is
way we journeyed on incessantly day and night, for two months.

"At last, we arrived in a country which lay between the boundaries
of the kingdoms of _Zerbad_ and _Sarandip_; [312] a city appeared,
which was more populous than Constantinople, and the climate very
fine and agreeable. On finding that the king of that country was more
renowned for his justice than _Naushirwan_ [313], and also for being
the protector of his subjects; my heart was greatly rejoiced. Having
there bought a house, we took up our residence. After some days,
when we had got over the fatigues of the journey, I purchased some
necessary articles, and married the young lady according to the
law of _Muhammad_, and lived with her. In the space of three years,
I having freely associated with the great and small of that place,
established my credit, and entered into an extensive trade. At last,
I surpassed all the merchants of that place. One day, I went for the
purpose of paying my respects to the first _wazir_, and saw a great
crowd of people assembled on a plain. I asked some one, 'Why is there
such a crowd here?' I learnt that two persons had been caught in the
act of adultery and theft; and perhaps they had even committed murder;
they were brought here to be stoned [to death].

"On hearing this [circumstance], I recollected my own case; that once
upon a time I had likewise been led in the same manner to be empaled,
and that God preserved me. 'Who can these be,' [I said to myself],
'that they should have become involved in such calamity? I do not
even know if they are justly [punished], or, like me, the victims
of a false accusation.' Pressing through the crowd, I reached [the
spot where the culprits stood], and perceived they were my brothers,
who were led along with their hands tied behind their backs, and with
bare heads and feet. On seeing their sad state, my blood boiled, and
my liver was on fire. I gave the guards a handful of gold pieces, and
besought them to delay [the execution] for a moment; and from thence,
having put my horse to his utmost speed, I went to the governor's
house. I presented to him, as a _nazar_, a ruby of inestimable value,
and made intercession for them. He replied, 'A person has a plaint
against them, and their crimes have been fully proved; the king's
mandate has been issued, and I have no alternative.'

"At last, after much entreaty and supplication [on my part], the
governor sent for the complainant, and made him