Bright-wits picks an escort for A journey and foils the wicked
     design of Garrofat

“Verily dost thou deserve success, my dear Prince,” smirked Garrofat.  “Your probation is almost over.  Now before I demand any further proof of your wisdom, it is my desire that you travel over the kingdom for a brief time that you may acquaint yourself with the country and people over whom it appears you are destined to rule, by the grace of Allah, and the help of your own bright wits.  With you will go a guard of fifteen soldiers, as befits your rank and station.”

Now on hearing this strange announcement, Ablano pierced Garrofat with his eyes.  Then staying Bright-Wits, who was about to make reply, he asked, “What men are to be selected for this escort, and who is to select them?”

Now Garrofat winced at this question, but instantly recovering himself replied, “Has thy stay in Parrabang, O Brahman, made thee so lost to politeness as to cast suspicion on thy host?  Has this been the teaching of Brahma?  But fear not.  Bright-Wits may do his own selecting; only as he is so very clever I would insist that he do it by rule.  Fifteen of these soldiers are his own people; with an equal number of my guards he will have thirty to select from.  This he must do by arranging the thirty men in a circle, and counting out every tenth man.  Now if he is but as clever as usual it should not be difficult for Bright-Wits to take with him none but his own soldiers.”

Again Bright-Wits essayed to speak; but again Ablano checked him, and directed that the thirty men should step forth.  Now calling Bright-Wits to his side, the Brahman whispered, “If but one of Garrofat’s guards be among your escort you will be assassinated at the first opportunity.”  For a few moments Ablano whispered thus to the prince, and finished his instructions by telling him not to fear.

[Illustration:  The soldiers and guards.]

[Illustration:  The soldiers and guards.]

Now this whispered conference was but little to the liking of the two plotters, and Garrofat demanded that the selection be made at once.

With secret misgivings, but outwardly brave, Bright-Wits descended to the court; where he quickly arranged the thirty soldiers in a circle and began to count.  Ablano now crossed over to the princess and, taking her trembling little hands in his, gently chided her for her fears.  Bright-Wits, meanwhile, continued to count and select; and to the amazement of Garrofat and Doola none were chosen but the prince’s own men.

     With fifteen pieces of white and fifteen pieces of coloured paper,
     or any other counters, the reader may learn the way Bright-Wits
     counted out his own men so successfully.