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