discern the golden towers of an immense palace rising high above a
large and prosperous city. Thither they pursued their way, entering at
last the great gate in the outer walls they proceeded through the city,
Bright-Wits constantly pausing to exclaim at the size and magnificence
of the buildings; which surpassed those of his father's capital as gold
surpasses copper.

Arriving before the palace, Bright-Wits dismounted, and advanced,
accompanied only by Ablano. As they neared the magnificent edifice they
descried, seated upon a low porch, the figure of a fat and oily looking
old man, wearing on his head a huge turban topped with a golden crown
which was surmounted by a ruby large as a peacock's egg. The stranger
was puffing at his hookah and listening with disdain to the words of a
young maiden of marvellous beauty; who vainly essayed to call his
attention to the approach of the prince and Ablano. To the right of the
porch was suspended a great Mankalah rug made in the pattern of a large
checker board; but which on closer inspection appeared to be imperfectly
put together, as several of the squares were missing.

Ablano, approaching the stranger, made obeisance and said, "Know, thou
Illustrious One, that we are two travellers who, having heard of the
glory of your kingdom, seek your permission to dwell therein for a brief
space, that going hence to our own land, we may bring to our people the
tale of your splendour and greatness."

The fat stranger, turning his beady black eyes on Ablano, made answer in
surly fashion. "Think you that this palace is naught but a tavern for
the entertainment of stray mendicants?"

He would have continued had not Bright-Wits interrupted him, angrily