day, and about sunset the
company returned with the spoil, which consisted of more than a dozen
antelopes. These sports were kept up nearly every day, and Azgid's
time passed most agreeably.

A week had now elapsed, and the youth had one night retired to rest,
congratulating himself on the happy life he led, when the Sheik Hajaar
quietly approached his couch, and thus spake:

"My son," said he, "I have come to tell you how much my people are
pleased with you, and especially with the spirit you evince in the
sports of the chase. But these sports do not comprise all our life: we
have frequent wars with hostile tribes, where great valour is
necessary. My men are all approved warriors, and, before they can have
perfect confidence in you as a trusty comrade, desire to see some
specimen of your prowess. Two leagues south of this is a range of
hills infested with lions; rise, then, early on the morrow, mount your
horse, take your sword and spear, and slay and bring us the skin of
one of these savage beasts: then will we be assured of your courage,
and have confidence in you in the day of battle."

Having thus spoke, the Sheik bid him good night, and retired. His
words disturbed Azgid extremely. "Ah!" thought he, "here are the lions
again! wherever I go I meet them. I thought I had found at last a
quiet home, but I am mistaken; this is not the place for me." He then
got out of bed, and, lifting up the covering of the tent, slipped out,
and went first to see the horse the Sheik had given him. He found him
tethered among the others, and, going up to him, threw his arms around
him and kissed him. "Farewell, kind creature," said he, "I grieve to
leave you!" The animal leaned his head on his shoulders, and seemed to
return his good feelings. The youth then sought his own steed, and,
having mounted him, started off.

He rode over the trackless sands, with the bright stars glittering
above him, a homeless wanderer, not knowing whither he was going. At
length morning began to appear, and soon the sun rose and beat upon
his head with its fierce rays; by the middle of the day he was
rejoiced to perceive that he was leaving the desert; and late in the
afternoon he reached a charming region of hill and dale, streams and
meadows.

He soon after came to one of the most beautiful palaces he had ever
seen. It was built of porphyry, and stood in the midst of an immense
garden, where every plant and flower grew that could delight the sight