Page:Smith - Number Stories of Long ago (1919).djvu/68

 Number Stories, p45-illustration.png

“I don't see how they ever added numbers when they wrote them as the Romans did,” said Irene, just to get the Story-Teller started.

“The numerals that Hippias used were worse,” said Edward.

“But Daniel’s were still worse,” said Will.

“Ahmes and Lugal had the worst of all,” added Dorothy.

“I see,” said the wise old Story-Teller, “that the Crowd has planned all this talk just to get me started”; at which the Tease smiled significantly.

“Well, it is true that they all had trouble with their numerals,” he continued, “and to-night I am going to tell you a story about 45