surpassed those of his father's capital as gold -surpasses copper.</p> - -<p>Arriving before the palace, Bright-Wits dismounted, and advanced, -accompanied only by Ablano. As they neared the magnificent edifice they -descried, seated upon a low porch, the figure of a fat and oily looking -old man, wearing on his head a huge turban topped with a golden crown -which was surmounted by a ruby large as a peacock's egg. The stranger -was puffing at his hookah and listening with disdain to the words of a -young maiden of marvellous beauty; who vainly essayed to call his -attention to the approach of the prince and Ablano. To the right of the -porch was suspended a great Mankalah rug made in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> pattern of a large -checker board; but which on closer inspection appeared to be imperfectly -put together, as several of the squares were missing.</p> - -<p>Ablano, approaching the stranger, made obeisance and said, "Know, thou -Illustrious One, that we are two travellers who, having heard of the -glory of your kingdom, seek your permission to dwell therein for a brief -space, that going hence to our own land, we may bring to our people the -tale of your splendour and greatness."</p> - -<p>The fat stranger, turning his beady black eyes on Ablano, made answer in -surly fashion. "Think you that this palace is naught but a tavern for -the entertainment of stray mendicants?"</p> - -<p>He would have continued had not Bright-Wits interrupted him, angrily -exclaiming, "Know, thou surly hind, that I am Bright-Wits, Prince of -Mogadore, and that yonder holy man, who honours me in being my guide and -father as I travel in search of knowledge and adventure, is Ablano the -Brah<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>man, whose virtues are as many as the sands in the great desert of -Gobi, and the fame of whose wisdom reaches all men as the rays of the -sun at noon."</p> - -<p>Now the fat stranger, alarmed by the fierce outburst of the prince, -scrambled hastily to his feet, and with profuse apologies welcomed the -travellers and bade them recline upon the porch while he summoned -attendants and refreshments. When their ungracious host had retired, the -damsel turned upon Bright-Wits a face which outshone the sun in its -splendour, and thus addressed him.</p> - -<p>"Know, O prince, that I am the Princess Azalia, and that this great -palace, and the city and country for ten days' journey in every -direction, formed the kingdom of my father the Great Onalba, Rajah of -Parrabang. Here my days passed as in Paradise, until one year ago, when -my loved parent suddenly disappeared. At first no alarm was felt, for he -was wondrous wise, and fond of secluding himself from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> men that he might -study in peace and quietness. When, however, a month passing saw not his -return, the Vizier Garrofat, he who was but now upon the porch, -nicknamed the 'Old Woman,' because of his beardless face, called the -Council of Emirs together; whereupon it was solemnly decreed that my -beloved father had departed from this life. Now, I being a maid, and -moreover barely sixteen, could not govern in his stead, and Garrofat had -himself declared Regent until I should have arrived at the age of -eighteen years, by virtue of a decree which he claimed to have received -from the Rajah, my father. Now, moreover, this decree gave Garrofat the -right to accept as a husband for me any suitor who succeeded in -performing certain tasks, first of which was the repairing of the great -Mankalah rug hanging here beside you.</p> - -<p>"You can see, O prince, that it is made up of separate pieces, each -containing from three to five squares, fourteen pieces in all. They must -be cut<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> apart and rearranged so as to form a perfect checker board."</p> - -<p>"But there are empty spaces, and I can see but thirteen pieces here," -objected Bright-Wits.</p> - -<p>"The missing piece hangs here at the side of the steps, and, as you see, -contains three squares," explained Azalia.</p> - -<p>"This surely can be no difficult task to be so richly rewarded," cried -Bright-Wits.</p> - -<p>"Then accomplish it, thou Clever One," laughed Azalia.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The reader who wishes to learn what chance Bright-Wits has of -winning the promised reward, should cut out the rug on page at the -back of the book, and try the task himself. Cut with a scissors or -sharp knife along the heavy lines</i>.</p></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="therug" id="therug"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img01.jpg" alt="THE RUG." title="THE RUG." /></div> -<h4>THE RUG.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/imgnote01.jpg" alt="THE RUG." title="THE RUG." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img02.jpg" alt="THE RUG." title="THE RUG." /></div> - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER II</h3> - -<h4>THE VILLAINY OF GARROFAT AND DOOLA. THE PRINCE SOLVES THE RIDDLE OF -THE RUG, AND FINDS A NEW TASK AWAITING HIM</h4> - - -<p>Now when the Vizier Garrofat returned he was angered to find the -princess conversing with the strangers, and remarked sourly, "Much -wisdom, my lords, may be found in the complaints of women. Azalia has -doubtless been telling you of the riddle of the Mankalah rug, forgetting -that it is unseemly in a maiden to point the way to the possession of -her charms."</p> - -<p>To which Bright-Wits quickly replied, "Learn then, O Garrofat, that I -would fain solve the riddle of the rug, and do proclaim my willingness -to be whipped forth from the gates of your city, if seven days hence I -have not accomplished the task."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Bright eyes stir dull wits," sneered Garrofat. "Let us pray to Allah -that your skin is as thick as your vanity is great; for my slaves have -stout arms and heavy whips. Know then that I accept your offer and warn -thee against failure. Now enter with me into the palace, where you will -find refreshment; and on the morrow I will have the rug conveyed to the -apartment which you shall occupy while you dwell with us, that you may -begin your task without delay."</p> - -<p>During the week which followed, Bright-Wits, and Ablano the Brahman, -made numerous excursions into the city and even out into the surrounding -country. At every opportunity the prince sought the society of Azalia; -and as the holy Brahman Ablano was ever present at their meetings, -Garrofat could offer no objection, much as he frowned on their ripening -friendship.</p> - -<p>On these occasions Azalia told her new friends of many suspicious acts -of the crafty vizier; which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> clearly indicated that he was plotting to -secure the hand of the princess for himself, and the entire control of -the kingdom into the bargain. "He has assumed the royal red robes," said -Azalia, "and he has issued orders that he be addressed only as rajah. He -has elevated his cunning brother Doola to be head of the Council of -Emirs with the rank of vizier; and has given him the richest province of -my father's kingdom to govern." When relating these things the princess -would give way to her grief.</p> - -<p>But Ablano comforted her, saying, "Peace, my child. Be not disheartened. -Always must thou remember that as happiness passeth away so passeth away -anxiety and sorrow."</p> - -<p>At last on the evening of the sixth day, Garrofat summoned the prince to -his presence and warned him to be in attendance in the great hall of the -palace on the morrow. Now when morning came, Bright-Wits was escorted by -a strong guard of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> slaves to the Hall of Audience from which he was to -emerge victorious as the accepted suitor for the hand of Azalia, or with -the whips of Garrofat's stout slaves singing in his ears and stinging -his shoulders.</p> - -<p>Entering boldly, Bright-Wits found Garrofat seated upon the royal -throne, while at his right stood the eight governors of the provinces. -The prince easily distinguished Doola from Azalia's description. Like -his brother, he was beardless; while a golden crown surmounted by a red -cone shaped hat was perched above his rust coloured hair.</p> - -<p>As Bright-Wits advanced to the throne, Garrofat cried out with derision, -"Comes the Prince of Boasters to receive his reward? My slaves are -impatient to stretch their whips across your shoulders."</p> - -<p>"My business is neither with slaves nor whips," answered the prince with -scorn. "I come to an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>nounce that I have solved the riddle of the rug." -Then salaaming deeply, he presented to Garrofat a small roll of -parchment. "On this," he said, "you will find a plan of the rug, so that -should it by any mischance come apart again it may be readily repaired."</p> - -<p>Two slaves now entered bearing the rug; and when they had spread it upon -the floor, it was found to be perfectly put together.</p> - -<p>"By Allah!" gasped Garrofat, "he must be a genie."</p> - -<p>Doola was the first to recover from the general surprise, and stepping -quickly to his brother's side he whispered in his ear. Now the counsel -must have been pleasing; for Garrofat chuckled and thus addressed the -prince. "Let me congratulate you," he said with a grin, "but before I -can consider you as a suitor for the hand of Azalia, I must have further -proof that you are as wise as you pretend. Else, would I be false to my -duty as her guardian.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Now just before your entrance we were considering a question of grave -importance to the welfare of the kingdom. You will observe that there -hangs on the wall beside you what appear to be four charts, but which -are really the parts of one chart. Know then that this kingdom consists -of eight provinces; ruled over by the eight emirs you see here -assembled. Now these eight emirs are so jealous of each other that -fierce battles occur whenever two of them chance to meet upon the road. -Only our presence now restrains them. Anxious to put an end to these -disgraceful brawls within the kingdom, the great Rajah Onalba had drawn -yonder plan of the eight provinces. On it as you see he laid down roads -running north and south, and east and west. Other roads cross these in -every direction, so that any one of the eight emirs might leave his -castle and travel by any route across the kingdom without passing the -castle of another emir on the way. Now by some misfortune the -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>chart was cut into four pieces before the roads were built, and we -have never been able to arrange them in their original position. There -on the wall are the four pieces. The lines represent the roads, and the -eight spots the castles of the emirs. This matter must be adjusted at -once, and as you are a suitor for the hand of Azalia I expect you to -prove your claim to wisdom by solving the puzzle of the chart."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="eightprovinces" id="eightprovinces"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate03.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." title="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." /></div> -<h4>THE EIGHT PROVINCES.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/note02.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." title="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate04.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." title="THE EIGHT PROVINCES." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>When Garrofat had concluded, Bright-Wits, in obedience to the counsel of -Ablano, expressed his willingness to attempt the solution of this new -riddle. Whipping from the gates to be the penalty of failure.</p> - -<p>At a signal from the vizier, the audience was now dismissed; Bright-Wits -bearing away to his apartments the pieces of the torn chart.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The reader may cut out the four pieces of the chart which he will -find on a page at the back of the book. Cut along the dotted lines -and endeavour to arrange the four parts so that no two castles will -appear on any straight lines. He can thus learn Bright-Wits' chance -of success.</i></p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER III</h3> - -<h4>BRIGHT-WITS LEARNS THAT HIS MARRIAGE WITH AZALIA DEPENDS ON THREE -FOUNTAINS AND THREE GATES IN THE PALACE GROUNDS</h4> - -<p>The week passed much as the first; Bright-Wits and Ablano spending the -time roaming over the palace grounds accompanied by the Princess Azalia. -Garrofat sometimes made one of their little party; while Doola would -occasionally thrust his long nose and ugly face into the circle.</p> - -<p>On the seventh day Bright-Wits presented himself at the Audience Chamber -in response to the summons of Garrofat, who greeted him with mocking -inquiries as to the success of his map making.</p> - -<p>Saluting him gravely Bright-Wits made reply, "Here you will find the map -in proper shape. Scant must be the brains in Parrabang when so simple a -task remained so long unaccomplished."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"All in good time," purred Garrofat, who, barely glancing at the map as -the slaves spread it out before him, addressed some words in a low tone -to his brother Doola. Then turning to Bright-Wits he drawled, "By the -Prophet of Allah, my dear prince, your success delights me. Allah -himself must have directed you to this kingdom, for never was visit more -timely."</p> - -<p>Thereupon Bright-Wits interrupted him angrily, "Cease, I pray you, these -speeches, and answer at once my demand for the reward I have now -earned."</p> - -<p>"Calm thyself, dear Bright-Wits," began Garrofat, "I am sorry to remind -you that as your task is yet unfinished there is no reward due you. Your -success, however, warrants me in demanding further proof of your boasted -ability. I would not have Azalia wed to one who was but a lucky fool." -Then, unheeding the prince's rage, he continued, "Now among other things -perplexing the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> kingdom is the completion of the palace gardens. If you -will but accompany me to the top of the palace I can better explain."</p> - -<p>Thither they went, and from this high point Bright-Wits could see a -great walled garden in which were set three fountains, one of gold, one -of silver, and one of bronze. Three gates of the same metals were placed -in the farther wall.</p> - -<p>With a wave of his hand, Garrofat began, "This great garden was built by -order of Onalba the Rajah, but through carelessness of the workmen the -gates were put in the wrong places. Hence the difficulty.</p> - -<p>"Now the water for the golden fountain must be brought by a pipe running -from the golden gate; that for the silver fountain from the silver gate, -and to the bronze fountain from the bronze gate. At no point must these -pipes cross each other or go outside the walls. Know then, that as -Azalia's wedding must be celebrated in that gar<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>den, it is very -important to you that it be completed."