e Cadis
of the city, and examined them concerning Mahoud; but no one could
give any account of him.

The next morning Horam attended the divan, and acquainted the Sultan
with his fruitless search.

The Sultan was much dissatisfied at the Vizier's report; and after he
had answered the petitioners and dismissed them, he sent again for his
favourite Vizier.

"Horam," said the Sultan, "my Cadis are remiss in their duty: Mahoud
is certainly hid in my city: all is not right, Horam; the poor son of
the jeweller would be proud to own that he was formerly the companion
of the Sultan of the Indies, though in his distress; he had long ere
this been at the foot of my throne, did not somewhat prevent him."

"Prince of my life," answered the Vizier, "if Mahoud is in this city,
he is doubtless disguised, and has reasons for concealing himself; and
how shall thy officers of justice discover, among many millions, one
obscure person, who is studious to hide himself?"

"In a well-regulated city," answered the Sultan, "every one is known,
and sound policy has always invented such distinctions as may prevent
the disguise of designing and wicked men. But, till my capital is
better regulated, I mean to take advantage myself of the confusion of
my city, and examine, in disguise, those private outrages which are
screened from the public eye of justice. Wherefore, Horam, procure two
disguises for yourself and me; and let the Emir Matserak be sent
ambassador to the Sultan of Cassimir, to inquire after the welfare of
the Princess Hemjunah."

The Vizier, in obedience to the Sultan's orders, sent the habits of
two fakeers into the palace; and at evening the Sultan, accompanied by
his Vizier, went forth in his disguise.

As they passed through the second street from the royal palace, one
habited like a fakeer, with his horn, saluted them, and asked them to
partake of the alms he had received.

The Sultan readily accepted his offer, lest the brother of his order
should be offended.

They immediately retired into a remote place, and, the strange fakeer
pulling out the provision he had received, they began their repast.

"Brother," said the fakeer to the disguised Sultan, "you are, I
perceive, but a novice in your profession; you have seen but little of
life, and you would be puzzled were you to encounter such wonders as
I experienced but last night in my approach to this city."

"What," answered the Sultan hastily, "were they? Perhaps, br