’One evening, a man of superior address to his usual customers, but poorly clad, met him at the entrance of the street, and bargained for the load of wood.  Syaad Harshim was penetrating, and could not help expressing his surprise at the circumstance of one, evidently moving in a higher sphere, being there to purchase wood.  “I see,” said the Syaad to the purchaser, “that your station is superior to your circumstances!—­How is this?”—­“My story,” replied the stranger, “is not, I fear, uncommon in this age of the world.  I will relate it briefly:—­I was once a rich man, and my mind was set on making the pilgrimage.  Aware that valuables and money would be an incumbrance to me on my journey, I applied to the Kauzy of this city to take charge of all my worldly riches during my absence, to which he readily consented, and having packed my jewels, money, and valuables in a strong chest with a good lock, I gave it into his charge and departed.

’"My pilgrimage accomplished, and tired of a wandering life, I returned home after a few years’ absence, waited on the Kauzy, and applied for the treasure I had deposited in his care; he denied all knowledge of me or my valuables, pretended not to understand me, called me an impostor, and eventually drove me from his house with violence.  I again tried the Kauzy by expostulation, and sent my friends to him, but all without benefit; for here I am as you see me, Syaad Harshim, reduced to penury by the Kauzy’s injustice.  The world esteems him a person of great character, and condemns me as the unjust one.  Well!  I can say no more; I know that God is merciful, I put my trust in Him!” “Ameen,” responded the Syaad, “do you so, and it will yet be well with you.”

’The stranger lingered with the sympathizing Woodman, and after some time had elapsed he asked him if he would interest himself with the Kauzy to effect a restitution of his rights, adding, “All are willing to give you, O Syaad, great credit for superior virtues.”  Harshim replied he had no merit to call for his fellow-mortals’ good opinion, but as he felt interested in the affair he would certainly visit the unjust man, and requested the stranger to meet him at the Kauzy’s door on the following morning.

’Arrived at the Kauzy’s residence, Harshim was received with evident pleasure, for though but a woodman, he yet was known to be a person of superior rank, and a man universally respected for his great piety.  After the common salutations, the Syaad stated the object of his visit, assuring the Kauzy he was actuated purely by good feelings towards him in the part he had undertaken;—­being desirous only of preserving his soul from the evil that attended the unjust men of this world, who die without repentance and restitution to those whom they have injured.  Then calling the stranger forward, he said with firmness of voice and manner, “Behold this man! he left money and jewels in your charge whilst he went on his duty to the pilgrimage; he comes now to demand his property, give back his chest of treasures without delay, honestly and justly, as you hope for mercy in a future state!”