Then too, he vaguely
wondered at the presence of the many dignitaries and officers of the
kingdom, and at the strange air of mystery which seemed to pervade the
entire audience chamber.
Fear for an instant seized his heart; but a glance from Azalia reassured
while it still further mystified him. The savage command of Garrofat
that he waste no more time brought him to his senses; and dropping on
his knees, he began his task. A breathless stillness reigned as the
prince adjusted and readjusted the pieces. Garrofat and the wily Doola
watching, meanwhile, with looks now filled with cunning, now with fear.
[Illustration: THE SERPENT.]
[Illustration: THE SERPENT.]
Time after time, Bright-Wits arranged the pieces of silver whose
proper placing meant so much to him. The minutes passed until he seemed
to be spending hours on this last and fatal test. Glancing up from time
to time, he could see the tall stranger moving about the hall; now
whispering to this one, now to another of the Emirs.
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