uir; "I love that
way of life, and you must know that if I do not owe my birth to them,
I am at least indebted to them for my life. Your laws appear to me
extremely equitable."

"Since it is so," said the chief, "I have nothing more to do but
instruct you in our rules. Although I am only your equal, every one
here submits to me as their chief. And as it is necessary that I
should be feared and respected, I treat with extreme rigour all those
who disobey my orders."

"The moment you associate in a band," said Abaquir, "subordination is
essentially necessary."

"Swear, then, upon the Koran, and by the name of the holy Prophet,"
replied the chief, "to submit to all our laws without limitation."

As soon as Abaquir heard the divine book mentioned, he believed he had
got among saints, and without hesitating took the Koran, put it thrice
upon his heart, his head, and his lips, and promised more than was
required of him. Thus was he enrolled without knowing it in the number
of the greatest miscreants of the desert. All his new companions
embraced him with joy. He mounted a fine horse, was covered with a
cloak, and armed with a bow, a sabre, and a spear. Abaquir was
delighted, and perceived not till next day the rashness of the
engagements he had made.

In a short time these vagabonds spread themselves over the desert, and
robbed and plundered travellers and caravans. Their number was every
day increased by the success of their fatal expeditions. At length
their ravages became so considerable that the Sovereign of these
countries put himself at the head of some troops to pursue them. This
was the Sultan Hebraim. The robbers were surrounded on every side; and
Abaquir, being at the head of the band, was particularly aimed at by
the Sultan. But the young man, warding off the danger which threatened
him, wounded his adversary with an arrow; while, in another quarter,
the subjects of the Prince had made themselves masters of the robbers.
Every one that did not fall by the sword was taken prisoner, and the
deserts were at last cleared of this wandering and destructive band.

The Sultan, however, was very grievously wounded. On his return to the
capital, and after having received some medicines for his hurt, he
sent for the astrologers.

"Impostors!" said he to them. "Did you foretell that I was to die by
the hand of a robber?--you who threatened me only with dying by that
of my son?"

"Sultan," replied they, "everything wh