all his companions in this accomplishment, and in feats of arms.  But when he was fifteen, he was so superior to all others, that Sikar Diun threatened the King that he would warn King Saif Ar-Raad that he was nurturing his enemy in his house, if he did not immediately banish him from the country; and this threat caused King Afrakh great alarm.  It happened that he had a general, who was called Gharag El Shaker (Tree-splitter), because he was accustomed to hurl his javelin at trees, and thus to cleave them asunder.  He had a fortress three days’ journey from the town; and the King said to him, “Take Wakhs El Fellat to your castle, and never let him return to this neighbourhood.”  He added privately, “Look well after him and preserve him from all injury, and have him instructed in all accomplishments.”  The general withdrew, and took the boy with him to his castle, and instructed him thoroughly in all accomplishments and sciences.  One day he said to him, “One warlike exercise is still unknown to you.”  “What is that?” said Wakhs El Fellat.  “Come and see for yourself,” replied he.  The general then took him to a place where several trees were growing, which were so thick that a man could not embrace the trunk.  He then took his javelin, hurled it at one of them, and split the trunk.  Wakhs El Fellat then asked for the javelin, and performed the same feat, to the astonishment of his instructor.  “Woe to thee!” exclaimed he, “for I perceive that you are the man through whom the threat of Noah will be fulfilled against us.  Fly, and never let yourself be seen again in our country, or I will kill you.”  Wakhs El Fellat then left the town, not knowing where to go.  He subsisted for three days on the plants of the earth, and at last he arrived at a town encircled by high walls, the gates of which were closed.  The inhabitants were clothed in black, and uttered cries of lamentation.  In the foreground he saw a bridal tent, and a tent of mourning.  This was the city of King Afrakh who had reared him, and the cause of the mourning of the inhabitants was as follows.  Sikar Diun was very angry that the King had refused to follow his advice, and put the boy to death, and had left the town to visit one of his friends, who was a magician, to whom he related the whole story.  “What do you propose to do now?” asked the magician.  “I will attempt to bring about a separation between him and his daughter,” said the Wazir.  “I will assist you,” was the answer of the magician.  He immediately made the necessary preparations, and summoned an evil Jinni named Mukhtatif (Ravisher) who inquired, “What do you require of me?” “Go quickly to the city of King Afrakh, and contrive that the inhabitants shall leave it.”  In that age men had intercourse with the more powerful Jinn, and each attained their ends by means of the other.  The Jinn did not withdraw themselves till after the advent of the Prophet.  The magician continued, “When the inhabitants have left the city, they will ask you what you want.