out of your hand.”  But Sudun replied , “I will not fight with you, for I am wounded, so take my head, and go in peace with your bride.”  He then sat down and bowed his head.  “If you speak truly,” said Wakhs El Fellat, “separate yourself from your people.”  “Why so?” “Because I fear lest they may surround me, and compel me to fight with them, and there is no need for me to shed their blood.”  Sudun then left the castle, bowed his head, and said, “Finish your work.”  But Wakhs El Fellat said, “If you speak truth, come with me across the fosse of the castle into the open ground.”  He did so, carefully barring the castle behind him, and said, “Now take my head.”

When the slaves saw this, they mounted the walls, and wept and lamented.  But Shama cried out, “Take his head, and let us hasten our return before morning dawns.”  “What,” said Wakhs El Fellat, “should I kill so brave a man in so treacherous a manner, when he is so noble and magnanimous?” He then went up to Sudun, kissed his head, and said, “Rise up, O warrior of the age, for you and your companions are safe from me.”  They now all embraced each other, and made an offensive and defensive compact.  “Take me with you alive, O brave man,” said Sudun, “and hand me over to the King as his daughter’s dowry.  If he consents, well; but if not, take my head, and woo your wife.”  “God forbid,” said Wakhs El Fellat, “that I should act thus after your magnanimity.  Rather return to the castle, and assure your companions of your safety.”  All this passed under the eyes of the other armed men.  They rejoiced at the knightly conduct of both , and now came down, fell at the feet of Sudun and embraced him.  They then did the same to Wakhs El Fellat, whose hands they kissed and loaded him with praises.  After this, they all returned to the castle, and agreed to set out presently.  They took with them whatever treasures there were, and Wakhs El Fellat commanded them to release the prisoners and restore them their goods.  They now all mounted their horses and journeyed to the country of King Afrakh, greatly rejoiced at the mutual love of the warriors.  When they approached the town, Shama parted from them, that nothing should be known of her absence in the company.  During this time, King Afrakh and Sikar Diun had amused themselves with hunting, jesting, and sporting, and sent out scouts daily to look for Wakhs El Fellat.  “What can have become of him?” said the King once to Sikar Diun.  “Sudun has certainly killed him,” replied the latter, “and you will never see him again.”  While they were thus talking, they observed a great cloud of dust, and as it drew nearer, they could see the armed men more distinctly.  The company was led by a black knight, by whose side rode a younger white horseman.  When the King saw this, he exclaimed, “Wakhs El Fellat has returned, in company with Sudun and his host.”  “Wait a little,” replied Sikar Dian, “till we are certain of it.”  But when they drew nearer, and they could doubt no