The King's Talisman — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

10 THE KINGS TALISMAN. them as follows: ‘My children, here are forty piculs of gold which I divide equally between you. To-morrow is the festival, and I give you the day in which to spend the money as you see fit. Now he who, with his gold, shall plant the sweetest flower in the memories which shal! cling to that day shall have money wherewith to follow up his pleasure.’ On the next morning the two youths went forth. The elder son separated from his younger brother, and alone each followed his inclination. At night the elder brother returned first. His countenance was flushed with excitement, and as he threw himself into a chair he gave vent to a joyiul exclamation in the memory of the day. «¢¢ Well, my son,’ said the father, ‘what have you done with your money?’ ‘*¢Qh, father,’ returned the son, ‘I have enjoyed myself most exceedingly. ‘The first thing I did was to place one piece of gold in the poor-box at the market-place; then I sought my companions, and together we passed the day at Sfombal’s khan in feasting and conversation. Wit sparkled over the surface of our humor, but we forgot not ourselves in merriment, for each imparted to the other all ne had gained of wise experience, and subjects of import were brought forward and discussed. Indeed, father, I am sure I shall not soon forget the joys of this day.’ ‘*A smile irradiated the parent’s features as his slilest son finished, and just then the younger son entered the apart- ment. ‘There was no flush upon his cheek—there was no joy sparkling in his eyes; but a serene quiet pervaced his features, and a peaceful smile of inward satisfaction rested like a ray of golden sunlight upon his face. He would have passed on to his chamber, but his father called him back and asked him how he had spent the day and his twenty pieces of gold. ‘“<<J will tell you,’ replied the youth, ‘but perhaps you will say that I have been foolish. When I went forth this (E(0) “comicbooks