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="threefountains" id="threefountains"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate05.jpg" alt="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." title="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." /></div> -<h4>THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/imgnote03.jpg" alt="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." title="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate06.jpg" alt="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." title="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p>When Garrofat ceased, Bright-Wits was about to give way to his wrath, -but a look from Azalia checked him, and he said, "So be it. I accept -this new task."</p> - -<p>"And the old penalty," chuckled Doola.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and the old penalty," cried Bright-Wits. "But look to it thyself, -thou hungry hind, lest thou be nearer the whips than I."</p> - -<p>Now although Bright-Wits made no secret of his contempt for Garrofat and -Doola, his love for the Princess Azalia daily increased. In a shaded -part of the palace grounds there stood a pretty little pavilion, and -here, in company with Ablano, Bright-Wits and Azalia spent many happy -hours.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The reader may observe that the fountains and gates are coloured -the same in pairs: gray for gold, white for silver, and black for -bronze. He may with his pencil endeavour to connect each fountain -with the gate of its own colour.</i></p></div> - -<p>The week finally slipped by, and on the seventh <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>day, Bright-Wits was -led, as before, to the Audience Chamber surrounded by a strong guard of -slaves. Entering the apartment, the prince advanced, and saluting -Garrofat with mock courtesy, he handed him a parchment on which had been -drawn a plan showing the solution of the problem of the fountains and -gates.</p> - -<p>Garrofat received the parchment, and after a glance at it, passed it to -Doola with a wink. "Verily," said he, "thou art indeed a bright youth. -Now be not impatient, I pray you," he added hastily, on seeing the face -of the prince grow dark. "Think not that I have any desire to cheat you -of the reward you have won, or almost won, I should say; for I have a -further little test for you."</p> - -<p>It was with difficulty that Bright-Wits controlled his rage; while -Garrofat continued in oily tones, "You have no doubt heard, among other -things, that the Great Rajah Onalba was very fond of play<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>ing at -games of skill. Now it is only just that you should prove your title to -be his successor by performing some of them. On the wall beside you hang -five shields, each smaller than the other. Through the centre of each -there is a hole. You will see that they are numbered from one to five. -Behind you stand three spindles. Now you must first place all the -shields on one of the spindles, the largest, number five, on the bottom, -and the smallest, number one, on the top. Next you must transfer all -five shields to the second spindle, moving but one shield at a time, and -placing it either on a vacant spindle or on top of a larger shield. You -may use all three spindles in the task, which I assure you will test -your bright wits to the full."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="fiveshields" id="fiveshields"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate07.jpg" alt="THE FIVE SHIELDS." title="THE FIVE SHIELDS." /></div> -<h4>THE FIVE SHIELDS.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/note04.jpg" alt="THE FIVE SHIELDS." title="THE FIVE SHIELDS." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate08.jpg" alt="THE FIVE SHIELDS." title="THE FIVE SHIELDS." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p>Calming himself with an effort, the prince asked, "Do you mean that I am -to do this task here and now?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," grinned Garrofat, "you may take the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> shields and spindles to -your apartment, where you can work it out at your leisure."</p> - -<p>"Only don't work on it at night, my dear Prince," put in Doola, with a -leer. "The clattering of the shields would keep us all awake."</p> - -<p>"Some day, with the help of Allah, I will put you into a sleep that -nothing will ever disturb," cried Bright-Wits as he strode wrathfully -from the hall.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>If the reader would try this new task, he may cut out the shields -at the back of the book. For spindles he may use three square -pieces of cardboard with a pin stuck through the centre of each. -After placing the shields on the first spindle the first move will -be shield No. 1 to a vacant spindle. Then shield No. 2 to another -vacant spindle. Then shield No. 1 on top of shield No. 2, and the -rest as he may.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p></div> - - - -<h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> - -<h4>THE PRINCE SOLVES THE GAME OF ONALBA, AND DIVIDES THE LAND OF -ZOLTAN, THE AGA, TO THE DISMAY OF GARROFAT</h4> - -<p>Now followed another week of happiness spent with the princess and -Ablano. When the seventh day arrived at last, Bright-Wits presented -himself in the Great Hall accompanied by slaves bearing the shields and -spindles.</p> - -<p>Now Garrofat observed the prince's confident air with displeasure. -Concealing his feelings, however, he chirped, "Well, Prince, have your -wits proven as bright as of yore? Or do you but come to return the -shields and to ask forgiveness for your rash boasting?"</p> - -<p>"Cease such drivel," cried Bright-Wits, interrupting him, "I have come -to announce the com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>pletion of a task so simple that it should not have -puzzled a child."</p> - -<p>"Ah, what a fine thing it is to be clever," exclaimed Doola, with a look -of mock admiration. But a glance from Bright-Wits caused him to shrink -back in alarm.</p> - -<p>Now Bright-Wits ordered the slaves to set the spindles and shields -before him; and with a smile to Azalia, he proceeded to repeat his task -before their astonished eyes.</p> - -<p>When the last move was made, Garrofat gasped with amazement. None had -ever accomplished that feat save the Rajah Onalba himself. A hurried -consultation with Doola, however, restored his courage, and, rising, he -said, "Praise be to Allah, but thou art a youth of wondrous wisdom, and -I would be false to my trust as the Regent of this kingdom if I failed -to submit to you a question which has for the space of a whole year -puzzled the wisest wits in the realm." Then bidding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> Bright-Wits to -follow, he led the way to a balcony from which the surrounding country -could be overlooked.</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="zoltan" id="zoltan"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate09.jpg" alt="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." title="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." /></div> - -<h4>THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/imgnote05.jpg" alt="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." title="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate10.jpg" alt="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." title="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>"There," said Garrofat, pointing in the direction of a large orchard, -"is a plot of land which Zoltan, the Aga, willed to his four sons. As -you can see, twelve trees grow upon it, and the whole is surrounded by a -deep ditch. Now, according to the will of Zoltan, that plot of land is -to be divided equally into four parts, each to be of the same size and -shape, and each to contain three of the twelve trees; the trees to be -located in the same position in each piece."</p> - -<p>Now Bright-Wits had been warned by Ablano against the folly of losing -his temper when fresh tasks were imposed upon him. "It suits my -purpose," Ablano had said, "that we test their villainy to the bottom." -Remembering this warning, Bright-Wits replied with a smile, "Let the -sons of Zoltan cease from quarrelling. I will divide<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> the land between -them according to the will of their father."</p> - -<p>"Do this," said Doola, with a bow and smirk, "and I could die from -admiration of your cleverness."</p> - -<p>Whereon, Bright-Wits, casting on him a look of scorn, made answer, "On -the occasion of your death the only one present to merit admiration will -be the public executioner who will officiate." So saying, he turned and -descended to the palace accompanied by Azalia and the Holy Brahman, -Ablano.</p> - -<p>When, seven days later, Bright-Wits appeared before Garrofat, he found -him in an ugly mood. Nor did the cheerful air of the prince as he -entered his presence tend to help matters. Fortunate was it for -Bright-Wits that he was under the protec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>tion of Ablano, the Brahman, -otherwise his instant execution might have been ordered. But to anger or -offend a Brahman was considered the unpardonable sin; so Bright-Wits was -spared to continue his adventures.</p> - -<p>Subduing his rage, Garrofat asked in harsh tones, "How now? Thou -meddling busybody! Hast thou solved the will of Zoltan?"</p> - -<p>"Calm thyself, O Garrofat," begged the prince with pretended concern. -"Know you not that he who submits to anger but shortens his own life? Be -happy then, for I have solved the will of Zoltan. Here is a plan of the -orchard properly divided. Are you now satisfied, or have you been able -to concoct new schemes to postpone my marriage with Azalia?"</p> - -<p>"Speak not to me of schemes, thou possessed of the Djinns," roared -Garrofat. "It is but for the good of the kingdom that I act. Your task<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> -will be as long as I wish to make it. You have succeeded so far, by -sorcery; but beware of your failure on this next test of your vaunted -brightness."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>If the reader would learn whether Bright-Wits is apt to succeed in -his latest task, he may try to divide the orchard himself.</i></p></div> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER V</h3> - -<h4>BRIGHT-WITS GROWS JEALOUS. ABLANO COUNSELS THE PRINCE TO BE PATIENT</h4> - -<p>Now, on a signal, four slaves rolled into the Audience Chamber what -appeared to be a huge table set up endwise between two posts. On it were -inscribed three circles in heavy lines, one within the other. Connecting -the circles were thinner lines; and at the points where they met there -were round spots numbered from one to nine. Another spot, numbered ten, -stood outside the circle, but was connected thereto by a thin curved -line.</p> - -<p>"Behold, thou bright-witted one, another of the games with which the -great Onalba was wont to amuse himself. Here in the frame at the steps -of the throne you will see nine disks, three gray, three white, and -three black. On the face of each you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> can see a square, a triangle, or a -circle. You are to take these disks and place them on the numbered spots -on the table beside you—number ten to be left vacant. The disks must -then be moved along thick or thin lines into vacant spots, until all -three colours, and a square, a triangle, and a circle can be found in -each heavy lined circle and in each row of spots. Seven days you may -have to accomplish this task for which your life may be the forfeit."</p> - -<p>"But what do you mean by rows of spots, and how about the tenth spot?" -demanded Bright-Wits, showing no concern over this new test.</p> - -<p>"Well wert thou named Bright-Wits," sneered Garrofat. "But I will -explain. The rows of spots are the three lines of spots numbered as -follows, II-V-VIII, I-IV-VII, and III-VI-IX. The tenth spot is left -vacant for the first move. And further, you must cross no spot already -occupied by a disk."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p><a name="ninedisks" id="ninedisks"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate11.jpg" alt="THE NINE DISKS." title="THE NINE DISKS." /></div> -<h4>THE NINE DISKS.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate12.jpg" alt="THE NINE DISKS." title="THE NINE DISKS." /></div> -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p>"If I succeed in solving this puzzle, have you any more tests before -giving me the reward which I have already won?" asked the prince.</p> - -<p>"That is for me to decide," replied Garrofat with a scowl. "As I have -already told you, my love for Azalia, and respect for the wishes of her -dead parent, the wise Rajah Onalba, compel me to use every possible -resource to insure her future happiness. How better could I do this than -by proving to the world that I have bestowed her upon the wisest of -princes? The table will be carried to your apartment, and I wish again -to remind you that failure now means more than a whipping. Though you -shall have that too, for good measure."</p> - -<p>"Give yourself no concern on that head," replied Bright-Wits boldly. -"For, by Allah, the whips are not yet braided which shall sting my -shoulders through any device of thine."</p> - -<p>"Bravely said, my dear Bright-Wits," cackled Doola. "But be careful not -to swallow any of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> disks; your stomach might find them hard to -digest."</p> - -<p>"Thrust not thy ugly nose into my affairs," cried the prince, turning -savagely upon Doola. "And look to it that you find not in your own -stomach two hands' breadth of my dagger without your being put to the -trouble of swallowing it or of digesting it thereafter." Then at a sign -from Ablano he retired from the room.</p> - -<p>During the next week, Bright-Wits spent much of his time on the solution -of this latest problem. While the prince was thus engaged, Ablano and -Azalia held many consultations in the little pavilion under the trees. -More like father and child they seemed. A secret understanding appeared -to exist between them; which caused Bright-Wits many pangs of jealousy; -despite the respect and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>affection in which he held his master the Holy -Brahman. He was certain that they were concealing something from him. -Yet when he tried to discover the mystery in their actions Azalia would -but laugh at him; while Ablano gently chided his impatience, saying unto -him, "All things are as Allah hath ordered. It is but for us to await -his meaning without impatience. Yet be thou not cast down, for the end -draweth nigh." Put off, but far from satisfied, Bright-Wits must needs -be content.</p> - -<p>Now all this time Garrofat and Doola were busy with a little scheme of -their own that promised to remove one, and perhaps both, of these -meddlesome strangers from the kingdom.</p> - -<p>When the seventh day again came round, Bright-Wits repaired to the -Audience Chamber and was considerably puzzled to find several hundred -soldiers drawn up in the court. Among them he discerned some of his own -guards, distinguishable by their high crowned turbans. His wonder was -still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> further increased by the excessive good humour of Garrofat and -his wily brother Doola. Smilingly they waited while slaves bore in the -great table; and with exclamations of delight greeted Bright-Wits as he -demonstrated his success in mastering the great game of Onalba.