Bright-Wits may do his own selecting; only as
he is so very clever I would insist that he do it by rule. Fifteen of
these soldiers are his own people; with an equal number of my guards he
will have thirty to select from. This he must do by arranging the thirty
men in a circle, and counting out every tenth man. Now if he is but as
clever as usual it should not be difficult for Bright-Wits to take with
him none but his own soldiers."
Again Bright-Wits essayed to speak; but again Ablano checked him, and
directed that the thirty men should step forth. Now calling Bright-Wits
to his side, the Brahman whispered, "If but one of Garrofat's
guards be among your escort you will be assassinated at the first
opportunity." For a few moments Ablano whispered thus to the prince, and
finished his instructions by telling him not to fear.
[Illustration: THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS.]
[Illustration: THE SOLDIERS AND GUARDS.]
Now this whispered conference was but little to the liking of the two
plotters, and Garrofat demanded that the selection be made at once.
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