“Calm thyself, dear Bright-Wits,” began Garrofat, “I am sorry to remind you that as your task is yet unfinished there is no reward due you.  Your success, however, warrants me in demanding further proof of your boasted ability.  I would not have Azalia wed to one who was but a lucky fool.”  Then, unheeding the prince’s rage, he continued, “Now among other things perplexing the kingdom is the completion of the palace gardens.  If you will but accompany me to the top of the palace I can better explain.”

Thither they went, and from this high point Bright-Wits could see a great walled garden in which were set three fountains, one of gold, one of silver, and one of bronze.  Three gates of the same metals were placed in the farther wall.

With a wave of his hand, Garrofat began, “This great garden was built by order of Onalba the Rajah, but through carelessness of the workmen the gates were put in the wrong places.  Hence the difficulty.

“Now the water for the golden fountain must be brought by a pipe running from the golden gate; that for the silver fountain from the silver gate, and to the bronze fountain from the bronze gate.  At no point must these pipes cross each other or go outside the walls.  Know then, that as Azalia’s wedding must be celebrated in that garden, it is very important to you that it be completed.”

[Illustration:  The three fountains and the three gates.]

[Illustration:  The three fountains and the three gates.]

[Illustration:  The three fountains and the three gates.]

When Garrofat ceased, Bright-Wits was about to give way to his wrath, but a look from Azalia checked him, and he said, “So be it.  I accept this new task.”

“And the old penalty,” chuckled Doola.

“Yes, and the old penalty,” cried Bright-Wits.  “But look to it thyself, thou hungry hind, lest thou be nearer the whips than I.”

Now although Bright-Wits made no secret of his contempt for Garrofat and Doola, his love for the Princess Azalia daily increased.  In a shaded part of the palace grounds there stood a pretty little pavilion, and here, in company with Ablano, Bright-Wits and Azalia spent many happy hours.

The reader may observe that the fountains and gates are coloured the same in pairs:  gray for gold, white for silver, and black for bronze.  He may with his pencil endeavour to connect each fountain with the gate of its own colour.

The week finally slipped by, and on the seventh day, Bright-Wits was led, as before, to the Audience Chamber surrounded by a strong guard of slaves.  Entering the apartment, the prince advanced, and saluting Garrofat with mock courtesy, he handed him a parchment on which had been drawn a plan showing the solution of the problem of the fountains and gates.