A Story in Geometrical Fatio.

Otago Witness, Volume 02, Issue 2420, 2 August 1900, Page 53

A Story in Geometrical Fatio.

A correspondent forwards the following old friend in a new dress, and hopes it will be of interest. He vouches for the correctness of the figures : — There was once m Eastern King who was very much beholden unto a certain Old Buffer, who was one of his most loyal subjects. And one day this King, in a fit of geneiosity, said unto the Old Buffet : — "Know, 0 friend, we have thought this day that some recompense is due unto thee for the valuable services thou hast rendered unto oui royal person; therefore name unto us what reward shall be given unto thee, and H shall be granted." Now this Old Buffer was a bit of a draughts player, and had great experience in the mysteries of "Ye G-oosewalk," "Ye Garden Grate," and other devices to trap the unwary. And after cogitating within himself he replied: — "O Mighty King, thy generou? words -exalteth thy royal person above all other men, and fain would thy humble servant thy liberal offer, but thy 'wishes are as law unto your humble sxibjects, and it is ouv duty to obey. As thou knowest thy servant is but a plain man, whose wants are few, and whose '.esires are easily satisfied. Therefore, all I ask of thee is but one little grain of corn on the first square of my draughts board, two grains on the second square, foui grains n the third, and so on, doubling th.£ grains for every square ai the board." And the King listened and smiled within himself at the simplicity of the Old Buffer, foi lit fully 'expected him to ask for" costly jewels, and other treasures so dear " to human nature, and he instantly gave orders unto his servants tc collect tht grain as the Old BuSei desired. And after a considerable time the servants returned, • and said: "O, King, we have collected the corn as far as the thirty-second square of the board, but find great difficulty in collecting the rest; therefore we have come unto thee for advice." And the King scratched his head, and marvelled much, for h- had thought the Old Buffer would carry the corn away in a sack. And he said, " Call unto me the Wise Man that he may unravel this mystery." And the Wise Man was called and the matter placed before him, and after he had studied the subject deeply, he said:

" O Eing, thy word is law, 4ut the promiA thou hast n ide unto this Olu. Bufffc.: cs&nof be carried out, as I fb_.i by certain calsailaSions: it vould require 20,501,938,632,018,456,^-05 i :ama of corn +o fulfil your promise, and as the pouu^ try does not contain that quantity, it is there^ fore impossible to complete your order." An<^ the King saw that the Old BufEei was wise;' yea, even wisei than himself, and he saidri "' Here, take niy kingdom and isy crown, and rule over my people, for I am not worthy be s sid« tb.ee." And the Old Buffer took tie kingdom and the crown and ruled over the people, and m his spare hours he taught h*-"' loving subjects " Ye Single Corner," " Will o the Wisp," and othei kinds of l-nowledge that only draughts players can attain to.