Now when all these things had been done, Garrofat again addressed the prince, “Know, O Bright-Wits, that this is to be your last task.  To fail now means death.  Not Allah, himself, could save you.  To win, however, means life, and the hand of Azalia, than whom the Houris in Paradise are not more fair.  Long I pondered the selection of this final task; and it is to your master, Ablano, that I am indebted for my choice.  He in fact suggested this very test.  Know then, that somewhere in that square at your feet is concealed a secret spring which opens a receptacle containing the last instructions of the Great Onalba.  The silver serpent is the key.  You will see that one of the pieces is marked with a star.  Now when the whole is properly fitted together it will set inside that square and the star will rest directly above the hidden spring.  As you have most at stake, it is for you to give to the world the last words of the Rajah.  Is your wit keen enough, and your courage high enough to essay and conquer for the last time?”

As Garrofat ceased speaking, Bright-Wits glanced quickly at Azalia, and the light he saw shining in her eyes would have spurred him to tempt any fate at that moment.  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.  Nor could he recognize the tall stranger standing beside Azalia; his face muffled in a fold of his robe.  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.  Garrofat and Doola following his movements with looks of puzzled concern.

At last, in moving one of the pieces, Bright-Wits detected a slight click.  Carefully, now, he proceeded, a dozen more moves, and lo! the serpent is complete in its position.  Tremblingly he presses above the star.  Again the click.  The piece slips round to one side and there is revealed a small square opening in which rests a sealed parchment.  Quickly drawing forth the packet, the prince was about to break the seal, when to his astonishment the parchment was snatched from his hand by the stranger.