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>If the reader will cut out the little circular disks which he will -find at the back of the book, and place them at random on the -numbered spots, leaving number ten vacant for his first move, he -may find Bright-Wits' task to be less difficult than it looks.</i></p></div> - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> - -<h4>BRIGHT-WITS PICKS AN ESCORT FOR A JOURNEY AND FOILS THE WICKED -DESIGN OF GARROFAT</h4> - -<p>"Verily dost thou deserve success, my dear Prince," smirked Garrofat. -"Your probation is almost over. Now before I demand any further proof of -your wisdom, it is my desire that you travel over the kingdom for a -brief time that you may acquaint yourself with the country and people -over whom it appears you are destined to rule, by the grace of Allah, -and the help of your own bright wits. With you will go a guard of -fifteen soldiers, as befits your rank and station."</p> - -<p>Now on hearing this strange announcement, Ablano pierced Garrofat with -his eyes. Then staying Bright-Wits, who was about to make reply, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> -asked, "What men are to be selected for this escort, and who is to -select them?"</p> - -<p>Now Garrofat winced at this question, but instantly recovering himself -replied, "Has thy stay in Parrabang, O Brahman, made thee so lost to -politeness as to cast suspicion on thy host? Has this been the teaching -of Brahma? But fear not. Bright-Wits may do his own selecting; only as -he is so very clever I would insist that he do it by rule. Fifteen of -these soldiers are his own people; with an equal number of my guards he -will have thirty to select from. This he must do by arranging the thirty -men in a circle, and counting out every tenth man. Now if he is but as -clever as usual it should not be difficult for Bright-Wits to take with -him none but his own soldiers."</p> - -<p>Again Bright-Wits essayed to speak; but again Ablano checked him, and -directed that the thirty men should step forth. Now calling Bright-Wits -to his side, the Brahman whispered, "If but one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> of Garrofat's -guards be among your escort you will be assassinated at the first -opportunity." For a few moments Ablano whispered thus to the prince, and -finished his instructions by telling him not to fear.</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a name="soldiers" id="soldiers"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate13.jpg" alt="THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS." title="THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS." /></div> -<h4>THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate14.jpg" alt="THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS." title="THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS." /></div> - -<p><br /><br /></p> -<p>Now this whispered conference was but little to the liking of the two -plotters, and Garrofat demanded that the selection be made at once.</p> - -<p>With secret misgivings, but outwardly brave, Bright-Wits descended to -the court; where he quickly arranged the thirty soldiers in a circle and -began to count. Ablano now crossed over to the princess and, taking her -trembling little hands in his, gently chided her for her fears. -Bright-Wits, meanwhile, continued to count and select; and to the -amazement of Garrofat and Doola none were chosen but the prince's own -men.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>With fifteen pieces of white and fifteen pieces of coloured paper, -or any other counters, the reader may learn the way Bright-Wits -counted out his own men so successfully.</i></p></div> - -<p>As the last man stepped out the plotters ex<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>changed glances of terror. -Quickly recovering themselves, however, they applauded rapturously; -while Garrofat pulled a sour smile and said, "Djinn or Genie, by Allah, -thou art wonderful. Now that you have shown such amazing skill I have a -little problem which as a favour to me I would ask that you work out at -your leisure while going forward on your journey." This said, he gave -whispered instructions to Doola, who retired, to return almost instantly -followed by a slave bearing eighteen oblong shaped pieces of silver, on -some of which the links of a chain embossed in gold might be seen.</p> - -<p>Bidding the prince to draw near, Garrofat began, "These eighteen pieces -which you see here were originally a complete pattern filling the blank -square space above the throne. The design in gold is an endless chain -representing life. Loosened by time they fell from their place and up to -the present no one has been found skilful enough to rear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> range the -pieces so that they will fit the space and show the endless chain -perfectly joined. Here you may see a counterpart of it in this marble -decoration. You would find that no guide in your task, however, except -as showing the pattern of the chain when complete. Do me this little -service, my dear Prince, and I will for ever be your most devoted -admirer."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a name="endlesschain" id="endlesschain"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate15.jpg" alt="THE ENDLESS CHAIN." title="THE ENDLESS CHAIN." /></div> - -<h4>THE ENDLESS CHAIN.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate16.jpg" alt="THE ENDLESS CHAIN." title="THE ENDLESS CHAIN." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>"I scorn your admiration," broke out Bright-Wits angrily; then catching -a warning look from Ablano, he salaamed deeply to Garrofat, and said -mockingly, "I am ready to become even a chair mender, if by so doing I -can favour a friend or discomfit a rogue."</p> - -<p>Now Garrofat refused to show anger at this insolence; but smilingly gave -the prince his permission to withdraw that he make ready for his journey -through the kingdom which was to begin on the morrow.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>If he is anxious to try to repair the endless chain he has only to -cut out the pieces at the back of the book.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p></div> - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> - -<h4>THE PRINCE RETURNS TO FIND THAT ABLANO THE BRAHMAN HAS MYSTERIOUSLY -DISAPPEARED</h4> - -<p>For the next seven days Bright-Wits was in a constant maze of wonder at -the magnificence and extent of the kingdom of Parrabang. His fame had -spread abroad through the land, so that wherever he went he was welcomed -by the people with all the honour and affection that would have been -bestowed on a royal prince of the country. Laden with rich gifts, and -with the praises of the people still ringing in his ears, he returned to -the palace at last. Here he found Garrofat awaiting him with a smile -that was far from sweet. The Vizier's sour looks, however, were quickly -forgotten when Bright-Wits, casting his eyes up to the windows of the -zenana, caught a glance from the starry orbs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> of Azalia that set his -heart beating to a merry tune.</p> - -<p>Ignoring Garrofat's questions as to his travels, Bright-Wits summoned -two of his guards, who bore between them a closely wrapped square -packet; which upon being opened proved to contain the silver disk, of -the eighteen pieces now perfectly restored, its golden chain showing no -break in all its length.</p> - -<p>It was with difficulty that Garrofat choked down his rage at this latest -failure of his plans to discomfit or destroy the prince. Doola, however, -pressed forward to welcome Bright-Wits. Bowing and salaaming like a -manikin he pranced across the court; and, as he drew near, Bright-Wits -noticed that he carried in his hand a narrow strip of teak wood marked -off into squares. Calling upon Allah and all the prophets to bear -witness to his joy at seeing his dear friend Prince Bright-Wits returned -safely from his journey, he would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> have clasped the prince in his arms -had not our hero thrust him off.</p> - -<p>Disregarding the prince's scorn, he endeavoured to call his attention to -the little teak wood board which the prince had already observed. "My -dear Bright-Wits," he chattered, "I have come to crave a boon at your -hands. I want the assistance of your clever wits in solving a little -puzzle over which I have spent hours without arriving at a solution. -This puzzle is in reality another of the games with which the Great -Onalba was fond of amusing himself. So fond indeed was he of this -particular amusement that he had an immense representation of the board -on which it is played reproduced in stone here in the palace wall. As -you can see, my dear Prince, the board is marked off into seven squares, -three gray, and three black, while the centre square was left white. In -playing the game six counters were used, three black and three white. In -starting play, the three black counters<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> are placed on the black -squares, and the three white counters on the gray squares. The centre -square is left vacant. The game consists in making the two sets of -counters change places; moving one at a time. You can jump as in -checkers: that is, you can go over a counter if there is a blank space -behind it. You must always move forward, however, and a move once made -cannot be withdrawn. Few have ever even seen this one of the games of -Onalba, and none but he have ever succeeded in mastering it. Do you -think you could solve this little puzzle, my dear Bright-Wits? I am -dying to find out just how it is done."</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a name="doolasgame" id="doolasgame"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate17.jpg" alt="DOOLA'S GAME." title="DOOLA'S GAME." /></div> -<h4>DOOLA'S GAME.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate18.jpg" alt="DOOLA'S GAME." title="DOOLA'S GAME." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>With an angry gesture, Bright-Wits was about to consign Doola and his -game to oblivion; but at a nod from Ablano he signed for a slave to take -the board from Doola.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The reader may use six of the counters from the other game in -working out this one of Bright-Wits' problems.</i></p></div> - -<p>Azalia appearing at this moment, all else was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>forgotten by Bright-Wits, -who rushed to her side and was soon deeply engaged in telling her of his -wonder at the greatness and splendour of her kingdom.</p> - -<p>Short-lived, however, was to be their joy. With the coming of the next -day consternation reigned throughout the palace. Ablano, the Brahman, -had disappeared. How or when, none knew.</p> - -<p>Couriers and soldiers were hurried abroad throughout the kingdom. The -entire country was shrouded in deepest grief. Nothing availed. Not a -trace of the Holy Brahman could be found. In the caravansaries about the -city, and within the palace naught else was talked of. Everywhere there -was evidence of a great sorrow. Short as had been the residence of -Ablano in Parrabang, the fame of his wisdom and virtue had spread afar, -and he had already a kingdom in the hearts of all the people.</p> - -<p>At the first alarm, Bright-Wits instantly sus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>pected treachery on the -part of the two conspirators. But investigation proved that they were no -less mystified by the strange disappearance than he himself. Six days -passed without any tidings, and Bright-Wits, frantic with fear and -suspense, was almost in despair. The most puzzling feature of the whole -affair was the fact that Azalia apparently evinced no concern. This was -surprising in view of the affection which Bright-Wits knew her to -cherish for the missing Brahman. When he chided her for this seeming -heartlessness, she but smiled at him; nor would tell him what she knew.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>>CHAPTER VIII</h3> - -<h4>RETURN OF ABLANO. GARROFAT AND DOOLA DECIDE ON DESPERATE MEASURES. -THE FINAL TEST</h4> - -<p>So matters stood; even the successful solution of Doola's puzzle, which -the prince had easily accomplished, passed almost unnoticed. Imagine, -then, the general surprise when, on the seventh day, Ablano returned as -mysteriously as he had vanished. To all inquiries as to his absence -Ablano remained deaf. With him there had come three strangers, who from -their dress and appearance were inhabitants of the great desert to the -north of Parrabang.</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a name="eightpieces" id="eightpieces"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate19.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY." title="THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY." /></div> -<h4>THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate20.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY." title="THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>When the excitement had in some measure subsided, and the wanderer had -embraced Bright-Wits and Azalia, Ablano turned to Garrofat and thus -addressed him, "Know, thou who art called Gar<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>rofat, that with pride -I have watched the success of my dearly beloved pupil in the performance -of the various tasks which you have seen fit to impose upon him. Now I, -myself, would fain submit to him a question; that I may put to the test -his wisdom and justice and learn if all my teachings have borne good -fruit. Now two of these dwellers in the desert whom you see here with me -halted to-day by the wayside and prepared to break their fast. The food -between them consisted of eight small loaves; one possessing five, and -the other, three. Now as they seated themselves this third man arrived -and they offered unto him a share of their food. During the meal all ate -of the loaves in equal portion. The repast over, their guest threw down -eight pieces of money in payment for his share. Dissension now began. He -who had the five loaves claimed five coins; but the other objected, and -insisted that as all had partaken equally of the food that the money -should be divided equally; each<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> taking four coins. They were still -disputing when I overtook them, and they begged me to settle the matter. -Now Bright-Wits, I put the question to you. What would be a proper -division of the money, so that each may have justice?"</p> - -<p>Sorely puzzled, the prince knit his brows in thought; while Garrofat and -Doola grinned broadly at the prospect of his failure. Their joy was -short-lived, however, as, with a smile to Ablano, Bright-Wits announced -that both of the strangers were in the wrong. Then he pointed out the -proper distribution of the coins. Now when the prince had answered -Ablano embraced him; saying, "verily am I proud of thee, my son and -pupil. Be of good heart. Your reward is near."