wn, and bargained with him for a
beautiful little gold bracelet. With this carefully wrapped up in his
cotton waistband he went to the house of a rich friend, who was a
travelling merchant, and used to wander about with his camels and
merchandise through many countries. Wali Dad was lucky enough to find
him at home, so he sat down, and after a little talk he asked the
merchant who was the most virtuous and beautiful lady he had ever met
with. The merchant replied that the princess of Khaistan was renowned
everywhere as well for the beauty of her person as for the kindness
and generosity of her disposition.

'Then,' said Wali Dad, 'next time you go that way, give her this
little bracelet, with the respectful compliments of one who admires
virtue far more than he desires wealth.'

With that he pulled the bracelet from his waistband, and handed it to
his friend. The merchant was naturally much astonished, but said
nothing, and made no objection to carrying out his friend's plan.

Time passed by, and at length the merchant arrived in the course of
his travels at the capital of Khaistan. As soon as he had opportunity
he presented himself at the palace, and sent in the bracelet, neatly
packed in a little perfumed box provided by himself, giving at the
same time the message entrusted to him by Wali Dad.

The princess could not think who could have bestowed this present on
her, but she bade her servant to tell the merchant that if he would
return, after he had finished his business in the city, she would give
him her reply. In a few days, therefore, the merchant came back, and
received from the princess a return present in the shape of a
camel-load of rich silks, besides a present of money for himself. With
these he set out on his journey.

Some months later he got home again from his journeyings, and
proceeded to take Wali Dad the princess's present. Great was the
perplexity of the good man to find a camel-load of silks tumbled at
his door! What was he to do with these costly things? But, presently,
after much thought, he begged the merchant to consider whether he did
not know of some young prince to whom such treasures might be useful.

'Of course,' cried the merchant, greatly amused; 'from Delhi to
Baghdad, and from Constantinople to Lucknow, I know them all; and
there lives none worthier than the gallant and wealthy young prince of
Nekabad.'

'Very well, then, take the silks to him, with the blessing of an old
man,