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Updated: June 6, 2025
At every opportunity the prince sought the society of Azalia; and as the holy Brahman Ablano was ever present at their meetings, Garrofat could offer no objection, much as he frowned on their ripening friendship.
Now when the prince had answered Ablano embraced him; saying, "verily am I proud of thee, my son and pupil. Be of good heart. Your reward is near." Garrofat and Doola, who for the moment were forgotten, now claimed attention. Ordering Bright-Wits to draw near, the crafty Vizier Garrofat thus addressed him, "Know thou, most wise and fortunate of princes, that I have one other task to put to you.
"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."
Are you now satisfied, or have you been able to concoct new schemes to postpone my marriage with Azalia?" "Speak not to me of schemes, thou possessed of the Djinns," roared Garrofat. "It is but for the good of the kingdom that I act. Your task will be as long as I wish to make it. You have succeeded so far, by sorcery; but beware of your failure on this next test of your vaunted brightness."
"Now because of my absence there has risen envy and treachery in the hearts of those who beforetime I have heaped with honours and riches. Know you, Garrofat, and thee, Doola, that because of your villainy your lives are forfeit. All your plotting has come to naught. Many times has my rage almost betrayed my secret; which none knew but my dear child Azalia. Her I could not long deceive.
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.
What would be a proper division of the money, so that each may have justice?" Sorely puzzled, the prince knit his brows in thought; while Garrofat and Doola grinned broadly at the prospect of his failure. Their joy was short-lived, however, as, with a smile to Ablano, Bright-Wits announced that both of the strangers were in the wrong. Then he pointed out the proper distribution of the coins.
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.
Now all this time Garrofat and Doola were busy with a little scheme of their own that promised to remove one, and perhaps both, of these meddlesome strangers from the kingdom. When the seventh day again came round, Bright-Wits repaired to the Audience Chamber and was considerably puzzled to find several hundred soldiers drawn up in the court.
Trembling, but not from fear, the prince gravely saluted Garrofat and accepted the task and all its conditions. Then, in a voice that was calm and clear he asked, "Must I do this now?" "Now. At once," hissed Garrofat. "Now, while thy guardian spirit is gone." Then for the first time Bright-Wits noticed the absence of Ablano, the Brahman.
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