_If the reader would try this new task, he may cut out the shields
at the back of the book. For spindles he may use three square
pieces of cardboard with a pin stuck through the centre of each.
After placing the shields on the first spindle the first move will
be shield No. 1 to a vacant spindle. Then shield No. 2 to another
vacant spindle. Then shield No. 1 on top of shield No. 2, and the
rest as he may._
CHAPTER IV
THE PRINCE SOLVES THE GAME OF ONALBA, AND DIVIDES THE LAND OF
ZOLTAN, THE AGA, TO THE DISMAY OF GARROFAT
Now followed another week of happiness spent with the princess and
Ablano. When the seventh day arrived at last, Bright-Wits presented
himself in the Great Hall accompanied by slaves bearing the shields and
spindles.
Now Garrofat observed the prince's confident air with displeasure.
Concealing his feelings, however, he chirped, "Well, Prince, have your
wits proven as bright as of yore? Or do you but come to return the
shields and to ask forgiveness for your rash boasting?"
"Cease such drivel," cried Bright-Wits, interrupting him, "I have come
to announce the completion of a task so simple that it should not have
puzzled a child."
"Ah, what a fine thing it is to be clever," exclaimed Doola, with a look
of mock admiration. But a glance from Bright-Wits caused him to shrink
back in alarm.
Now Bright-Wits ordered the slaves to set the spindles and shields
before him; and with a smile to Azalia, he proceeded to repeat his task
before their astonished eyes.
When the last move was made, Garrofat gasped with amazement. None had
ever accomplished that feat save the Rajah Onalba himself. A hurried
consultation with Doola, however, restored his courage, and, rising, he
said, "Praise be to Allah, but thou art a youth of wondrous wisdom, and
I would be false to my trust as the Regent of this kingdom if I failed
to submit to you a question which has for the space of a whole year
puzzled the wisest wits in the realm." Then bidding Bright-Wits to
follow, he led the way to a balcony from which the surrounding country
could be overlooked.
[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.]
[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.]
[Illustration: THE ZOLTAN'S ORCHARD.]
"There," said Garrofat, pointing in the direction of a large orchard,
"is a plot of land which Zoltan, the Aga, willed to his four sons. As
you can see, twelve trees grow upon it, and the whole is surrounded by a
deep ditch. Now, according to the will of Zoltan, that plot of land is
to be divided equally into four parts, each to be of the same size and
shape, and each to contain three of the twelve trees; the trees to be
located in the same position in each piece."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account