</p> - -<p>Garrofat and Doola, who for the moment were forgotten, now claimed -attention. Ordering Bright-Wits to draw near, the crafty Vizier Garrofat -thus addressed him, "Know thou, most wise and fortunate of princes, that -I have one other task to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> put to you. Now as this one may be the last, I -would give much thought to it to the end that it prove the supreme test -of the boasted brightness of your wits. To-night, therefore, I will -endeavour to devise such a task that your successful accomplishment of -it will prove to all the world that you are in truth wise enough to sit -upon the throne of the Great Onalba." So saying he dismissed the -assembled people, and beckoning Doola, sought the seclusion of his own -apartment.</p> - -<p>In obedience to the command of Garrofat, Bright-Wits presented himself -in the great council hall of the palace at noon of the next day. His -entrance was the signal for a demonstration of joy from the guards who -already looked on him as their future leader. The presence of the Emirs -of the eight provinces of the kingdom perplexed him, nor could he -understand the meaning of the double row of guards placed near the -throne.</p> - -<p>When Bright-Wits had made obeisance, Garrofat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> arose and ordered a slave -to remove the rug which lay upon the floor before the throne. This done, -there was revealed a square, slightly sunk into the marble, at one -corner of which could be seen the head of a silver serpent set in the -stone; while at the opposite corner the tail of the serpent was visible. -But for these two pieces the square was blank. Doola now entered, -followed by a slave who bore a number of pieces of metal which proved to -be the missing parts of the serpent's body. These were placed beside the -square.</p> - -<p>Now when all these things had been done, Garrofat again addressed the -prince, "Know, O Bright-Wits, that this is to be your last task. To fail -now means death. Not Allah, himself, could save you. To win, however, -means life, and the hand of Azalia, than whom the Houris in Paradise are -not more fair. Long I pondered the selection of this final task; and it -is to your master, Ablano, that I am indebted for my choice. He in fact -suggested this very test. Know then, that somewhere in that square at -your feet is concealed a secret spring which opens a receptacle -containing the last instructions of the Great Onalba. The silver serpent -is the key. You will see that one of the pieces is marked with a star. -Now when the whole is properly fitted together it will set inside that -square and the star will rest directly above the hidden spring. As you -have most at stake, it is for you to give to the world the last words of -the Rajah. Is your wit keen enough, and your courage high enough to -essay and conquer for the last time?"</p> - -<p>As Garrofat ceased speaking, Bright-Wits glanced quickly at Azalia, and -the light he saw shining in her eyes would have spurred him to tempt any -fate at that moment. Trembling, but not from fear, the prince gravely -saluted Garrofat and accepted the task and all its conditions. Then, in -a voice that was calm and clear he asked, "Must I do this now?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Now. At once," hissed Garrofat. "Now, while thy guardian spirit is -gone."</p> - -<p>Then for the first time Bright-Wits noticed the absence of Ablano, the -Brahman. Nor could he recognize the tall stranger standing beside -Azalia; his face muffled in a fold of his robe. Then too, he vaguely -wondered at the presence of the many dignitaries and officers of the -kingdom, and at the strange air of mystery which seemed to pervade the -entire audience chamber.</p> - -<p>Fear for an instant seized his heart; but a glance from Azalia reassured -while it still further mystified him. The savage command of Garrofat -that he waste no more time brought him to his senses; and dropping on -his knees, he began his task. A breathless stillness reigned as the -prince adjusted and readjusted the pieces. Garrofat and the wily Doola -watching, meanwhile, with looks now filled with cunning, now with fear.</p> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p><a name="serpent" id="serpent"></a></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate21.jpg" alt="THE SERPENT." title="THE SERPENT." /></div> -<h4>THE SERPENT.</h4> -<p><br /><br /></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/plate22.jpg" alt="THE SERPENT." title="THE SERPENT." /></div> -<p><br /><br /></p> - -<p>Time after time, Bright-Wits arranged the pieces<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> of silver whose -proper placing meant so much to him. The minutes passed until he seemed -to be spending hours on this last and fatal test. Glancing up from time -to time, he could see the tall stranger moving about the hall; now -whispering to this one, now to another of the Emirs. Garrofat and Doola -following his movements with looks of puzzled concern.</p> - -<p>At last, in moving one of the pieces, Bright-Wits detected a slight -click. Carefully, now, he proceeded, a dozen more moves, and lo! the -serpent is complete in its position. Tremblingly he presses above the -star. Again the click. The piece slips round to one side and there is -revealed a small square opening in which rests a sealed parchment. -Quickly drawing forth the packet, the prince was about to break the -seal, when to his astonishment the parchment was snatched from his hand -by the stranger.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> - -<h4>THE LAST DECREE OF ONALBA. DOWNFALL OF THE PLOTTERS. BRIGHT-WITS -RECEIVES HIS REWARD</h4> - -<p>In a voice that rang through the great hall the stranger commanded -silence. Then tearing the parchment open he read the amazing decree -which Onalba had written thereon. "This decree, I, Onalba, Rajah of -Parrabang, give to my people. Let all hearken, and obey these my -instructions. Knowing that my days are soon to cease, and that my well -beloved daughter Azalia will come to rule in my place, I, filled with a -desire that my kingdom be governed wisely and my beloved child wed -worthily, decided to absent myself from the affairs of my realm and to -journey out into the world that I might seek among the princes of the -earth one who would be full of the promise of wisdom and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> of high -courage. One fitted to be the consort of the matchless Azalia and in -whom I could see my fondest desires bear fruit. Now that none might know -me, I permitted my beard to grow to my girdle, and stained it with a -white pigment. Then I had only to reverse my name, Onalba, to become -Ablano; and in the Holy Brahman none knew the Rajah of Parrabang. -Hearing tidings of the fame of Prince Bright-Wits, I journeyed hence to -Mogadore. There I tarried studying the heart and instructing the mind of -this jewel among sons and star among princes. Nor has he failed me. In -him I have found one who will be a fitting lord for my child Azalia and -a worthy successor to the great Rajahs who have sat upon the throne of -Parrabang.</p> - -<p>"His wisdom has been tested by the plotting of those whom I had trusted -as mine own sons. Yet naught has availed against him. Here before the -Council of Emirs, and all my people, I now decree<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> Bright-Wits to be my -chosen successor, and bestow upon him the hand of the Princess Azalia. -Seven weeks from this day, on the Feast of Yama, shall their wedding be -celebrated."</p> - -<p>Loud cries now came from all parts of the great hall, while Garrofat -roared, "Up guards. Cut down these rascally impostors." But with a wave -of his hand, the stranger stayed the tumult. "Peace," he cried, "I have -not yet ended." Then, still concealing his face he continued to read -from the decree.</p> - -<p>"Now because of my absence there has risen envy and treachery in the -hearts of those who beforetime I have heaped with honours and riches. -Know you, Garrofat, and thee, Doola, that because of your villainy your -lives are forfeit. All your plotting has come to naught. Many times has -my rage almost betrayed my secret; which none knew but my dear child -Azalia. Her I could not long deceive. Let the guards drag from our sight -these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> wretches whose fat carcasses are to make a banquet for the royal -beasts in the pits beneath the palace."</p> - -<p>Terror now blanched the faces of the fallen conspirators. "It is a lie," -they screamed in concert. "Onalba is dead."</p> - -<p>"Look then, and believe," cried the stranger. Throwing the robe from -before his face, Onalba, the Rajah, stood before them. In an instant he -was gathering Azalia and Bright-Wits to his bosom, while the villainous -Garrofat and his cowardly brother fell stricken into the arms of the -guards.</p> - -<p>Loud cheers now rent the air. Into the great square before the palace -thousands of the people had gathered to greet their beloved Rajah, and -to lay rich gifts at the feet of Prince Bright-Wits and the happy -princess. The next day the Rajah ordered a great feast in honour of the -espousals. Swift couriers were despatched to Mogadore to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> inform the -father of Bright-Wits of the great good fortune that had befallen his -son.</p> - -<p>The seven weeks flew by on wings of love; and as Onalba had decreed, -Bright-Wits and Azalia were married in the famous garden of the -fountains.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Now if you have worked out all the tasks which were set to the -prince during his wonderful adventures in Parrabang, you can tell -whether his happiness was easily won.</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p></div> - - -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<h3>HOW PRINCE BRIGHT-WITS SOLVED THE PUZZLES</h3> - -<h4><i>The Five Shields</i></h4> - - -<p>To simplify explanation, set the spindles in a row. We will then refer -to them as L. for left, C. centre, and R. for the right hand spindle. -Move as follows, numbers refer to the shields.</p> - - - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Solution to The Five Shields"> -<tr><td align='left'>Place</td><td align='left'>No.</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='left'>on</td><td align='left'>C.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Place</td><td align='left'>No.</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='left'>on</td><td align='left'>L.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>L.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>R.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>C.</td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="5" align='left'>Four are now</td><td> </td><td colspan="5" align='left'>And the riddle is solved.</td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="5" align='left'>transferred.</td><td> </td><td colspan="5" align='left'>31 moves.</td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="5" align='left'>Place No. 5 on C.</td><td> </td><td colspan="5"> </td></tr> -</table></div> - - - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> - -<h4><i>The Nine Disks</i></h4> - -<p>No absolute rule would apply to all positions, which makes this game -more fascinating. The following solution of one random placing of the -disks will illustrate the general process. To simplify explanation we -will designate the counters as follows.</p> - -<p>The gray counter with the square we will call G.s., the one with a -triangle G.t., and the one with the circle G.c. W.s., etc., for the -white disks, and B.s., etc., for the black, placed at random on the -following spots.</p> - - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Solution to The Nine disks"> -<tr><td align='left'>On</td><td align='left'>spot</td><td align='left'>No.</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='left'>place</td><td align='left'>B.c.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>On</td><td align='left'>spot</td><td align='left'>No.</td><td align='left'>6</td><td align='left'>place</td><td align='left'>W.t.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.t.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>7</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.s.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>W.c.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>8</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.t.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.s.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>9</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.c.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>5</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>W.s.</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p>With the above arrangement of the disks the solution is as below:</p> - - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Solution to The Nine disks"> -<tr><td align='left'>Move</td><td align='left'>G.c.</td><td align='left'>from</td><td align='left'>9</td><td align='left'>to</td><td align='left'>10.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>Move</td><td align='left'>G.s.</td><td align='left'>from</td><td align='left'>4</td><td align='left'>to</td><td align='left'>2.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.t.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>8</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>9.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.c.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>6</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>W.t.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>6</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>8.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>W.s.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>5</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>6.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.c.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>6.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.c.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>5.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>W.c.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>1.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.t.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>9</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4.</td></tr> -<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>B.t.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>2</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>3.</td><td align='left'> </td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>G.c.</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>10</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>9.</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<h4><i>The Soldiers and Guards</i></h4> - -<p>Before beginning to select the men for his escort, Bright-Wits arranged -the thirty men in a circle, the black spots representing his own men.</p> - -<p>Then he began to count with the man marked A.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img117.jpg" alt="DOOLA'S GAME." title="DOOLA'S GAME." /></div> - - -<h4><i>Doola's Game</i></h4> - -<p>The key to this puzzle lies in following these two rules:</p> - -<p>1. After moving a counter, one of the <i>opposite colour</i> must invariably -be passed over it.