Concealing his feelings, however, he chirped, "Well, Prince, have your
wits proven as bright as of yore? Or do you but come to return the
shields and to ask forgiveness for your rash boasting?"
"Cease such drivel," cried Bright-Wits, interrupting him, "I have come
to announce the completion of a task so simple that it should not have
puzzled a child."
"Ah, what a fine thing it is to be clever," exclaimed Doola, with a look
of mock admiration. But a glance from Bright-Wits caused him to shrink
back in alarm.
Now Bright-Wits ordered the slaves to set the spindles and shields
before him; and with a smile to Azalia, he proceeded to repeat his task
before their astonished eyes.
When the last move was made, Garrofat gasped with amazement. None had
ever accomplished that feat save the Rajah Onalba himself. A hurried
consultation with Doola, however, restored his courage, and, rising, he
said, "Praise be to Allah, but thou art a youth of wondrous wisdom, and
I would be false to my trust as the Regent of this kingdom if I failed
to submit to you a question which has for the space of a whole year
puzzled the wisest wits in the realm.
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