Bidding the prince to draw near, Garrofat began, "These eighteen pieces which you see here were originally a complete pattern filling the blank square space above the throne. The design in gold is an endless chain representing life. Loosened by time they fell from their place and up to the present no one has been found skilful enough to rear range the pieces so that they will fit the space and show the endless chain perfectly joined. Here you may see a counterpart of it in this marble decoration. You would find that no guide in your task, however, except as showing the pattern of the chain when complete. Do me this little service, my dear Prince, and I will for ever be your most devoted admirer."
THE ENDLESS CHAIN.
"I scorn your admiration," broke out Bright-Wits angrily; then catching a warning look from Ablano, he salaamed deeply to Garrofat, and said mockingly, "I am ready to become even a chair mender, if by so doing I can favour a friend or discomfit a rogue."
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.