A
great _kafila_ assembled, and they agreed to confer on me the rank of
leader and _kafila-bashi._ [315] A propitious hour being ascertained,
[the _kafila_] set out; but on my part, I was on my guard against
my brothers, though in every way I obeyed their commands, and made
everything agreeable to them.

"One day [when we arrived] at our stage, my second brother said that,
'one _farsakh_ [316] from this place is a running fountain like
_salsabil_ [317] and in the [circumjacent] plain, for miles around,
lilies, and tulips, and narcissuses, and roses, grow spontaneously. In
truth, it is a delightful spot to walk in; if we had our will, we
would go there to-morrow, and enliven our hearts [with the sight],
and recover from our fatigues.' I said, 'you are masters here; if
you command it, we will halt to-morrow, and having gone to that spot,
we will stroll about [and amuse ourselves].' They replied, 'what can
we do better?' I gave orders, saying, 'advertise the whole _kafila_
that to-morrow there will be a halt,' and I told my cook to prepare
breakfast, of every variety [of dishes] for next day, as we should
go on an excursion [of pleasure]. When the morning came, these two
brothers put on their clothes, and having armed themselves, they
reminded me to make haste, that we might arrive there in the cool
[of the morning] and enjoy our walk. I ordered my horse, but they
observed thus, 'The pleasure which results by viewing [the place]
on foot, can the same be felt in riding? [318] Give orders to the
grooms that they may lead the horses after us.'

Two slaves carried the _kaliyan_ [319] and coffee-pot, and went
along with us. On the road, as we proceeded, we amused ourselves
by shooting arrows, and when we had gone some distance from the
_kafila_, they sent one of the slaves on some errand. Advancing a
little farther, they sent the other slave also to call back [the
former]. My unfortunate fate would have it [that I remained silent]
as if some one had put a seal on my lips, and they did what they
wished, and having occupied my attention in talk, they continued to
lead me on; this dog, however, remained with me. When we had advanced
a considerable distance, I saw neither fountains nor gardens, but a
plain covered with thorns. There I had a call for making water, and sat
me down to perform it. I saw behind me a flash like that of a sword;
and, on looking back, my second brother struck me such a sword-cut,
that my skull was cleft