</p> - -<p>2. After having passed one counter over another,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> the next move will be -with a counter of the colour of the first one moved.</p> - -<p>After the ninth move, the nest will be with one of the same colour.</p> - -<p>Beginning with the white counters the moves are:</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img118.jpg" alt="DOOLA'S GAME." title="DOOLA'S GAME." /></div> -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">1. D. moves into space 4.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">2. C. passes over D. into space 5.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">3. B. moves into space 3.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">4. D. passes over B. into space 2.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">5. E. passes over C. into space 4.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">6. F. moves into space 6.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">7. C. passes over F. into space 7.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">8. B. passes over E. into space 5.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">9. A. passes over D. into space 3.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">10. D. moves into space 1.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">11. E. passes over A. into space 2.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">12. F. passes over B. into space 4.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">13. B. moves into space 6.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">14. A. passes over F. into space 5.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">15. F. moves into space 3, and the trick is done.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>Every move must be in a forward direction, white going one way, black -the other.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<h4><i>The Eight Pieces of Money</i></h4> - - -<p>He who had 5 loaves was entitled to 7 pieces and he who had 3 loaves to -but 1. Divide the loaves into thirds and one had 15 thirds, the other -but 9 thirds, or 24 thirds in all. Now as all three ate alike they had 8 -thirds each. Therefore he of the 5 loaves contributed 7 parts of the -stranger's meal, while the other, who had only 3 loaves or 9 thirds in -all, gave but one part.</p> - -<p>The serpent puzzle can be worked out in a number of ways by placing the -head and tail at random and then endeavouring to connect them with the -remaining pieces.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img121a.jpg" alt="THE EIGHT PROVINCES SOLUTION." title="THE EIGHT PROVINCES SOLUTION." /></div> - -<h4>THE EIGHT PROVINCES SOLUTION.</h4> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img121b.jpg" alt="THE RUG SOLUTION." title="THE RUG SOLUTION." /></div> - -<h4>THE RUG SOLUTION.</h4> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img121c.jpg" alt="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES SOLUTION." title="THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES SOLUTION." /></div> - -<h4>THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES SOLUTION.</h4> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img121d.jpg" alt="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD SOLUTION." title="THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD SOLUTION." /></div> - -<h4>THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD SOLUTION.</h4> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img123.jpg" alt="Fig. 103" title="Fig. 103" /></div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img125.jpg" alt="Fig. 103" title="Fig. 103" /></div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img127.jpg" alt="Fig. 103" title="Fig. 103" /></div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore, by -Burren Laughlin and L. 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a/old/18441-h/images/plate22.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/18441.txt b/old/18441.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 227e8e1..0000000 --- a/old/18441.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1664 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore, by -Burren Laughlin and L. L. Flood - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore - -Author: Burren Laughlin and L. L. Flood - -Release Date: May 23, 2006 [EBook #18441] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BRIGHT-WITS, PRINCE OF MOGADORE *** - - - - -Produced by Library of Congress, Irma Špehar , Janet -Blenkinship and the Online Distributed Proofreaders Europe -at http://dp.rastko.net - - - - - - - - - - BRIGHT-WITS - - [Illustration] - - BURREN LOUGHLIN AND L.L. FLOOD - - PRINCE OF MOGADORE - - [Illustration] - - H.M. CALDWELL CO. PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND BOSTON - - _Copyright, 1909_ BY H.M. CALDWELL CO. - - _Electrotyped and Printed by THE COLONIAL PRESS C. H. Simonds & Co., - Boston, U.S.A._ - - - - - CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. BRIGHT-WITS ARRIVES IN PARRABANG, - WHERE HE MEETS THE BEAUTIFUL - AZALIA AND BEGINS HIS EXTRAORDINARY - TASKS 1 - - II. THE VILLAINY OF GARROFAT AND DOOLA. - THE PRINCE SOLVES THE RIDDLE OF - THE RUG, AND FINDS A NEW TASK - AWAITING HIM 9 - - III. BRIGHT-WITS LEARNS THAT HIS MARRIAGE - WITH AZALIA DEPENDS ON - THREE FOUNTAINS AND THREE GATES - IN THE PALACE GROUNDS 16 - - IV. THE PRINCE SOLVES THE GAME OF - ONALBA, AND DIVIDES THE LAND OF - ZOLTAN, THE AGA, TO THE DISMAY - OF GARROFAT 23 - - V. BRIGHT-WITS GROWS JEALOUS. ABLANO - COUNSELS THE PRINCE TO BE PATIENT 29 - - VI. BRIGHT-WITS PICKS AN ESCORT FOR A - JOURNEY AND FOILS THE WICKED DESIGN - OF GARROFAT 35 - - VII. THE PRINCE RETURNS TO FIND THAT ABLANO - THE BRAHMAN HAS MYSTERIOUSLY - DISAPPEARED 40 - - VIII. RETURN OF ABLANO. GARROFAT AND - DOOLA DECIDE ON DESPERATE MEASURES. - THE FINAL TEST 46 - - IX. THE LAST DECREE OF ONALBA. DOWNFALL - OF THE PLOTTERS. BRIGHT-WITS - RECEIVES HIS REWARD 54 - - HOW PRINCE BRIGHT-WITS SOLVED THE - PUZZLES 59 - - - - - THE PUZZLES PRINCE BRIGHT-WITS HAD TO SOLVE - - - PAGE - - THE RUG 8 - - THE EIGHT PROVINCES 14 - - THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES 18 - - THE FIVE SHIELDS 21 - - THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD 25 - - THE NINE DISKS 30 - - THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS 36 - - THE ENDLESS CHAIN 38 - - DOOLA'S GAME 42 - - THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY 47 - - THE SERPENT 52 - - - - -BRIGHT-WITS - -PRINCE OF MOGADORE - - - - -CHAPTER I - - BRIGHT-WITS ARRIVES IN PARRABANG, WHERE HE MEETS THE BEAUTIFUL - AZALIA AND BEGINS HIS EXTRAORDINARY TASKS - - -Long ago, before geographies were invented, so that it were useless to -seek for the kingdom on any modern map, there lived a wise King who had -but one son, of whom he was exceeding fond. Under the guidance of -learned teachers the young prince had read the Koran according to the -seven traditions, studied the writings of the poets and the science of -the stars, and had become skilled in all the arts and manly exercises to -a degree far surpassing the people of his age; so that his fame had -spread and he was known far and near as "Bright-Wits," Prince of -Mogadore. In person, the prince was comely beyond the beauty of men; and -he possessed the strength and courage of the lion, together with the -gentleness of the dove. - -Now when Bright-Wits had reached his eighteenth year, the king called -him to his side and said, "My son, you have arrived at the age when it -befits you to fare forth into the world that your education may be -completed by a knowledge of the ways of men. That when the Great Yama -shall gather me to His bosom you will be prepared to assume the -government of this kingdom and to conduct its affairs wisely and well. -And, lest your inexperience should lead you from the paths of wisdom, I -have arranged that you be accompanied on your journey by Ablano, the -Holy Brahman, who has lately come to our realm. On the morrow, then, you -will be prepared to start in company with an escort of horsemen and a -train of camels as befits your rank and station." - -At dawn the caravan was drawn up outside the gates of the city, and -Bright-Wits, after embracing his father, mounted a richly caparisoned -horse, and rode away with Ablano, the Brahman, riding on a camel at his -side. Now, although Bright-Wits was arrayed in the richest of garments, -the Brahman was simply appareled in the white robes of his order; his -only ornament being three great rings of gold encircling the cone above -his turban. His face, which was dark as that of an African, his snowy -beard, and his air of majestic dignity gave him a most noble and -striking appearance. - -For some days the caravan journeyed forward, Bright-Wits filled with -constant wonder by the sight of strange cities and people. At last, -after weeks of travel they came upon a defile in the mountains, and -passing through, emerged on a wide plain. Far to the north they could -discern the golden towers of an immense palace rising high above a -large and prosperous city. Thither they pursued their way, entering at -last the great gate in the outer walls they proceeded through the city, -Bright-Wits constantly pausing to exclaim at the size and magnificence -of the buildings; which surpassed those of his father's capital as gold -surpasses copper. - -Arriving before the palace, Bright-Wits dismounted, and advanced, -accompanied only by Ablano. As they neared the magnificent edifice they -descried, seated upon a low porch, the figure of a fat and oily looking -old man, wearing on his head a huge turban topped with a golden crown -which was surmounted by a ruby large as a peacock's egg. The stranger -was puffing at his hookah and listening with disdain to the words of a -young maiden of marvellous beauty; who vainly essayed to call his -attention to the approach of the prince and Ablano. To the right of the -porch was suspended a great Mankalah rug made in the pattern of a large -checker board; but which on closer inspection appeared to be imperfectly -put together, as several of the squares were missing. - -Ablano, approaching the stranger, made obeisance and said, "Know, thou -Illustrious One, that we are two travellers who, having heard of the -glory of your kingdom, seek your permission to dwell therein for a brief -space, that going hence to our own land, we may bring to our people the -tale of your splendour and greatness." - -The fat stranger, turning his beady black eyes on Ablano, made answer in -surly fashion. "Think you that this palace is naught but a tavern for -the entertainment of stray mendicants?" - -He would have continued had not Bright-Wits interrupted him, angrily -exclaiming, "Know, thou surly hind, that I am Bright-Wits, Prince of -Mogadore, and that yonder holy man, who honours me in being my guide and -father as I travel in search of knowledge and adventure, is Ablano the -Brahman, whose virtues are as many as the sands in the great desert of -Gobi, and the fame of whose wisdom reaches all men as the rays of the -sun at noon." - -Now the fat stranger, alarmed by the fierce outburst of the prince, -scrambled hastily to his feet, and with profuse apologies welcomed the -travellers and bade them recline upon the porch while he summoned -attendants and refreshments. When their ungracious host had retired, the -damsel turned upon Bright-Wits a face which outshone the sun in its -splendour, and thus addressed him. - -"Know, O prince, that I am the Princess Azalia, and that this great -palace, and the city and country for ten days' journey in every -direction, formed the kingdom of my father the Great Onalba, Rajah of -Parrabang. Here my days passed as in Paradise, until one year ago, when -my loved parent suddenly disappeared. At first no alarm was felt, for he -was wondrous wise, and fond of secluding himself from men that he might -study in peace and quietness. When, however, a month passing saw not his -return, the Vizier Garrofat, he who was but now upon the porch, -nicknamed the 'Old Woman,' because of his beardless face, called the -Council of Emirs together; whereupon it was solemnly decreed that my -beloved father had departed from this life. Now, I being a maid, and -moreover barely sixteen, could not govern in his stead, and Garrofat had -himself declared Regent until I should have arrived at the age of -eighteen years, by virtue of a decree which he claimed to have received -from the Rajah, my father. Now, moreover, this decree gave Garrofat the -right to accept as a husband for me any suitor who succeeded in -performing certain tasks, first of which was the repairing of the great -Mankalah rug hanging here beside you. - -"You can see, O prince, that it is made up of separate pieces, each -containing from three to five squares, fourteen pieces in all. They must -be cut apart and rearranged so as to form a perfect checker board." - -"But there are empty spaces, and I can see but thirteen pieces here," -objected Bright-Wits. - -"The missing piece hangs here at the side of the steps, and, as you see, -contains three squares," explained Azalia. - -"This surely can be no difficult task to be so richly rewarded," cried -Bright-Wits. - -"Then accomplish it, thou Clever One," laughed Azalia. - - _The reader who wishes to learn what chance Bright-Wits has of - winning the promised reward, should cut out the rug on page at the - back of the book, and try the task himself. Cut with a scissors or - sharp knife along the heavy lines._ - - -[Illustration: THE RUG.] - -[Illustration: THE RUG.] - -[Illustration: THE RUG.] - - - - -CHAPTER II - - THE VILLAINY OF GARROFAT AND DOOLA. THE PRINCE SOLVES THE RIDDLE OF - THE RUG, AND FINDS A NEW TASK AWAITING HIM - - -Now when the Vizier Garrofat returned he was angered to find the -princess conversing with the strangers, and remarked sourly, "Much -wisdom, my lords, may be found in the complaints of women. Azalia has -doubtless been telling you of the riddle of the Mankalah rug, forgetting -that it is unseemly in a maiden to point the way to the possession of -her charms." - -To which Bright-Wits quickly replied, "Learn then, O Garrofat, that I -would fain solve the riddle of the rug, and do proclaim my willingness -to be whipped forth from the gates of your city, if seven days hence I -have not accomplished the task." - -"Bright eyes stir dull wits," sneered Garrofat. "Let us pray to Allah -that your skin is as thick as your vanity is great; for my slaves have -stout arms and heavy whips. Know then that I accept your offer and warn -thee against failure. Now enter with me into the palace, where you will -find refreshment; and on the morrow I will have the rug conveyed to the -apartment which you shall occupy while you dwell with us, that you may -begin your task without delay." - -During the week which followed, Bright-Wits, and Ablano the Brahman, -made numerous excursions into the city and even out into the surrounding -country. At every opportunity the prince sought the society of Azalia; -and as the holy Brahman Ablano was ever present at their meetings, -Garrofat could offer no objection, much as he frowned on their ripening -friendship. - -On these occasions Azalia told her new friends of many suspicious acts -of the crafty vizier; which clearly