Bright-Wits, Prince of Mogadore | Page 8

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