ied his companions. "We know no
other country but this."

"Let us put our trust in God," resumed Jemlikha, "and make use of any
favourable circumstance. We are not to follow Dakianos when he goes on
his magnificent chase for six days at the head of his army: what
hinders us taking that time for our departure? We will demand
permission of the officers of the palace that guard us to play at
feheukian;[3] we will go out of the square, throw the ball to a great
distance, and take our flight upon those swift horses which are
usually given us for that exercise."

[Footnote 3: An exercise performed on horseback.]

They approved this project, and waited with impatience for the time of
its execution. At length Dakianos departed with his numerous army.

The day after the King's departure they put in execution what they had
projected. The eunuchs pursued them, and would have forced them to
return back to the palace; but they answered them,

"We are tired of our King: he endeavours to pass for the God of the
earth, and we adore Him alone who has created all that we behold."

The young men had already drawn their sabres, and in a moment they put
the eunuchs out of a condition of following them. Then Jemlikha said
to them, "My friends, we are ruined if we do not use all possible
expedition."

They immediately put their horses at full speed, which so much
fatigued them that their strength was soon exhausted. They were then
obliged to continue their journey on foot, but being tired, and faint
with thirst and hunger, they stopped on the side of the road, and,
with entire confidence in God, prayed to Him to relieve them. Some
faithful genii heard them, and, touched with their situation, they
inspired into Jemlikha the thought of ascending a mountain, at the
foot of which they were. It was not without pain that he arrived at
the summit; but at length he perceived a spring, the pure and clear
water of which was to him the water of life, and a shepherd sitting by
it, who sang whilst his flock was feeding.

Jemlikha called to his companions: the few words he could make them
hear augmented their strength, and gave them courage sufficient to
ascend the mountain.

The shepherd, whose name was Keschetiouch, gave them some provisions,
and they drank of the water of this delightful fountain. This
refreshment re-established their strength, and their first care was to
return their thanks to Heaven for it. Then Keschetiouch said to them,