to West you would have found no one who could show you how to obtain the book you seek as well as I can, for I have dwelt here awaiting your arrival for sixty years.”  “But that was before I was born,” said Wakhs El Fellat to himself.  He then asked aloud, “By what name did you address me just now?” “O Saif,” answered the old man, “that is your true name, for you are a sword (Saif) to the Abyssinians; but whom do you worship?” “O my master,” was the reply, “the Abyssinians worship Saturn (Sukhal) but I am in perplexity, and know not whom to worship.”  “My son,” replied the old man, “worship Him who has reared the heavens over us without pillars, and who has rested the earth on water; the only and eternal God, the Lord who is only and alone to be reverenced.  I worship Him and none other beside him, for I follow the religion of Abraham.”  “What is your name?” asked Wakhs El Fellat.  “I am called Shaikh Gyat.”  “What declaration must I make,” he asked the old man, “to embrace your religion?” “Say ’There is no God but God, and Abraham is the Friend of God.’  If you make this profession, you will be numbered among the believers.”  He at once repeated the formula, and Shaikh Gyat was much pleased, and devoted the night to teaching him the history of Abraham and his religion, and the forms of worship.  Towards morning he said, “O my son, whenever you advance to battle, say, ’God is great, grant me victory, O God, and destroy the infidels,’ and help will be near you.  Now pursue your journey, but leave your horse here until your return.  Enter the valley before you, under the protection of God, and after three days you will meet some one who will aid you.”  Wakhs El Fellat set out on that road, and after three days he met a horseman who saluted him, and exclaimed, “Welcome, Saif Zul Yezn, for you bring happiness to this neighbourhood.”  Saif returned his salutation, and asked, “How do you know me, and how do you know my name?” “I am not a brave or renowned warrior,” was the answer, “but one of the maidens of this country and my mother taught me your name.”  “What is your name and that of your mother?” “My mother’s name is Alka,” answered she, “and I am called Taka.”  When he heard this he was greatly rejoiced, for he remembered that Shaikh Gyat had said to him, “O thou, whose destiny will be decided by Alka and Taka.”  “O noble virgin,” said he, “where is your mother, Alka?” “Look round,” she replied; and he saw a very large and lofty city at some distance.  “Know,” said she, “that 360 experienced philosophers dwell in that city.  My mother Alka is their superior, and directs all their affairs and actions.  She knew that you would come to this neighbourhood in search of a book concerning the Nile, which was written by Japhet, the son of Noah, and she wishes you to attain your end by her means.  She also informed me of your coming, and promised me to you, saying, ‘You shall have no other husband but him.’  We expected you to-day, and she sent me to meet you, adding, ’Warn