Page:Smith - Number Stories of Long ago (1919).djvu/40

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OF LONG AGO

“That depends on the Question Box,” replied he of the curious book.

“And then what happens?” asked Herbert.

ANCIENT BOOK ON ARITHMETIC

From the oldest book on mathematics in the world, a papyrus roll written by Ahmes about 1700 B.C.

“There is n’t any ‘then’” replied the Story-Teller, mysteriously. “What we call ‘then’ passed away long ago. There is only a ‘now,’ and now is the time for bed.”
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