to me. That day I did not hunt, but
stayed at home to follow the matter up. I lay down as usual at night
and pretended to fall asleep. When I seemed safely off, Gul got up and
went to the stable as her custom was. That night it was Tiger's turn.
She rode off on him, and I took Windfoot and followed. With me went
that dog you see, a faithful friend who never left me.

'When I came to the foot of those hills which lie outside the city I
saw Gul dismount and go towards a house which some negroes have built
there. Over against the door was a high seat, and on it lay a giant
negro, before whom she salaamed. He got up and beat her till she was
marked with weals, but she uttered no complaint. I was dumfounded,
for once when I had struck her with a rose-stalk she had complained
and fretted for three days! Then the negro said to her: "How now, ugly
one and shaven head! Why are you so late, and why are you not wearing
wedding garments?" She answered him: "That person did not go to sleep
quickly, and he stayed at home all day, so that I was not able to
adorn myself. I came as soon as I could." In a little while he called
her to sit beside him; but this was more than I could bear. I lost
control of myself and rushed upon him. He clutched my collar and we
grappled in a death struggle. Suddenly she came behind me, caught my
feet and threw me. While he held me on the ground, she drew out my own
knife and gave it to him. I should have been killed but for that
faithful dog which seized his throat and pulled him down and pinned
him to the ground. Then I got up and despatched the wretch. There were
four other negroes at the place; three I killed and the fourth got
away, and has taken refuge beneath the throne of Mihr-afruz, daughter
of King Quimus. I took Gul back to my palace, and from that time till
now I have treated her as a dog is treated, and I have cared for my
dog as though it were my wife. Now you know what the rose did to the
cypress; and now you must keep compact with me.'

'I shall keep my word,' said the prince; 'but may a little water be
taken to the roof so that I may make my last ablution?'

To this request the king consented. The prince mounted to the roof,
and, getting into a corner, struck his fire-steel and burned one of
the Simurgh's feathers in the flame. Straightway it appeared, and by
the majesty of its presence made the city quake. It took the prince
on its back and soared away to the zenith.

After a time Kin