he end of the passionate love which he suddenly
felt rise within him. He was seized with disgust for all these warlike
habits and tastes, which had reduced him to the melancholy plight in
which he found himself. His distaste for women was changed into love. He
sent for his mother and related to her all that had occurred. "My son,"
she said, "all these circumstances should render Djaida still dearer to
you. Wait patiently a little, until I have been able to go and ask her
of her mother." She straightway mounted her camel, and started through
the desert on the tracks of Djaida, who immediately on her arrival home
had told her mother all that had happened. As soon as the mother of
Khaled had arrived, she flung herself into the arms of her kinswoman and
demanded Djaida in marriage for her son, for Zahir had not yet returned
from his foray. When Djaida heard from her mother the request of Khaled,
she said, "This shall never be, though I be forced to drink the cup of
death. That which occurred at his tents was brought about by me to
quench the fire of my grief and unhappiness, and soothe the anguish of
my heart."

At these words the mother of Khaled, defeated of her object, went back
to her son, who was tortured by the most cruel anxiety. He rose suddenly
to his feet, for his love had reached the point of desperation, and
asked with inquietude what were the feelings of his cousin. When he
learned the answer of Djaida his distress became overwhelming, for her
refusal only increased his passion. "What is to be done, my mother," he
exclaimed. "I see no way of escaping from this embarrassment," she
replied, "excepting you assemble all your horsemen from among the Arab
sheiks, and from among those with whom you are on friendly terms. Wait
until your uncle returns from the campaign, and then, surrounded by your
followers, go to him, and in the presence of the assembled warriors,
demand of him his daughter in marriage. If he deny that he has a
daughter, tell him all that has happened, and urge him until he gives
way to your demand." This advice, and the plan proposed moderated the
grief of Khaled. As soon as he learned that his uncle had returned home,
he assembled all the chiefs of his family and told his story to them.
All of them were very much astonished, and Madi Kereb. one of the
Khaled's bravest companions, could not help saying: "This is a strange
affair; we have always heard say that your uncle had a son named
Djonder, but