gall to him.  The King prepared an apartment expressly for Wakhs El Fellat, and while Shama returned to her palace, he gave a great feast in honour of her deliverance from the fiend.  After seven days had passed, Shama went to Wakhs El Fellat, and said to him, “Ask me of my father tomorrow, for you have rescued me, and he will not be able to refuse you.”  He consented very willingly, and went to the King early next morning.  The King gave him a very favourable reception, and seated him with him on the throne; but Wakhs El Fellat had not courage to prefer his suit, and left him after a short interview.  He had not long returned to his own room, when Shama entered, saluted him, and asked, “Why did you not demand me?” “I was too bashful,” he replied.  “Lay this feeling aside,” returned she, “and demand me.”  “Well, I will certainly do so to-morrow,” answered he.  Thereupon she left him, and returned to her own apartment.  Early next morning Wakhs El Fellat went again to the King, who gave him a friendly reception, and made him sit with him.  But he was still unable to prefer his suit, and returned to his own room.  Soon after Shama came to him and said, “How long is this bashfulness to last?  Take courage, and if not, request some one else to speak for you.”  She then left him, and next morning he repeated his visit to the King.  “What is your request?” asked the latter.  “I am come as a suitor,” said Wakhs El Fellat, “and ask the hand of your noble daughter Shama.”  When Sikar Diun heard this, he slapped his face.  “What is the matter with you?” asked the King.  “This is what I have foreseen,” answered he, “for if these two moles unite, the destruction of Abyssinia is accomplished.”  “How can I refuse him?” replied the King, “when he has just delivered her from the fiend.”  “Tell him,” answered Sikar Diun, “that you must consult with your Wazir.”  The King then turned to Wakhs El Fellat, and said, “My son, your request is granted as far as I am concerned, but I leave my Wazir to arrange it with you, so you must consult him about it.”  Wakhs El Fellat immediately turned to the Wazir, and repeated his request to him.  Sikar Diun answered him in a friendly manner.  “The affair is as good as arranged, no one else is suited for the King’s daughter, but you know that the daughters of the Kings require a dowry.”  “Ask what you please,” returned Wakhs El Fellat.  “We do not ask you for money or money’s worth,” said the Wazir, “but for the head of a man named Sudun, the Ethiopian.”  “Where can I find him?” said the prince.  The Wazir replied, “He is said to dwell in the fortress of Reg, three days’ journey from here.”  “But what if I fail to bring the head of Sudun?” asked he.  “But you will have it,” returned the Wazir; and after this understanding the audience ceased, and each returned to his dwelling.