1560 & | | The Loss of

him into his little hut, and after the prince had eaten heartily
of what he set before him, he requested him to relate how he
came there.

Camaralzaman SStawlied with his request, and when he had
ended his story, he asked him which was the nearest way to the
king his father’s territories; ‘for it is in vain, said he, ‘for me to
think of finding my princess where I left her, after wandering”
eleven days from the spot. Ah!’ continued he, ‘how do I know
she is alive?’ and so saying, he burst into tears.

The gardener replied that there was no possibility of his going
thither by land, the roads were so difficult and the journey so
long ; besides, he must necessarily pass through the countries of
so many barbarous nations that he would never reach his father’s. -
It was a year’s journey from the city where he was to any country
inhabited only by Mussulmans; the quickest passage for him would
be to go to the Isle of Ebony, whence he might easily transport
himself to the Isles of the Children of Khaledan: a ship sailed
from the port every year to Ebony, and. he might take that:
opportunity of returning to those islands. ‘The ship departed,
said the gardener, ‘but a few days ago: if you had come a little
sooner you might have taken your passagein it. If you will
wait the year round until it makes the voyage again, and will
stay with me in my house, such as it is,. ae will be as welcome
to it as to your own.’ .

Prince Camaralzaman was glad he had met with such a place.
of refuge, in a place where he had no acquaintances. He accepted
the ‘offer, and lived with the gardener till the time came that the
ship was to sail to the Isle of Ebony. He spent his time in
working all day in the garden, and all night in sighs, tears and
complaints, thinking of his dear Princess Badoura.

We must leave -him in this place, to return to the princess,
whom we left asleep in her tent.