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THE GOLDEN MOUTH
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you are fighting about!" But the boys paid no heed to him at all.

"Stop!" cried Schalu again, shouting to make himself heard above the din. "Stop, and I will show you a marvel the like of which you have never seen!"

Hearing this, the boys ceased fighting on the instant, and all turned and stared at Schalu and Saran.

"Marvel, did you say?" exclaimed the leader scornfully. "You can't show us a marvel greater than the one we have got right here!"

"Have you something wonderful, too?" asked the Prince. "Well, then, let us make a bargain; if my marvel is greater than yours, you shall give me yours, and if yours is greater than mine, I will give you each as much gold as two hands can carry."

"Hurrah!" cried the boys, delighted. "Let us do it!" They all gathered around in a circle, while their leader picked up from the ground a torn and bat-