and she discovered to him her mystery in the matter of her daughter, saying, “I will marry thee to her and commit to thee the governance and constitute thee king and ruler over this city.”  He thanked her and promised to carry out all she should order him, and she said to him, “Go forth to such-an-one of the neighbouring provinces privily.”  So he went forth and on the morrow she made ready loads and gear and gifts and bestowed on him abundant substance, all of which they loaded on the backs of baggage-camels.  Then she gave out among the folk that the nephew of the king, the son of his brother, was come and bade the Grandees and troops go forth to meet him in a body:  she also decorated the city in his honour and the kettle-drums of good tidings beat for him whilst all the king’s household went out and dismounting before him, escorted him into, and lodged him with the Queen-mother in the palace.  Then she bade the Headmen of the state attend his assembly; so they obeyed and witnessed of his breeding and good parts that which amazed them and made them forget the breeding of the kings who had preceded him.  When they were grown to like him, the Queenmother began sending privily for the Emirs and Councillors, one by one, and swearing them to conceal her project; and when she was assured of their discretion, she discovered to them that the king had left naught save a daughter and that she had done this only that she might continue the kingship in his family and that the rule should not go forth from them; after which she informed them that she was minded to marry her daughter with her nephew, the new-comer; and that he should be the holder of the kingship.  They approved her proposal and when she had discovered the secret to the last of them and assured herself of their aid, she published the news abroad and threw off all concealment.  Then she sent for the Kazis and Assessors, who drew up the contract of marriage between Salim and the Princess, and they lavished gifts upon the soldiery and overwhelmed them with largesse.  The bride was incontinently carried in procession to the young man and the kingship was established to him.  They tarried after this fashion a whole year when Salim said to the Queen-mother, “Know that my life is not pleasing to me nor can I abide with you in content till I get me tidings of my sister and learn how her affair hath ended and how she hath fared after me.  So I will go forth and be absent from you a year’s space; then will I return to you, Inshallah—­an it please God the Most High—­and I win of this that which I hope.”  Quoth she, “I will not trust to thy word, but will go with thee and help thee to whatso thou wishest and further thee myself therein.”  Then she took a ship and loaded it with all manner things of price, goods and monies and the like.  Furthermore, she appointed one of the Wazirs, a man in whom she trusted for his conduct and contrivance, to rule the realm, saying to him, “Abide in governance a full year and ordain