indicated that he was plotting to -secure the hand of the princess for himself, and the entire control of -the kingdom into the bargain. "He has assumed the royal red robes," said -Azalia, "and he has issued orders that he be addressed only as rajah. He -has elevated his cunning brother Doola to be head of the Council of -Emirs with the rank of vizier; and has given him the richest province of -my father's kingdom to govern." When relating these things the princess -would give way to her grief. - -But Ablano comforted her, saying, "Peace, my child. Be not disheartened. -Always must thou remember that as happiness passeth away so passeth away -anxiety and sorrow." - -At last on the evening of the sixth day, Garrofat summoned the prince to -his presence and warned him to be in attendance in the great hall of the -palace on the morrow. Now when morning came, Bright-Wits was escorted by -a strong guard of slaves to the Hall of Audience from which he was to -emerge victorious as the accepted suitor for the hand of Azalia, or with -the whips of Garrofat's stout slaves singing in his ears and stinging -his shoulders. - -Entering boldly, Bright-Wits found Garrofat seated upon the royal -throne, while at his right stood the eight governors of the provinces. -The prince easily distinguished Doola from Azalia's description. Like -his brother, he was beardless; while a golden crown surmounted by a red -cone shaped hat was perched above his rust coloured hair. - -As Bright-Wits advanced to the throne, Garrofat cried out with derision, -"Comes the Prince of Boasters to receive his reward? My slaves are -impatient to stretch their whips across your shoulders." - -"My business is neither with slaves nor whips," answered the prince with -scorn. "I come to announce that I have solved the riddle of the rug." -Then salaaming deeply, he presented to Garrofat a small roll of -parchment. "On this," he said, "you will find a plan of the rug, so that -should it by any mischance come apart again it may be readily repaired." - -Two slaves now entered bearing the rug; and when they had spread it upon -the floor, it was found to be perfectly put together. - -"By Allah!" gasped Garrofat, "he must be a genie." - -Doola was the first to recover from the general surprise, and stepping -quickly to his brother's side he whispered in his ear. Now the counsel -must have been pleasing; for Garrofat chuckled and thus addressed the -prince. "Let me congratulate you," he said with a grin, "but before I -can consider you as a suitor for the hand of Azalia, I must have further -proof that you are as wise as you pretend. Else, would I be false to my -duty as her guardian. - -"Now just before your entrance we were considering a question of grave -importance to the welfare of the kingdom. You will observe that there -hangs on the wall beside you what appear to be four charts, but which -are really the parts of one chart. Know then that this kingdom consists -of eight provinces; ruled over by the eight emirs you see here -assembled. Now these eight emirs are so jealous of each other that -fierce battles occur whenever two of them chance to meet upon the road. -Only our presence now restrains them. Anxious to put an end to these -disgraceful brawls within the kingdom, the great Rajah Onalba had drawn -yonder plan of the eight provinces. On it as you see he laid down roads -running north and south, and east and west. Other roads cross these in -every direction, so that any one of the eight emirs might leave his -castle and travel by any route across the kingdom without passing the -castle of another emir on the way. Now by some misfortune the -chart was cut into four pieces before the roads were built, and we -have never been able to arrange them in their original position. There -on the wall are the four pieces. The lines represent the roads, and the -eight spots the castles of the emirs. This matter must be adjusted at -once, and as you are a suitor for the hand of Azalia I expect you to -prove your claim to wisdom by solving the puzzle of the chart." - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PROVINCES.] - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PROVINCES.] - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PROVINCES.] - -When Garrofat had concluded, Bright-Wits, in obedience to the counsel of -Ablano, expressed his willingness to attempt the solution of this new -riddle. Whipping from the gates to be the penalty of failure. - -At a signal from the vizier, the audience was now dismissed; Bright-Wits -bearing away to his apartments the pieces of the torn chart. - - _The reader may cut out the four pieces of the chart which he will - find on a page at the back of the book. Cut along the dotted lines - and endeavour to arrange the four parts so that no two castles will - appear on any straight lines. He can thus learn Bright-Wits' chance - of success._ - - - - -CHAPTER III - - BRIGHT-WITS LEARNS THAT HIS MARRIAGE WITH AZALIA DEPENDS ON THREE - FOUNTAINS AND THREE GATES IN THE PALACE GROUNDS - - -The week passed much as the first; Bright-Wits and Ablano spending the -time roaming over the palace grounds accompanied by the Princess Azalia. -Garrofat sometimes made one of their little party; while Doola would -occasionally thrust his long nose and ugly face into the circle. - -On the seventh day Bright-Wits presented himself at the Audience Chamber -in response to the summons of Garrofat, who greeted him with mocking -inquiries as to the success of his map making. - -Saluting him gravely Bright-Wits made reply, "Here you will find the map -in proper shape. Scant must be the brains in Parrabang when so simple a -task remained so long unaccomplished." - -"All in good time," purred Garrofat, who, barely glancing at the map as -the slaves spread it out before him, addressed some words in a low tone -to his brother Doola. Then turning to Bright-Wits he drawled, "By the -Prophet of Allah, my dear prince, your success delights me. Allah -himself must have directed you to this kingdom, for never was visit more -timely." - -Thereupon Bright-Wits interrupted him angrily, "Cease, I pray you, these -speeches, and answer at once my demand for the reward I have now -earned." - -"Calm thyself, dear Bright-Wits," began Garrofat, "I am sorry to remind -you that as your task is yet unfinished there is no reward due you. Your -success, however, warrants me in demanding further proof of your boasted -ability. I would not have Azalia wed to one who was but a lucky fool." -Then, unheeding the prince's rage, he continued, "Now among other things -perplexing the kingdom is the completion of the palace gardens. If you -will but accompany me to the top of the palace I can better explain." - -Thither they went, and from this high point Bright-Wits could see a -great walled garden in which were set three fountains, one of gold, one -of silver, and one of bronze. Three gates of the same metals were placed -in the farther wall. - -With a wave of his hand, Garrofat began, "This great garden was built by -order of Onalba the Rajah, but through carelessness of the workmen the -gates were put in the wrong places. Hence the difficulty. - -"Now the water for the golden fountain must be brought by a pipe running -from the golden gate; that for the silver fountain from the silver gate, -and to the bronze fountain from the bronze gate. At no point must these -pipes cross each other or go outside the walls. Know then, that as -Azalia's wedding must be celebrated in that garden, it is very -important to you that it be completed." - -[Illustration: THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES.] - -[Illustration: THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES.] - -[Illustration: THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES.] - -When Garrofat ceased, Bright-Wits was about to give way to his wrath, -but a look from Azalia checked him, and he said, "So be it. I accept -this new task." - -"And the old penalty," chuckled Doola. - -"Yes, and the old penalty," cried Bright-Wits. "But look to it thyself, -thou hungry hind, lest thou be nearer the whips than I." - -Now although Bright-Wits made no secret of his contempt for Garrofat and -Doola, his love for the Princess Azalia daily increased. In a shaded -part of the palace grounds there stood a pretty little pavilion, and -here, in company with Ablano, Bright-Wits and Azalia spent many happy -hours. - - _The reader may observe that the fountains and gates are coloured - the same in pairs: gray for gold, white for silver, and black for - bronze. He may with his pencil endeavour to connect each fountain - with the gate of its own colour._ - -The week finally slipped by, and on the seventh day, Bright-Wits was -led, as before, to the Audience Chamber surrounded by a strong guard of -slaves. Entering the apartment, the prince advanced, and saluting -Garrofat with mock courtesy, he handed him a parchment on which had been -drawn a plan showing the solution of the problem of the fountains and -gates. - -Garrofat received the parchment, and after a glance at it, passed it to -Doola with a wink. "Verily," said he, "thou art indeed a bright youth. -Now be not impatient, I pray you," he added hastily, on seeing the face -of the prince grow dark. "Think not that I have any desire to cheat you -of the reward you have won, or almost won, I should say; for I have a -further little test for you." - -It was with difficulty that Bright-Wits controlled his rage; while -Garrofat continued in oily tones, "You have no doubt heard, among other -things, that the Great Rajah Onalba was very fond of playing at -games of skill. Now it is only just that you should prove your title to -be his successor by performing some of them. On the wall beside you hang -five shields, each smaller than the other. Through the centre of each -there is a hole. You will see that they are numbered from one to five. -Behind you stand three spindles. Now you must first place all the -shields on one of the spindles, the largest, number five, on the bottom, -and the smallest, number one, on the top. Next you must transfer all -five shields to the second spindle, moving but one shield at a time, and -placing it either on a vacant spindle or on top of a larger shield. You -may use all three spindles in the task, which I assure you will test -your bright wits to the full." - -[Illustration: THE FIVE SHIELDS.] - -[Illustration: THE FIVE SHIELDS.] - -[Illustration: THE FIVE SHIELDS.] - -Calming himself with an effort, the prince asked, "Do you mean that I am -to do this task here and now?" - -"Oh, no," grinned Garrofat, "you may take the shields and spindles to -your apartment, where you can work it out at your leisure." - -"Only don't work on it at night, my dear Prince," put in Doola, with a -leer. "The clattering of the shields would keep us all awake." - -"Some day, with the help of Allah, I will put you into a sleep that -nothing will ever disturb," cried Bright-Wits as he strode wrathfully -from the hall. - - _If the reader would try this new task, he may cut out the shields - at the back of the book. For spindles he may use three square - pieces of cardboard with a pin stuck through the centre of each. - After placing the shields on the first spindle the first move will - be shield No. 1 to a vacant spindle. Then shield No. 2 to another - vacant spindle. Then shield No. 1 on top of shield No. 2, and the - rest as he may._ - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - THE PRINCE SOLVES THE GAME OF ONALBA, AND DIVIDES THE LAND OF - ZOLTAN, THE AGA, TO THE DISMAY OF GARROFAT - - -Now followed another week of happiness spent with the princess and -Ablano. When the seventh day arrived at last, Bright-Wits presented -himself in the Great Hall accompanied by slaves bearing the shields and -spindles. - -Now Garrofat observed the prince's confident air with displeasure. -Concealing his feelings, however, he chirped, "Well, Prince, have your -wits proven as bright as of yore? Or do you but come to return the -shields and to ask forgiveness for your rash boasting?" - -"Cease such drivel," cried Bright-Wits, interrupting him, "I have come -to announce the completion of a task so simple that it should not have -puzzled a child." - -"Ah, what a fine thing it is to be clever," exclaimed Doola, with a look -of mock admiration. But a glance from Bright-Wits caused him to shrink -back in alarm. - -Now Bright-Wits ordered the slaves to set the spindles and shields -before him; and with a smile to Azalia, he proceeded to repeat his task -before their astonished eyes. - -When the last move was made, Garrofat gasped with amazement. None had -ever accomplished that feat save the Rajah Onalba himself. A hurried -consultation with Doola, however, restored his courage, and, rising, he -said, "Praise be to Allah, but thou art a youth of wondrous wisdom, and -I would be false to my trust as the Regent of this kingdom if I failed -to submit to you a question which has for the space of a whole year -puzzled the wisest wits in the realm." Then bidding Bright-Wits to -follow, he led the way to a balcony from which the surrounding country -could be overlooked. - -[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.] - -[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.] - -[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.] - -"There," said Garrofat, pointing in the direction of a large orchard, -"is a plot of land which Zoltan, the Aga, willed to his four sons. As -you can see, twelve trees grow upon it, and the whole is surrounded by a -deep ditch. Now, according to the will of Zoltan, that plot of land is -to be divided equally into four parts, each to be of the same size and -shape, and each to contain three of the twelve trees; the trees to be -located in the same position in each piece." - -Now Bright-Wits had been warned by Ablano against the folly of losing -his temper when fresh tasks were imposed upon him. "It suits my -purpose," Ablano had said, "that we test their villainy to the bottom." -Remembering this warning, Bright-Wits replied with a smile, "Let the -sons of Zoltan cease from quarrelling. I will divide the land between -them according to the will of their father." - -"Do this," said Doola, with a bow and smirk, "and I could die from -admiration of your cleverness." - -Whereon, Bright-Wits, casting on him a look of scorn, made answer, "On -the occasion of your death the only one present to merit admiration will -be the public executioner who will officiate." So saying, he turned and -descended to the palace accompanied by Azalia and the Holy Brahman, -Ablano. - -When, seven days later, Bright-Wits appeared before Garrofat, he found -him in an ugly mood. Nor did the cheerful air of the prince as he -entered his presence tend to help matters. Fortunate was it for -Bright-Wits that he was under the protection of Ablano, the Brahman, -otherwise his instant execution might have been ordered. But to anger or -offend a Brahman was considered the unpardonable sin; so Bright-Wits was -spared to continue his adventures. - -Subduing his rage, Garrofat asked in harsh tones, "How now? Thou -meddling busybody! Hast thou solved the will of Zoltan?" - -"Calm thyself, O Garrofat," begged the prince with pretended concern. -"Know you not that he who submits to anger but shortens his own life? Be -happy then, for I have solved the will of Zoltan. Here is a plan of the -orchard properly divided. Are you now satisfied, or have you