is seraglio, and commanded
his courtiers to prepare the procession, as he intended immediately to
make a public pilgrimage to Mecca.

But as Misnar was making known his intentions, a messenger arrived in
haste at the entrance of the seraglio, who brought advice that one of
the southern kingdoms had revolted, and was led on by a skilful
heroine, who declared her intentions of placing Ahubal, the brother of
the Sultan, on the throne of India.

Misnar was conscious that this revolt was brought about through the
contrivances of the enchanters, and therefore despaired of conquering
them by means of his armies; but lest the other kingdoms, seeing no
troops were sent to repel the rebels, should also join the adverse
party, the Sultan commanded the signal of war to sound; and sending
for his Grand Vizier Horam in private, he ordered him to lead out the
armies of Delhi against the rebels, and to dispatch daily messengers
to the capital, to bring advice of his success.

The Vizier Horam received the Sultan's commission with reverence, and
said, "Let not my Sultan be angry at his slave. If my lord should
require ten thousand messengers, his slave Horam would dispatch them.
But if my lord will accept of this tablet, he shall know in a moment
the success of his servant, though numberless leagues distant."

"What!" said Misnar, taking the tablet from his Vizier. "By what means
is this tablet endued with these rare virtues?"

"My lord," answered Horam, "when my father, through the malice of his
enemies, was banished from the presence of the mighty Dabulcombar--whom
the houris of Paradise do serve--he called me to him, and said, 'O Horam,
the evil-minded have prevailed, and thy father has fallen a sacrifice to
the enemies of truth! No more, my son, shall I behold the children of my
strength, nor the splendour of my Sultan's Court. Whither I go, I know
not. But take this tablet, my son; and whatever befalleth thy parent shall
at times be made known to thee in the leaves of this book; and to
whomsoever thou givest it, that friend shall, after my death, read therein
whatever Horam my son shall wish to make known unto him.'"

"Faithful Horam," answered the Sultan, "your present is of such
exquisite value, that I shall, in confidence, honour you with the
first place in my esteem. Know, then, my faithful Vizier, that the
powers of enchantment are let loose against my throne, and the
prophets have said, 'Thou shalt not prevail but with