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

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

“And then what happens?” asked Herbert.

Number Stories, p21-illustration.png 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.” 21