ised a light army of about forty thousand men,
who, by forced marches, harassed the neighbouring provinces around
them.

Of these, three thousand horsemen parted suddenly from the rest, and,
by following unfrequented tracks over the mountains and through the
forests, arrived at length within two days' march of Delhi.

Here, pitching their tents, they sent several of their chief officers
to Delhi, to assure the Sultan that they were greatly afflicted at
their crimes, and were desirous of laying down their rebellious arms
at his feet.

Horam the Vizier received these suppliants, and representing their
contrition to the Sultan, he commanded them to join the main army; at
the same time sending dispatches to his general to dismount them from
their horses, and to encamp them in such a situation that they might
not be able either to escape or to annoy his army if they should be
disposed to revolt again.

The magician Happuck, who was among the officers that appeared at
Delhi, and who had contrived the revolt in order to get into the
presence of the Sultan, was greatly chagrined to find that the Vizier
Horam received him, and that he was not to be admitted into Misnar's
presence; but, concealing his disappointment, he, with the rest,
joined the three thousand horsemen, and marched to the grand army of
Misnar.

Once a year the whole army was reviewed by the Sultan in person, and
it happened that the disguised magician and his troops of horsemen
arrived at the army three days before this general review. The
magician rejoiced at this fortunate event.

"Ibrac," said he to the officer who commanded his troop, "fortune has
now given me an opportunity of revenging the death of my sister Ulin.
This disguise of an officer is not sufficient: I will descend to the
lowest station, where I shall be less suspected, and as the Sultan
Misnar passes between the ranks where I am situated, I will draw my
bow, and pierce him to the heart. Having done this, I shall render
myself invisible, and do you, in the general consternation, proclaim
Ahubal the Sultan of India."

"Most powerful magician," answered Ibrac, "what need is there of this
deceit? Since you are able to render yourself invisible, why cannot
you enter the Sultan's palace unseen, and stab him to the heart?"

"Faithful Ibrac," answered the magician, "you know not the powers
which support this boy-like urchin. The genius Bahoudi, at whose name
our race trembles, is his guardian