ngers returned one
after the other, bearing no tidings of him. The old father saw that he
could wait no longer, that he must dispose of his worldly
possessions, give his blessing to his twelve sons and rejoin his
Father. So he called them to his side and thus spoke to them:

"'My sons, as you have done may it be done unto you. You have cheered
my last steps to the grave, and I bless you.'

"And the father's blessing was bestowed on each.

"'Of all I possess I give to each of you an equal share with my
blessing. You are my offspring and the representatives of your father
on earth. It is my will that you should continue as you have begun.
You are my twelve sons, and I have no other. Your brother who was, is
no longer. We have waited long, that he should take his portion and my
blessing; but he has tarried elsewhere, and now the hand of my Father
is on me, and as you have come to me, so I must go to show Him my
work.'

"So the father ordained that the twelve should be his heirs, and
declared that any one coming after claiming to be his son, was an
impostor. He also confirmed in the existing and competent courts that
these alone were his representatives on earth. This was duly
registered in conformity with the law, and the old father passed away
to rejoin his forefathers.

"The twelve sons again went forth into the world and carried with them
the blessings and teachings of their father, and these teachings and
ideas developed and grew, and the memory of their father was cherished
and blessed.

"Many years after, a person turned up claiming to be the missing son,
and sought to obtain the part due to him. Not only did he wish his
share, but he claimed the whole worldly possessions of his father,
that he was the son blessed by his father, and exhorted all to follow
his teachings. By those who knew the circumstances, he was not
believed; but many were ignorant of the father, and also ignorant of
the registering in the courts of law, and were inclined to believe in
the impostor.

"Now, gentlemen, this is the case that has troubled me much. As you
are sitting in lawful council, it would give me much pleasure if you
could cast light on the case. Your statement will help me, and I will
be ever grateful to you. Had this son, the late returned person, any
right to all the worldly possessions of the father, or, in fact, even
any right to an equal share?"

Thus having spoken he turned to the Hodjas with an inquiring look.
T