been able -to concoct new schemes to postpone my marriage with Azalia?" - -"Speak not to me of schemes, thou possessed of the Djinns," roared -Garrofat. "It is but for the good of the kingdom that I act. Your task -will be as long as I wish to make it. You have succeeded so far, by -sorcery; but beware of your failure on this next test of your vaunted -brightness." - - _If the reader would learn whether Bright-Wits is apt to succeed in - his latest task, he may try to divide the orchard himself._ - - - - -CHAPTER V - - BRIGHT-WITS GROWS JEALOUS. ABLANO COUNSELS THE PRINCE TO BE PATIENT - - -Now, on a signal, four slaves rolled into the Audience Chamber what -appeared to be a huge table set up endwise between two posts. On it were -inscribed three circles in heavy lines, one within the other. Connecting -the circles were thinner lines; and at the points where they met there -were round spots numbered from one to nine. Another spot, numbered ten, -stood outside the circle, but was connected thereto by a thin curved -line. - -"Behold, thou bright-witted one, another of the games with which the -great Onalba was wont to amuse himself. Here in the frame at the steps -of the throne you will see nine disks, three gray, three white, and -three black. On the face of each you can see a square, a triangle, or a -circle. You are to take these disks and place them on the numbered spots -on the table beside you--number ten to be left vacant. The disks must -then be moved along thick or thin lines into vacant spots, until all -three colours, and a square, a triangle, and a circle can be found in -each heavy lined circle and in each row of spots. Seven days you may -have to accomplish this task for which your life may be the forfeit." - -"But what do you mean by rows of spots, and how about the tenth spot?" -demanded Bright-Wits, showing no concern over this new test. - -"Well wert thou named Bright-Wits," sneered Garrofat. "But I will -explain. The rows of spots are the three lines of spots numbered as -follows, II-V-VIII, I-IV-VII, and III-VI-IX. The tenth spot is left -vacant for the first move. And further, you must cross no spot already -occupied by a disk." - -[Illustration: THE NINE DISKS.] - -[Illustration: THE NINE DISKS.] - -"If I succeed in solving this puzzle, have you any more tests before -giving me the reward which I have already won?" asked the prince. - -"That is for me to decide," replied Garrofat with a scowl. "As I have -already told you, my love for Azalia, and respect for the wishes of her -dead parent, the wise Rajah Onalba, compel me to use every possible -resource to insure her future happiness. How better could I do this than -by proving to the world that I have bestowed her upon the wisest of -princes? The table will be carried to your apartment, and I wish again -to remind you that failure now means more than a whipping. Though you -shall have that too, for good measure." - -"Give yourself no concern on that head," replied Bright-Wits boldly. -"For, by Allah, the whips are not yet braided which shall sting my -shoulders through any device of thine." - -"Bravely said, my dear Bright-Wits," cackled Doola. "But be careful not -to swallow any of the disks; your stomach might find them hard to -digest." - -"Thrust not thy ugly nose into my affairs," cried the prince, turning -savagely upon Doola. "And look to it that you find not in your own -stomach two hands' breadth of my dagger without your being put to the -trouble of swallowing it or of digesting it thereafter." Then at a sign -from Ablano he retired from the room. - -During the next week, Bright-Wits spent much of his time on the solution -of this latest problem. While the prince was thus engaged, Ablano and -Azalia held many consultations in the little pavilion under the trees. -More like father and child they seemed. A secret understanding appeared -to exist between them; which caused Bright-Wits many pangs of jealousy; -despite the respect and affection in which he held his master the Holy -Brahman. He was certain that they were concealing something from him. -Yet when he tried to discover the mystery in their actions Azalia would -but laugh at him; while Ablano gently chided his impatience, saying unto -him, "All things are as Allah hath ordered. It is but for us to await -his meaning without impatience. Yet be thou not cast down, for the end -draweth nigh." Put off, but far from satisfied, Bright-Wits must needs -be content. - -Now all this time Garrofat and Doola were busy with a little scheme of -their own that promised to remove one, and perhaps both, of these -meddlesome strangers from the kingdom. - -When the seventh day again came round, Bright-Wits repaired to the -Audience Chamber and was considerably puzzled to find several hundred -soldiers drawn up in the court. Among them he discerned some of his own -guards, distinguishable by their high crowned turbans. His wonder was -still further increased by the excessive good humour of Garrofat and -his wily brother Doola. Smilingly they waited while slaves bore in the -great table; and with exclamations of delight greeted Bright-Wits as he -demonstrated his success in mastering the great game of Onalba. - - _If the reader will cut out the little circular disks which he will - find at the back of the book, and place them at random on the - numbered spots, leaving number ten vacant for his first move, he - may find Bright-Wits' task to be less difficult than it looks._ - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - BRIGHT-WITS PICKS AN ESCORT FOR A JOURNEY AND FOILS THE WICKED - DESIGN OF GARROFAT - - -"Verily dost thou deserve success, my dear Prince," smirked Garrofat. -"Your probation is almost over. Now before I demand any further proof of -your wisdom, it is my desire that you travel over the kingdom for a -brief time that you may acquaint yourself with the country and people -over whom it appears you are destined to rule, by the grace of Allah, -and the help of your own bright wits. With you will go a guard of -fifteen soldiers, as befits your rank and station." - -Now on hearing this strange announcement, Ablano pierced Garrofat with -his eyes. Then staying Bright-Wits, who was about to make reply, he -asked, "What men are to be selected for this escort, and who is to -select them?" - -Now Garrofat winced at this question, but instantly recovering himself -replied, "Has thy stay in Parrabang, O Brahman, made thee so lost to -politeness as to cast suspicion on thy host? Has this been the teaching -of Brahma? But fear not. Bright-Wits may do his own selecting; only as -he is so very clever I would insist that he do it by rule. Fifteen of -these soldiers are his own people; with an equal number of my guards he -will have thirty to select from. This he must do by arranging the thirty -men in a circle, and counting out every tenth man. Now if he is but as -clever as usual it should not be difficult for Bright-Wits to take with -him none but his own soldiers." - -Again Bright-Wits essayed to speak; but again Ablano checked him, and -directed that the thirty men should step forth. Now calling Bright-Wits -to his side, the Brahman whispered, "If but one of Garrofat's -guards be among your escort you will be assassinated at the first -opportunity." For a few moments Ablano whispered thus to the prince, and -finished his instructions by telling him not to fear. - -[Illustration: THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS.] - -[Illustration: THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS.] - -Now this whispered conference was but little to the liking of the two -plotters, and Garrofat demanded that the selection be made at once. - -With secret misgivings, but outwardly brave, Bright-Wits descended to -the court; where he quickly arranged the thirty soldiers in a circle and -began to count. Ablano now crossed over to the princess and, taking her -trembling little hands in his, gently chided her for her fears. -Bright-Wits, meanwhile, continued to count and select; and to the -amazement of Garrofat and Doola none were chosen but the prince's own -men. - - _With fifteen pieces of white and fifteen pieces of coloured paper, - or any other counters, the reader may learn the way Bright-Wits - counted out his own men so successfully._ - -As the last man stepped out the plotters exchanged glances of terror. -Quickly recovering themselves, however, they applauded rapturously; -while Garrofat pulled a sour smile and said, "Djinn or Genie, by Allah, -thou art wonderful. Now that you have shown such amazing skill I have a -little problem which as a favour to me I would ask that you work out at -your leisure while going forward on your journey." This said, he gave -whispered instructions to Doola, who retired, to return almost instantly -followed by a slave bearing eighteen oblong shaped pieces of silver, on -some of which the links of a chain embossed in gold might be seen. - -Bidding the prince to draw near, Garrofat began, "These eighteen pieces -which you see here were originally a complete pattern filling the blank -square space above the throne. The design in gold is an endless chain -representing life. Loosened by time they fell from their place and up to -the present no one has been found skilful enough to rearrange the -pieces so that they will fit the space and show the endless chain -perfectly joined. Here you may see a counterpart of it in this marble -decoration. You would find that no guide in your task, however, except -as showing the pattern of the chain when complete. Do me this little -service, my dear Prince, and I will for ever be your most devoted -admirer." - -[Illustration: THE ENDLESS CHAIN.] - -[Illustration: THE ENDLESS CHAIN.] - -"I scorn your admiration," broke out Bright-Wits angrily; then catching -a warning look from Ablano, he salaamed deeply to Garrofat, and said -mockingly, "I am ready to become even a chair mender, if by so doing I -can favour a friend or discomfit a rogue." - -Now Garrofat refused to show anger at this insolence; but smilingly gave -the prince his permission to withdraw that he make ready for his journey -through the kingdom which was to begin on the morrow. - - _If he is anxious to try to repair the endless chain he has only to - cut out the pieces at the back of the book._ - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - THE PRINCE RETURNS TO FIND THAT ABLANO THE BRAHMAN HAS MYSTERIOUSLY - DISAPPEARED - - -For the next seven days Bright-Wits was in a constant maze of wonder at -the magnificence and extent of the kingdom of Parrabang. His fame had -spread abroad through the land, so that wherever he went he was welcomed -by the people with all the honour and affection that would have been -bestowed on a royal prince of the country. Laden with rich gifts, and -with the praises of the people still ringing in his ears, he returned to -the palace at last. Here he found Garrofat awaiting him with a smile -that was far from sweet. The Vizier's sour looks, however, were quickly -forgotten when Bright-Wits, casting his eyes up to the windows of the -zenana, caught a glance from the starry orbs of Azalia that set his -heart beating to a merry tune. - -Ignoring Garrofat's questions as to his travels, Bright-Wits summoned -two of his guards, who bore between them a closely wrapped square -packet; which upon being opened proved to contain the silver disk, of -the eighteen pieces now perfectly restored, its golden chain showing no -break in all its length. - -It was with difficulty that Garrofat choked down his rage at this latest -failure of his plans to discomfit or destroy the prince. Doola, however, -pressed forward to welcome Bright-Wits. Bowing and salaaming like a -manikin he pranced across the court; and, as he drew near, Bright-Wits -noticed that he carried in his hand a narrow strip of teak wood marked -off into squares. Calling upon Allah and all the prophets to bear -witness to his joy at seeing his dear friend Prince Bright-Wits returned -safely from his journey, he would have clasped the prince in his arms -had not our hero thrust him off. - -Disregarding the prince's scorn, he endeavoured to call his attention to -the little teak wood board which the prince had already observed. "My -dear Bright-Wits," he chattered, "I have come to crave a boon at your -hands. I want the assistance of your clever wits in solving a little -puzzle over which I have spent hours without arriving at a solution. -This puzzle is in reality another of the games with which the Great -Onalba was fond of amusing himself. So fond indeed was he of this -particular amusement that he had an immense representation of the board -on which it is played reproduced in stone here in the palace wall. As -you can see, my dear Prince, the board is marked off into seven squares, -three gray, and three black, while the centre square was left white. In -playing the game six counters were used, three black and three white. In -starting play, the three black counters are placed on the black -squares, and the three white counters on the gray squares. The centre -square is left vacant. The game consists in making the two sets of -counters change places; moving one at a time. You can jump as in -checkers: that is, you can go over a counter if there is a blank space -behind it. You must always move forward, however, and a move once made -cannot be withdrawn. Few have ever even seen this one of the games of -Onalba, and none but he have ever succeeded in mastering it. Do you -think you could solve this little puzzle, my dear Bright-Wits? I am -dying to find out just how it is done." - -[Illustration: DOOLA'S GAME.] - -[Illustration: DOOLA'S GAME.] - -With an angry gesture, Bright-Wits was about to consign Doola and his -game to oblivion; but at a nod from Ablano he signed for a slave to take -the board from Doola. - - _The reader may use six of the counters from the other game in - working out this one of Bright-Wits' problems._ - -Azalia appearing at this moment, all else was forgotten by Bright-Wits, -who rushed to her side and was soon deeply engaged in telling her of his -wonder at the greatness and splendour of her kingdom. - -Short-lived, however, was to be their joy. With the coming of the next -day consternation reigned throughout the palace. Ablano, the Brahman, -had disappeared. How or when, none knew. - -Couriers and soldiers were hurried abroad throughout the kingdom. The -entire country was shrouded in deepest grief. Nothing availed. Not a -trace of the Holy Brahman could be found. In the caravansaries about the -city, and within the palace naught else was talked of. Everywhere there -was evidence of a great sorrow. Short as had been the residence of -Ablano in Parrabang, the fame of his wisdom and virtue had spread afar, -and he had already a kingdom in the hearts of all the people. - -At the first alarm, Bright-Wits instantly suspected treachery on the -part of the two conspirators. But investigation proved that they were no -less mystified by the strange disappearance than he himself. Six days -passed without any tidings, and Bright-Wits, frantic with fear and -suspense, was almost in despair. The most puzzling feature of the whole -affair was the fact that Azalia apparently evinced no concern. This was -surprising in view of the affection which Bright-Wits knew her to -cherish for the missing Brahman. When he chided her for this seeming -heartlessness, she but smiled at him; nor would tell him what she knew. