is not above four or five
hours' journey." "It will take you a whole year to return," said the
prince. "I do indeed believe that you came hither from your capital in
the time you mention, because mine was enchanted; but since the
enchantment is taken off, things are changed: however, this shall not
prevent my following you, were it to the utmost corners of the earth.
You are my deliverer, and that I may give you proofs of my
acknowledgment of this during my whole life, I am willing to accompany
you, and to leave my kingdom without regret."

The sultan was extremely surprised to understand that he was so far from
his dominions, and could not imagine how it could be, but the young king
of the Black Islands convinced him beyond a possibility of doubt. Then
the sultan replied: "It is no matter; the trouble of returning to my own
country is sufficiently recompensed by the satisfaction of having
obliged you, and by acquiring you for a son; for since you will do me
the honour to accompany me, as I have no child, I look upon you as such,
and from this moment appoint you my heir and successor."

The young prince then employed himself in making preparations for his
journey, which were finished in three weeks, to the great regret of his
court and subjects, who agreed to receive at his hands one of his
nearest kindred for their monarch.

At length the sultan and the young prince began their journey, with a
hundred camels laden with inestimable riches from the treasury, followed
by fifty handsome gentlemen on horseback, perfectly well mounted and
dressed. They had a pleasant journey; and when the sultan, who had sent
couriers to give advice of his delay, and of the adventure which had
occasioned it, approached his capital, the principal officers came to
receive him, and to assure him that his long absence had occasioned no
alteration in his empire. The inhabitants also came out in great crowds,
received him with acclamations, and made public rejoicings for several
days.

The day after his arrival the sultan acquainted his courtiers with his
adoption of the king of the Four Black Islands, who was willing to leave
a great kingdom to accompany and live with him; and in reward for their
loyalty, he made each of them presents according to their rank.

As for the fisherman, as he was the first cause of the deliverance of
the young prince, the sultan gave him a plentiful fortune, which made
him and his family happy the rest of his da