already looked on him as their future leader. The presence of the Emirs
of the eight provinces of the kingdom perplexed him, nor could he
understand the meaning of the double row of guards placed near the
throne.

When Bright-Wits had made obeisance, Garrofat arose and ordered a slave
to remove the rug which lay upon the floor before the throne. This done,
there was revealed a square, slightly sunk into the marble, at one
corner of which could be seen the head of a silver serpent set in the
stone; while at the opposite corner the tail of the serpent was visible.
But for these two pieces the square was blank. Doola now entered,
followed by a slave who bore a number of pieces of metal which proved to
be the missing parts of the serpent's body. These were placed beside the
square.

Now when all these things had been done, Garrofat again addressed the
prince, "Know, O Bright-Wits, that this is to be your last task. To fail
now means death. Not Allah, himself, could save you. To win, however,
means life, and the hand of Azalia, than whom the Houris in Paradise are
not more fair. Long I pondered the selection of this final task; and it
is to your master, Ablano, that I am indebted for my choice. He in fact
suggested this very test. Know then, that somewhere in that square at
your feet is concealed a secret spring which opens a receptacle
containing the last instructions of the Great Onalba. The silver serpent
is the key. You will see that one of the pieces is marked with a star.
Now when the whole is properly fitted together it will set inside that
square and the star will rest directly above the hidden spring. As you
have most at stake, it is for you to give to the world the last words of
the Rajah. Is your wit keen enough, and your courage high enough to
essay and conquer for the last time?"