_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."