was leaving the vaulted chamber, besought me not to
destroy the friend who had supported me; but I told him that Allah was
to be obeyed rather than man.

I hastened to the Cadi; but as it was night, his officers told me I
could not be heard, till I informed them that I had in my power a
wicked magician, who, by sorceries, had stolen the Princess of
Cassimir. When they heard this, they acquainted the Cadi; and that
vigilant magistrate arose, and followed me to the house of Bennaskar
with his guard.

As I entered the house, I was amazed to see him standing in the
entrance with a lamp in his hand; but my astonishment increased when I
saw him fall down before the Cadi, and confess his guilt.

The Cadi commanded the guards to seize him, and then ordered him to
lead us to the place where he had concealed the Princess of Cassimir.
Bennaskar obeyed; but as he went through the apartments, he said to
me, "Mahoud, you are sensible that the Princess Hemjunah's body is
half buried in the earth, and uncovered; therefore prevail upon the
Cadi that he suffer us to go before and release her: for my part, my
sins oppress me, and I wish to restore to her dignity a much-injured
Princess."

"If," said I, "you will promise to release the Princess, I will
endeavour to prevail on the Cadi to permit what you propose; but,
otherwise, let the whole world be a witness of your wicked malice."

"O my friend," said Bennaskar, "accuse me not, my own heart persecutes
me sufficiently. Yes, Mahoud," continued he, "I will, as you require
me, release the Princess, and trust to the mercy of the Cadi; for the
service of the evil genii will neither bring me profit nor peace."

I was pleased at this repentance of Bennaskar, and besought the Cadi
that he would suffer us to enter the vaulted chamber first, and
recover the Princess from her enchantment. The Cadi acquiesced in my
proposal, but ordered the guards to surround the entrance, while
Bennaskar and myself entered the chamber.

As soon as we entered, Bennaskar seized me suddenly by the throat,
and, before I could speak or recollect myself, he dragged me into the
closet and shut the door after us.

"Now," said he, "villain! receive the just rewards of a perjured
heart." Saying this, he spat in my face, and threw me on the ground,
and then flew out of the closet, shutting the door forcibly after him.

I remained for some moments stupefied by my fall; but after a time
arose, and opening the closet