The warlord's beads

Chuan knew he was very fortunate to live in the palace of a powerful Chinese warlord.

Surrounded by exotic beauty and plenty, the little peasant boy had everything he needed for happiness, but he sensed his honorable father was worried -- very worried.

The generous but impatient warlord trusted only Chuan's father to count his many treasures.

Shining bronze coins, elegant jade statues, valuable jewels, and spices of all kinds found their way into the counting room for Father to inventory, but with almost constant interruptions, he kept losing his place!

When the totals vary each day, the warlord begins to suspect that poor Father is a thief, but Chuan knows better.