ld them in the plaits of his
garments, and they may yet become mine."

So saying, she returned to the hut, where entering, the very sight of
the dumb enchanter affrighted her so much, that it was a long time
before she could venture near him. At length she put out her hand, and
pulled forth her beloved peppercorns, the enchanter still standing
motionless.

Away flew Urad like lightning from the hut, and ran till she had again
reached the road from which she had been decoyed.

She continued her journeying for seven days, feeding on the fruits of
the forest, and sleeping in the densest thickets.

The eighth day, as she was endeavouring to pass a ford where a small
rivulet had been swelled by the rains, she perceived a large body of
horsemen riding through the woods, and doubted not that it was the
remainder of the gang of robbers whom she had before met with.

Urad was now in some measure reconciled to danger; and therefore,
without much fear, dropped a peppercorn, and expected relief.

The peppercorn had been dropped some time, the horsemen advanced, and
no one appeared to her succour.

"Alas!" said Urad, "why has Houadir deceived me? Neither her advice,
nor her magical peppercorns, can save me from these cruel robbers. O
genius, genius! why hast thou forsaken me in my severest trials!"

By this time the robbers were come up, and were highly rejoiced to
find such a beautiful prize.

Their captain leaped from his horse to seize her, and the trembling
Urad gave a loud shriek, which was answered from the woods by the
roaring of a hundred lions.

"O Allah," said the chief, "the lions are upon us!"

"That may be," said he who was dismounted; "but were the whole world
set against me, I would secure my prize." So saying, he took Urad in
his arms to place her on his horse.

The roaring of the lions continued, and many of them came howling out
of the woods: the robbers fled in dismay, all but the ruffian who had
seized on the fair Urad, who was striving in vain to fix her on his
horse. A lion furiously made at him, and tore him limb from limb,
while Urad expected the same fate from several others who came roaring
around.

"But," said she, "better is death than infamy, and the paw of the
hungry lion, than slavery to a robber."

The noble beast, having devoured his prey, came fawning at the feet of
Urad, who was surprised at his behaviour and gentleness; but much more
was her astonishment increased when she heard