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Updated: June 6, 2025
The presence of the Emirs of the eight provinces of the kingdom perplexed him, nor could he understand the meaning of the double row of guards placed near the throne. When Bright-Wits had made obeisance, Garrofat arose and ordered a slave to remove the rug which lay upon the floor before the throne.
The lines represent the roads, and the eight spots the castles of the emirs. This matter must be adjusted at once, and as you are a suitor for the hand of Azalia I expect you to prove your claim to wisdom by solving the puzzle of the chart." When Garrofat had concluded, Bright-Wits, in obedience to the counsel of Ablano, expressed his willingness to attempt the solution of this new riddle.
Subduing his rage, Garrofat asked in harsh tones, "How now? Thou meddling busybody! Hast thou solved the will of Zoltan?" "Calm thyself, O Garrofat," begged the prince with pretended concern. "Know you not that he who submits to anger but shortens his own life? Be happy then, for I have solved the will of Zoltan. Here is a plan of the orchard properly divided.
Now when the Vizier Garrofat returned he was angered to find the princess conversing with the strangers, and remarked sourly, "Much wisdom, my lords, may be found in the complaints of women. Azalia has doubtless been telling you of the riddle of the Mankalah rug, forgetting that it is unseemly in a maiden to point the way to the possession of her charms."
"But what do you mean by rows of spots, and how about the tenth spot?" demanded Bright-Wits, showing no concern over this new test. "Well wert thou named Bright-Wits," sneered Garrofat. "But I will explain. The rows of spots are the three lines of spots numbered as follows, II-V-VIII, I-IV-VII, and III-VI-IX. The tenth spot is left vacant for the first move.
Among them he discerned some of his own guards, distinguishable by their high crowned turbans. His wonder was still further increased by the excessive good humour of Garrofat and his wily brother Doola. Smilingly they waited while slaves bore in the great table; and with exclamations of delight greeted Bright-Wits as he demonstrated his success in mastering the great game of Onalba.
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.
To which Bright-Wits quickly replied, "Learn then, O Garrofat, that I would fain solve the riddle of the rug, and do proclaim my willingness to be whipped forth from the gates of your city, if seven days hence I have not accomplished the task." "Bright eyes stir dull wits," sneered Garrofat.
Whereon, Bright-Wits, casting on him a look of scorn, made answer, "On the occasion of your death the only one present to merit admiration will be the public executioner who will officiate." So saying, he turned and descended to the palace accompanied by Azalia and the Holy Brahman, Ablano. When, seven days later, Bright-Wits appeared before Garrofat, he found him in an ugly mood.
As you have most at stake, it is for you to give to the world the last words of the Rajah. Is your wit keen enough, and your courage high enough to essay and conquer for the last time?" As Garrofat ceased speaking, Bright-Wits glanced quickly at Azalia, and the light he saw shining in her eyes would have spurred him to tempt any fate at that moment.
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