As the last man stepped out the plotters exchanged glances of terror.  Quickly recovering themselves, however, they applauded rapturously; while Garrofat pulled a sour smile and said, “Djinn or Genie, by Allah, thou art wonderful.  Now that you have shown such amazing skill I have a little problem which as a favour to me I would ask that you work out at your leisure while going forward on your journey.”  This said, he gave whispered instructions to Doola, who retired, to return almost instantly followed by a slave bearing eighteen oblong shaped pieces of silver, on some of which the links of a chain embossed in gold might be seen.

Bidding the prince to draw near, Garrofat began, “These eighteen pieces which you see here were originally a complete pattern filling the blank square space above the throne.  The design in gold is an endless chain representing life.  Loosened by time they fell from their place and up to the present no one has been found skilful enough to rearrange the pieces so that they will fit the space and show the endless chain perfectly joined.  Here you may see a counterpart of it in this marble decoration.  You would find that no guide in your task, however, except as showing the pattern of the chain when complete.  Do me this little service, my dear Prince, and I will for ever be your most devoted admirer.”

[Illustration:  The endless chain.]

[Illustration:  The endless chain.]

“I scorn your admiration,” broke out Bright-Wits angrily; then catching a warning look from Ablano, he salaamed deeply to Garrofat, and said mockingly, “I am ready to become even a chair mender, if by so doing I can favour a friend or discomfit a rogue.”

Now Garrofat refused to show anger at this insolence; but smilingly gave the prince his permission to withdraw that he make ready for his journey through the kingdom which was to begin on the morrow.

     If he is anxious to try to repair the endless chain he has only to
     cut out the pieces at the back of the book.

CHAPTER VII

     The prince returns to find that Ablano the Brahman has mysteriously
     disappeared

For the next seven days Bright-Wits was in a constant maze of wonder at the magnificence and extent of the kingdom of Parrabang.  His fame had spread abroad through the land, so that wherever he went he was welcomed by the people with all the honour and affection that would have been bestowed on a royal prince of the country.  Laden with rich gifts, and with the praises of the people still ringing in his ears, he returned to the palace at last.  Here he found Garrofat awaiting him with a smile that was far from sweet.  The Vizier’s sour looks, however, were quickly forgotten when Bright-Wits, casting his eyes up to the windows of the zenana, caught a glance from the starry orbs of Azalia that set his heart beating to a merry tune.