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - RETURN OF ABLANO. GARROFAT AND DOOLA DECIDE ON DESPERATE MEASURES. - THE FINAL TEST - - -So matters stood; even the successful solution of Doola's puzzle, which -the prince had easily accomplished, passed almost unnoticed. Imagine, -then, the general surprise when, on the seventh day, Ablano returned as -mysteriously as he had vanished. To all inquiries as to his absence -Ablano remained deaf. With him there had come three strangers, who from -their dress and appearance were inhabitants of the great desert to the -north of Parrabang. - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY.] - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PIECES OF MONEY.] - -When the excitement had in some measure subsided, and the wanderer had -embraced Bright-Wits and Azalia, Ablano turned to Garrofat and thus -addressed him, "Know, thou who art called Garrofat, that with pride -I have watched the success of my dearly beloved pupil in the performance -of the various tasks which you have seen fit to impose upon him. Now I, -myself, would fain submit to him a question; that I may put to the test -his wisdom and justice and learn if all my teachings have borne good -fruit. Now two of these dwellers in the desert whom you see here with me -halted to-day by the wayside and prepared to break their fast. The food -between them consisted of eight small loaves; one possessing five, and -the other, three. Now as they seated themselves this third man arrived -and they offered unto him a share of their food. During the meal all ate -of the loaves in equal portion. The repast over, their guest threw down -eight pieces of money in payment for his share. Dissension now began. He -who had the five loaves claimed five coins; but the other objected, and -insisted that as all had partaken equally of the food that the money -should be divided equally; each taking four coins. They were still -disputing when I overtook them, and they begged me to settle the matter. -Now Bright-Wits, I put the question to you. What would be a proper -division of the money, so that each may have justice?" - -Sorely puzzled, the prince knit his brows in thought; while Garrofat and -Doola grinned broadly at the prospect of his failure. Their joy was -short-lived, however, as, with a smile to Ablano, Bright-Wits announced -that both of the strangers were in the wrong. Then he pointed out the -proper distribution of the coins. Now when the prince had answered -Ablano embraced him; saying, "verily am I proud of thee, my son and -pupil. Be of good heart. Your reward is near." - -Garrofat and Doola, who for the moment were forgotten, now claimed -attention. Ordering Bright-Wits to draw near, the crafty Vizier Garrofat -thus addressed him, "Know thou, most wise and fortunate of princes, that -I have one other task to put to you. Now as this one may be the last, I -would give much thought to it to the end that it prove the supreme test -of the boasted brightness of your wits. To-night, therefore, I will -endeavour to devise such a task that your successful accomplishment of -it will prove to all the world that you are in truth wise enough to sit -upon the throne of the Great Onalba." So saying he dismissed the -assembled people, and beckoning Doola, sought the seclusion of his own -apartment. - -In obedience to the command of Garrofat, Bright-Wits presented himself -in the great council hall of the palace at noon of the next day. His -entrance was the signal for a demonstration of joy from the guards who -already looked on him as their future leader. The presence of the Emirs -of the eight provinces of the kingdom perplexed him, nor could he -understand the meaning of the double row of guards placed near the -throne. - -When Bright-Wits had made obeisance, Garrofat arose and ordered a slave -to remove the rug which lay upon the floor before the throne. This done, -there was revealed a square, slightly sunk into the marble, at one -corner of which could be seen the head of a silver serpent set in the -stone; while at the opposite corner the tail of the serpent was visible. -But for these two pieces the square was blank. Doola now entered, -followed by a slave who bore a number of pieces of metal which proved to -be the missing parts of the serpent's body. These were placed beside the -square. - -Now when all these things had been done, Garrofat again addressed the -prince, "Know, O Bright-Wits, that this is to be your last task. To fail -now means death. Not Allah, himself, could save you. To win, however, -means life, and the hand of Azalia, than whom the Houris in Paradise are -not more fair. Long I pondered the selection of this final task; and it -is to your master, Ablano, that I am indebted for my choice. He in fact -suggested this very test. Know then, that somewhere in that square at -your feet is concealed a secret spring which opens a receptacle -containing the last instructions of the Great Onalba. The silver serpent -is the key. You will see that one of the pieces is marked with a star. -Now when the whole is properly fitted together it will set inside that -square and the star will rest directly above the hidden spring. As you -have most at stake, it is for you to give to the world the last words of -the Rajah. Is your wit keen enough, and your courage high enough to -essay and conquer for the last time?" - -As Garrofat ceased speaking, Bright-Wits glanced quickly at Azalia, and -the light he saw shining in her eyes would have spurred him to tempt any -fate at that moment. Trembling, but not from fear, the prince gravely -saluted Garrofat and accepted the task and all its conditions. Then, in -a voice that was calm and clear he asked, "Must I do this now?" - -"Now. At once," hissed Garrofat. "Now, while thy guardian spirit is -gone." - -Then for the first time Bright-Wits noticed the absence of Ablano, the -Brahman. Nor could he recognize the tall stranger standing beside -Azalia; his face muffled in a fold of his robe. Then too, he vaguely -wondered at the presence of the many dignitaries and officers of the -kingdom, and at the strange air of mystery which seemed to pervade the -entire audience chamber. - -Fear for an instant seized his heart; but a glance from Azalia reassured -while it still further mystified him. The savage command of Garrofat -that he waste no more time brought him to his senses; and dropping on -his knees, he began his task. A breathless stillness reigned as the -prince adjusted and readjusted the pieces. Garrofat and the wily Doola -watching, meanwhile, with looks now filled with cunning, now with fear. - -[Illustration: THE SERPENT.] - -[Illustration: THE SERPENT.] - -Time after time, Bright-Wits arranged the pieces of silver whose -proper placing meant so much to him. The minutes passed until he seemed -to be spending hours on this last and fatal test. Glancing up from time -to time, he could see the tall stranger moving about the hall; now -whispering to this one, now to another of the Emirs. Garrofat and Doola -following his movements with looks of puzzled concern. - -At last, in moving one of the pieces, Bright-Wits detected a slight -click. Carefully, now, he proceeded, a dozen more moves, and lo! the -serpent is complete in its position. Tremblingly he presses above the -star. Again the click. The piece slips round to one side and there is -revealed a small square opening in which rests a sealed parchment. -Quickly drawing forth the packet, the prince was about to break the -seal, when to his astonishment the parchment was snatched from his hand -by the stranger. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - THE LAST DECREE OF ONALBA. DOWNFALL OF THE PLOTTERS. BRIGHT-WITS - RECEIVES HIS REWARD - - -In a voice that rang through the great hall the stranger commanded -silence. Then tearing the parchment open he read the amazing decree -which Onalba had written thereon. "This decree, I, Onalba, Rajah of -Parrabang, give to my people. Let all hearken, and obey these my -instructions. Knowing that my days are soon to cease, and that my well -beloved daughter Azalia will come to rule in my place, I, filled with a -desire that my kingdom be governed wisely and my beloved child wed -worthily, decided to absent myself from the affairs of my realm and to -journey out into the world that I might seek among the princes of the -earth one who would be full of the promise of wisdom and of high -courage. One fitted to be the consort of the matchless Azalia and in -whom I could see my fondest desires bear fruit. Now that none might know -me, I permitted my beard to grow to my girdle, and stained it with a -white pigment. Then I had only to reverse my name, Onalba, to become -Ablano; and in the Holy Brahman none knew the Rajah of Parrabang. -Hearing tidings of the fame of Prince Bright-Wits, I journeyed hence to -Mogadore. There I tarried studying the heart and instructing the mind of -this jewel among sons and star among princes. Nor has he failed me. In -him I have found one who will be a fitting lord for my child Azalia and -a worthy successor to the great Rajahs who have sat upon the throne of -Parrabang. - -"His wisdom has been tested by the plotting of those whom I had trusted -as mine own sons. Yet naught has availed against him. Here before the -Council of Emirs, and all my people, I now decree Bright-Wits to be my -chosen successor, and bestow upon him the hand of the Princess Azalia. -Seven weeks from this day, on the Feast of Yama, shall their wedding be -celebrated." - -Loud cries now came from all parts of the great hall, while Garrofat -roared, "Up guards. Cut down these rascally impostors." But with a wave -of his hand, the stranger stayed the tumult. "Peace," he cried, "I have -not yet ended." Then, still concealing his face he continued to read -from the decree. - -"Now because of my absence there has risen envy and treachery in the -hearts of those who beforetime I have heaped with honours and riches. -Know you, Garrofat, and thee, Doola, that because of your villainy your -lives are forfeit. All your plotting has come to naught. Many times has -my rage almost betrayed my secret; which none knew but my dear child -Azalia. Her I could not long deceive. Let the guards drag from our sight -these wretches whose fat carcasses are to make a banquet for the royal -beasts in the pits beneath the palace." - -Terror now blanched the faces of the fallen conspirators. "It is a lie," -they screamed in concert. "Onalba is dead." - -"Look then, and believe," cried the stranger. Throwing the robe from -before his face, Onalba, the Rajah, stood before them. In an instant he -was gathering Azalia and Bright-Wits to his bosom, while the villainous -Garrofat and his cowardly brother fell stricken into the arms of the -guards. - -Loud cheers now rent the air. Into the great square before the palace -thousands of the people had gathered to greet their beloved Rajah, and -to lay rich gifts at the feet of Prince Bright-Wits and the happy -princess. The next day the Rajah ordered a great feast in honour of the -espousals. Swift couriers were despatched to Mogadore to inform the -father of Bright-Wits of the great good fortune that had befallen his -son. - -The seven weeks flew by on wings of love; and as Onalba had decreed, -Bright-Wits and Azalia were married in the famous garden of the -fountains. - - _Now if you have worked out all the tasks which were set to the - prince during his wonderful adventures in Parrabang, you can tell - whether his happiness was easily won._ - - - - -HOW PRINCE BRIGHT-WITS SOLVED THE PUZZLES - - -_The Five Shields_ - -To simplify explanation, set the spindles in a row. We will then refer -to them as L. for left, C. centre, and R. for the right hand spindle. -Move as follows, numbers refer to the shields. - - Place No. 1 on C. Place No. 1 on L. - " " 2 " R. " " 2 " C. - " " 1 " R. " " 1 " C. - " " 3 " C. " " 3 " L. - " " 1 " L. " " 1 " R. - " " 2 " C. " " 2 " L. - " " 1 " C. " " 1 " L. - " " 4 " R. " " 4 " C. - " " 1 " R. " " 1 " C. - " " 2 " L. " " 2 " R. - " " 1 " L. " " 1 " R. - " " 3 " R. " " 3 " C. - " " 1 " C. " " 1 " L. - " " 2 " R. " " 2 " C. - " " 1 " R. " " 1 " C. - Four are now And the riddle is solved. - transferred. 31 moves. - Place No. 5 on C. - - -_The Nine Disks_ - -No absolute rule would apply to all positions, which makes this game -more fascinating. The following solution of one random placing of the -disks will illustrate the general process. To simplify explanation we -will designate the counters as follows. - -The gray counter with the square we will call G.s., the one with a -triangle G.t., and the one with the circle G.c. W.s., etc., for the -white disks, and B.s., etc., for the black, placed at random on the -following spots. - -On spot No. 1 place B.c. On spot No. 6 place W.t. - " " " 2 " B.t. " " " 7 " B.s. - " " " 3 " W.c. " " " 8 " G.t. - " " " 4 " G.s. " " " 9 " G.c. - " " " 5 " W.s. - -With the above arrangement of the disks the solution is as below: - -Move G.c. from 9 to 10. Move G.s. from 4 to 2. - " G.t. " 8 " 9. " B.c. " 6 " 4. - " W.t. " 6 " 8. " W.s. " 5 " 6. - " B.c. " 1 " 6. " B.c. " 4 " 5. - " W.c. " 3 " 1. " G.t. " 9 " 4. - " B.t. " 2 " 3. " G.c. " 10 " 9. - - -_The Soldiers and Guards_ - -Before beginning to select the men for his escort, Bright-Wits arranged -the thirty men in a circle, the black spots representing his own men. - -Then he began to count with the man marked A. - -[Illustration] - - -_Doola's Game_ - -The key to this puzzle lies in following these two rules: - -1. After moving a counter, one of the _opposite colour_ must invariably -be passed over it. - -2. After having passed one counter over another, the next move will be -with a counter of the colour of the first one moved. - -After the ninth move, the nest will be with one of the same colour. - -Beginning with the white counters the moves are: - -[Illustration] - - 1. D. moves into space 4. - - 2. C. passes over D. into space 5. - - 3. B. moves into space 3. - - 4. D. passes over B. into space 2. - - 5. E. passes over C. into space 4. - - 6. F. moves into space 6. - - 7. C. passes over F. into space 7. - - 8. B. passes over E. into space 5. - - 9. A. passes over D. into space 3. - - 10. D. moves into space 1. - - 11. E. passes over A. into space 2. - - 12. F. passes over B. into space 4. - - 13. B. moves into space 6. - - 14. A. passes over F. into space 5. - - 15. F. moves into space 3, and the trick is done. - -Every move must be in a forward direction, white going one way, black -the other. - - -_The Eight Pieces of Money_ - -He who had 5 loaves was entitled to 7 pieces and he who had 3 loaves to -but 1. Divide the loaves into thirds and one had 15 thirds, the other -but 9 thirds, or 24 thirds in all. Now as all three ate alike they had 8 -thirds each. Therefore he of the 5 loaves contributed 7 parts of the -stranger's meal, while the other, who had only 3 loaves or 9 thirds in -all, gave but one part. - -The serpent puzzle can be worked out in a number of ways by placing the -head and tail at random and then endeavouring to connect them with the -remaining pieces. - -[Illustration: THE EIGHT PROVINCES SOLUTION.] - -[Illustration: THE RUG SOLUTION.] - -[Illustration: THE THREE FOUNTAINS AND THE THREE GATES SOLUTION.] - -[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD SOLUTION.] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore, by -Burren Laughlin and L. L. 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