who had the five loaves claimed five coins; but the other objected, and
insisted that as all had partaken equally of the food that the money
should be divided equally; each taking four coins. They were still
disputing when I overtook them, and they begged me to settle the matter.
Now Bright-Wits, I put the question to you. What would be a proper
division of the money, so that each may have justice?"

Sorely puzzled, the prince knit his brows in thought; while Garrofat and
Doola grinned broadly at the prospect of his failure. Their joy was
short-lived, however, as, with a smile to Ablano, Bright-Wits announced
that both of the strangers were in the wrong. Then he pointed out the
proper distribution of the coins. Now when the prince had answered
Ablano embraced him; saying, "verily am I proud of thee, my son and
pupil. Be of good heart. Your reward is near."

Garrofat and Doola, who for the moment were forgotten, now claimed
attention. Ordering Bright-Wits to draw near, the crafty Vizier Garrofat
thus addressed him, "Know thou, most wise and fortunate of princes, that
I have one other task to put to you. Now as this one may be the last, I
would give much thought to it to the end that it prove the supreme test
of the boasted brightness of your wits. To-night, therefore, I will
endeavour to devise such a task that your successful accomplishment of
it will prove to all the world that you are in truth wise enough to sit
upon the throne of the Great Onalba." So saying he dismissed the
assembled people, and beckoning Doola, sought the seclusion of his own
apartment.

In obedience to the command of Garrofat, Bright-Wits presented himself
in the great council hall of the palace at noon of the next day. His
entrance was the signal for a demonstration of joy from the guards who