Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore | Page 4

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