the Princess Nouronnihar | he 75

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The experiment succeeded, and the prince, after he had counted
out to the crier forty purses, and the other had delivered the apple to
him, waited with the greatest impatience for the first caravan that
should return to the Indies. In the meantime he’ saw all that was
curious in and about Samarcand, especially the valley of Sogda, so
called from the river which waters it, and is reckoned by the Arabians

‘to be one of the four paradises of this world, for the beauty of its
fields and gardens and fine palaces, and for its fertility in fruit of all
sorts, and all the other pleasures enjoyed there in the fine season.

At last Prince Ahmed joined the first caravan that returned to
the Indies, and arrived in perfect health at the inn where the Princes
Houssain and Ali were waiting for him.

Prince Ali, who was there some time before Prince Ahmed,
asked Prince Houssain, who got there first, how long he had
been there ; he told him three months: to which he replied, ‘Then
certainly you have not been very. far.’

‘I will tell you nothing now,’ said Prince Houssain, ‘but only
assure you I was more than three months travelling to the plea’
I went to.’

‘But then,’ replied Paice Ali, ‘you aeiie a short stay there.’

‘Indeed, brother, said Prince Houssain, ‘you are mistaken: I
resided at one place over sun: or five months, and. might have
stayed longer.’

‘Unless you flew back,’ replied Prince Ali again, ‘I cannot
comprehend how you can have been, three months here, as you
would make me believe.’ ae

3 ‘T tell you the truth,’ added Prince Houssain, ‘and it is a riddle
which I shall not explain till our brother Ahmed comes; then’ I
will let you know what curiosity I have brought home from my
travels. I know not what you have got, but believe it to be some

trifle, because I do not see that your baggage is increased’

‘And pray what have you brought?’ replied Prince Ali, ‘for