"How have you found the way to a place where I never yet saw any
mortal? If I am not mistaken, you are fugitives. Trust me with your
misfortunes: I may perhaps be of some service to you."

Jemlikha related to him all that had happened to them, and his
discourse struck the light of faith into the heart of this shepherd,
God so enlightening his mind, that he soon learned and repeated with
them their prayers. Afterwards he told them he would never quit them.

"Ephesus," says he, "is so near to this place, that you will still be
in some danger. Doubt not but Dakianos will use his utmost efforts to
have you seized. I know a cavern not far from hence, which perhaps in
a forty years' search could not be found: I will conduct you there."

Immediately without delay they arose and followed him.

The shepherd had a little dog, which he called Catnier, that followed
them. They did not care to take him with them; and using all their
skill to drive him away, they at last threw a stone at him, which
broke his leg; but he still followed them limping. They threw a second
at him, which did not turn him back, though it broke his other fore
leg, so that he walked only upon his two hind feet, continuing his
march. The third stone having broke one more, he was no longer in a
condition to stand. But Allah gave the gift of speech to this little
dog, who said to them,

"Alas! you go to seek after Allah, and you have prevented me from all
hope of going with you! Am not I also the creature of Allah? Are you
alone obliged to acknowledge Him?"

They were so astonished at this wonderful miracle, and moved with the
condition to which they had reduced the dog, that they carried him in
turn, and went on begging the protection of Heaven. They were not long
before they arrived at the cavern to which the shepherd conducted
them, and finding themselves fatigued with their journey, they lay
down to sleep; but by the particular mission of Heaven, they slept
with their eyes open, in such a manner that no one could suspect they
tasted any real repose. The cavern was so gloomy, the heat of the sun
could not incommode them; a gentle, pleasing wind incessantly
refreshed them, and a long narrow opening gave an entrance to the rays
of the sun at his rising.

In the meantime those eunuchs who had escaped from the sabres of the
young slaves came directly to give an account of what had passed to
Dakianos. He was in despair at their flight, and as he was
reco