mewhat recovered, sobbed and sighed, and
rolled his eyes, exclaiming, "Topaz, Topaz, you were right after all!"

One of the physicians said to the gentleman of Cashmere, "I perceive
by his accent that this young man comes from Candahar; the air of this
country does not agree with him, and he must be sent home again. I can
see by his eyes that he is mad; leave him in my hands; I will take him
back to his own country and cure him." The other physician declared
that his only complaint was melancholy, and that he ought to be taken
to the Princess's wedding and compelled to dance.

While they were discussing his case the sick man recovered his powers;
the two physicians were sent away, and Rustem remained alone with his
host.

"Sir," said he, "I ask your pardon for fainting in your presence; I
know that it is not good manners, and I entreat you to accept my
elephant in acknowledgment of all the kindness with which you have
received me."

He then related his adventures, taking good care not to mention the
object of his journey. "But, in the name of Brahma," said he, "tell me
who is this happy Barbabou who is to be married to the Princess of
Cashmere, and why her father has chosen him for his son-in-law, and
why the Princess has accepted him for her husband."

"My lord," replied the gentleman of Cashmere, "the Princess is far
from having accepted him. On the contrary, she is drowned in tears,
while the province rejoices over her marriage. She is shut up in the
Palace Tower, and refuses to see any of the festivities prepared in
her honour."

Rustem, on hearing this, felt new life in his soul, and the colour
which sorrow had faded came again into his cheeks.

"Then pray tell me," he continued, "why the Prince of Cashmere
persists in marrying her to Barbabou against her will."

"The facts are these," replied his friend. "Do you know that our
august Prince lost some time ago a diamond and a javelin, on which his
heart was greatly set?"

"I know it well," said Rustem.

"Then I must tell you," said his host, "that the Prince in despair at
hearing nothing of his two treasures, after searching for them all the
world over, promised his daughter in marriage to any one who would
bring him either of them. Then Barbabou arrived and brought the
diamond with him; and he is to marry the Princess to-morrow."

Rustem turned pale. He muttered his thanks, took leave of his host,
and went off on his dromedary to the capital where the