f
the land. That night Djaida took rest; but the following day she joined
the military exercises, challenged many cavaliers, and exhibited so much
address and bravery, that she produced great astonishment among the
spectators. Long before noon the horsemen of her cousin were compelled
to acknowledge her superiority over themselves. Khaled wished to witness
her prowess, and, surprised at the sight of so much skill, he offered to
match himself with her. Djaida entered the contest with him, and then
both of them joining in combat tried, one after another, all the methods
of attack and defence, until the shadows of night came on. When they
separated both were unhurt, and none could say who was the victor. Thus
Djaida, while rousing the admiration of the spectators, saw the
annoyance they felt on finding their chief equalled in fight by so
skilful an opponent. Khaled ordered his antagonist to be treated with
all the care and honor imaginable, then retired to his tent, his mind
filled with thoughts of his conflict. Djaida remained three days at her
cousin's habitation. Every morning she presented herself on the ground
of combat, and remained under arms until night. She enjoyed it greatly,
still keeping her _incognito_, whilst Khaled, on the other hand,
made no enquiries, and asked no questions of her, as to who she was and
to what tribe she might belong.

On the morning of the fourth day, while Khaled, according to his custom,
rode over the plain, and passed close to the tents reserved for
strangers, he saw Djaida mounting her horse. He saluted her, and she
returned his salute. "Noble Arab," said Khaled, "I should like to ask
you one question. Up to this moment I have failed in courtesy towards
you, but, I now beg of you, in the name of that God who has endowed you
with such great dexterity in arms, tell me, who are you, and to what
noble princes are you allied? For I have never met your equal among
brave cavaliers. Answer me, I beseech you, for I am dying to learn."
Djaida smiled, and raising her visor, replied: "Khaled, I am a woman,
and not a warrior. I am your cousin Djaida, who offered herself to you,
and wished to give herself to you; but you refused her--from the pride
you felt in your passion for arms." As she spoke she turned her horse
suddenly, stuck spurs into him, and dashed off at full gallop towards
her own country.

Khaled filled with confusion withdrew to his tent, not knowing what to
do, nor what would be t