performing certain tasks, first of which was the repairing of the great
Mankalah rug hanging here beside you.

"You can see, O prince, that it is made up of separate pieces, each
containing from three to five squares, fourteen pieces in all. They must
be cut apart and rearranged so as to form a perfect checker board."

"But there are empty spaces, and I can see but thirteen pieces here,"
objected Bright-Wits.

"The missing piece hangs here at the side of the steps, and, as you see,
contains three squares," explained Azalia.

"This surely can be no difficult task to be so richly rewarded," cried
Bright-Wits.

"Then accomplish it, thou Clever One," laughed Azalia.

_The reader who wishes to learn what chance Bright-Wits has of
winning the promised reward, should cut out the rug on page at the
back of the book, and try the task himself. Cut with a scissors or
sharp knife along the heavy lines._


[Illustration: THE RUG.]

[Illustration: THE RUG.]

[Illustration: THE RUG.]