I remained at Cairo, after their departure, three years, to give full satisfaction to the curiosity I had of seeing all the wonders of Egypt, During that time, I took care to send money to the jewel-merchant, ordering him to keep my house for me, for I had a design to return to Damascus, and stay there for some years.  I had no adventure at Cairo worthy of your hearing; but doubtless you will be surprised at that I met with after my return to Damascus.  On my arrival in this place, I went to the jewel-merchant’s house, who received me joyfully, and went along with me to my house, to show me that nobody had entered it whilst I was absent.  The seal was still entire upon the lock; and, when I went in, I found every thing in the same order in which I left it.

In sweeping and cleaning out my hall, where I had used to eat, one of my servants found a gold chain necklace, with ten very large and very perfect pearls placed upon it at certain distances.  He brought it to me, and I knew it to be the same I had seen upon the lady’s neck that was poisoned; and concluded it had broken off, and fallen without my perceiving it.  I could not look upon it without shedding tears, when I called to mind the lovely creature I had seen die in so fatal a manner; so I wrapped it up, and put it in my bosom.

I passed some days to work off the fatigues of my voyage; after which I began to visit my former acquaintances.  I abandoned myself to all manner of pleasure, insensibly squandered away all my money, and in this condition, instead of selling my moveables, resolved to part with my necklace, but had so little skill in pearls, that I took my measures very ill.

I went to the bezestein, where I called a crier aside, and, showing him the necklace, told him I had a mind to sell it, and desired him to show it to the principal jewellers.  The crier was surprised to see such an ornament:  What a pretty thing it is! tried he, staring upon it with admiration, never did our merchants see any thing so rich; I am sure I shall oblige them by showing it; and you need not doubt they will set a high price upon it from emulation.  He carried me to a shop, which proved to be my landlord’s:  Tarry here, says the crier; I will return presently, and bring you an answer.

While he was running about to show the necklace, I sat with the jeweller, who was glad to see me; and we discoursed on common subjects.  The crier returned, and calling me aside, instead of telling me that the necklace was valued at two thousand sherriffs, he assured me nobody would give me more than fifty.  The reason is, added he, the pearls are false; so see if you can part with it at that price.  I took the crier to be an honest fellow; and wanting money, Go, said I, I trust to what you say, and to those who know better than I; deliver it to them, and bring me the money immediately.