longer, Sikar Diun mounted his horse and fled, accompanied by the King and his followers, till they reached the town, and barred the gates.  They then watched from the walls, to see what would happen.  When they saw that the strangers dismounted and pitched tents, the King thought it was a good sign.  He therefore ordered the town to be decorated, and the gates to be opened, and rode out, attended by a considerable escort, and approached the tents.  The other party now mounted their horses to go to meet them.  When they approached each other, King Afrakh was about to dismount, but Wakhs El Fellat would not allow it, and the King embraced him, and congratulated him on his safety.  He then saluted Sudun also, but the latter did not return his salutation.  He invited him to enter the town, but he declined, as did Wakhs El Fellat likewise, who did not wish to part from his companions.  The King returned accompanied only by his own people, and prepared the best reception for the new-comers.  On the following morning the King held a general council, at which Sikar Diun appeared greatly depressed.  “Did I not warn you beforehand,” said he to the King, “what you now see for yourself of this evil-doer?  Did we not send him to bring the head of Sudun, and he returns with him safe and sound, and on the best of terms, while our hearts are oppressed with anxiety?” “You may be right,” replied the King, “but what are we to do now?”

This conversation was interrupted by a tumult caused by the arrival of Wakhs El Fellat and Sudun, who came to pay their respects to the King.  The King invited them to sit down, but Sudun remained standing, and when he asked him again, he replied, “You craven, was the world too narrow for you that you desired my head as your daughter’s dowry?” “Sit down,” said the King, “for I know that you are angry.”  “How can I sit down,” returned Sudun, “when you have ordered my death?” “God forbid that I should act so unjustly,” said the King; “it was Sikar Diun.”  “What,” said he, “do you accuse me of such an action in my presence?” “Did you not make this condition with Wakhs El Fellat,” said the King, “and send him on his errand?” Sikar Diun then turned to Sudun, and said, “Sit down, brave warrior, for we only did so from love to you, that we might be able to make a treaty with you, and that you might join our company.”  After this answer, Sudun concealed his anger, and sat down.  Refreshments were now brought in, and after partaking of them, Wakhs El Fellat and Sudun returned to their tents.  Several days passed in this manner, and at length Sudun said to Wakhs El Fellat, “O my master, it is time for you to demand Shama in marriage, now you have won her with the edge of the sword.  You have fulfilled their conditions long since by bringing them my head, but you have made no further progress at present.  Ask for her once more, and if they will not give her up, I will fall upon them with the sword, and we will carry Shama off, and then lay waste the city.”