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