Eventually he heard tell of his cousin Djonder, and his desire to see and know him and to witness his skill in arms became extreme.  But he could not satisfy this desire because of the dislike which his father showed for his cousin, the son of his uncle.  This curiosity of Khaled continued unsatisfied until the death of his father Moharib, which put him in possession of rank, wealth, and lands.  He followed the example of his father in entertaining strangers, protecting the weak and unfortunate, and giving raiment to the naked.  He continued also to scour the plains on horseback with his warriors, and in this way waxed greater in bodily strength and courage.  After some time, gathering together a number of rich gifts, he started, in company with his mother, to visit his uncle.  He did not draw rein until he reached the dwelling of Zahir, who was delighted to see him, and made magnificent preparations for his entertainment; for the uncle had heard tell on many occasions of his nephew’s worth and valor.  Khaled also visited his cousin.  He saluted her, pressed her to his bosom, and kissed her forehead, thinking she was a young man.  He felt the greatest pleasure in her company, and remained ten days with his uncle, regularly taking part in the jousts and contests of the horsemen and warriors.  As for his cousin, the moment she had seen how handsome and valiant Khaled was, she had fallen violently in love with him.  Her sleep left her; she could not eat; and her love grew to such a pitch that feeling her heart completely lost to him, she spoke to her mother and said:  “O mother, should my cousin leave without taking me in his company, I shall die of grief at his absence.”  Then her mother was touched with pity for her, and uttered no reproaches, feeling that they would be in vain.  “Djaida,” she said, “conceal your feelings, and restrain yourself from grief.  You have done nothing improper, for your cousin is the man of your choice, and is of your own blood.  Like him, you are fair and attractive; like him, brave and skilful in horsemanship.  Tomorrow morning, when his mother approaches us, I will reveal to her the whole matter; we will soon afterwards give you to him in marriage, and finally we will all return to our own country.”

The wife of Zahir waited patiently until the following morning, when the mother of Khaled arrived.  She then presented her daughter, whose head she uncovered, so as to allow the hair to fall to her shoulders.  At the sight of such charms the mother of Khaled was beyond measure astonished, and exclaimed:  “What! is not this your son Djonder?” “No! it is Djaida—­she the moon of beauty, at last has risen.”  Then she told her all that had passed between herself and her husband, and how and why they had concealed the sex of their child.  “Dear kinswoman,” replied the mother of Khaled, still quite surprised, “among all the daughters of Arabia who have been celebrated for their beauty I have never seen one more lovely than this