Next day prince Camaralzaman did as he had been advised.  He acquainted the king that he was very desirous to take the air, and, if he pleased, would go and hunt two or three days with Marzavan.  The king gave his consent, but bid him be sure not to be from home above one night, since too much exercise might impair his health, and too long absence create his majesty some uneasiness.  He then ordered him the best horses in his stable, and took particular care that nothing should be wanting for his diversion.  When all was ready, his majesty embraced the prince, and having recommended the care of him to Marzavan, left them.  Prince Camaralzaman and Marzavan were soon mounted, when, to amuse the two grooms who led the fresh horses, they made as if they would hunt, and so got as far from the city and out of the road as was possible.  Night approaching, they alighted at a caravansera or inn, where they supped, and slept till about midnight; when Marzavan awaked the prince without awaking the grooms, desiring his highness to let him have his suit, and take another for himself, which was brought in his sumpter.  Thus equipped, they mounted the fresh horses; and Marzavan taking one of the groom’s horses by the bridle, they set off at a good round pace.

At day-break they got into a forest, where, coming to the meeting of four roads, Marzavan went aside, and desired the prince to wait for him a little:  he then cut the groom’s horse’s throat; and, tearing the prince’s suit he had on, besmeared it with blood, and threw it in the highway.

The prince demanded his reason for what he had done; he told his highness that he was sure the king his father would no sooner come to know that he was departed without the grooms, than he would suspect something, and immediately send in quest of them.  Now, said Marzavan, to the end that, when they come to this place, they may stop and think you are devoured by wild beasts, I have done this; so that by this means we may have leisure to continue our journey without fear of pursuit.  I must needs confess, continued Marzavan, that this is a violent way of proceeding, to alarm an old father with the death of his son, whom he loved so passionately; but then, on the other hand, the news of your welfare, which he may soon have, will in a great measure alleviate his grief, and make amends for your absence.  Brave Marzavan, replied the prince, I cannot sufficiently admire your conduct, and I have all the obligations in the world to you.

The prince and Marzavan, well provided with cash for their expenses, continued their journey both by land and sea, and found no other obstacle but the length of the way which they were forced to undergo:  at length, however, they arrived at the capital of China, where Marzavan, instead of going to his lodging carried the prince to a public inn.  They tarried there incognito three days to rest themselves, during which time Marzavan caused an astrologer’s habit to be made for the prince.  The three days being expired, they went together to the bagnio, the prince putting on his astrologer’s habit; and from thence Marzavan conducted him in sight of the king of China’s palace, where he left him to acquaint his mother, the princess Badoura’s nurse, of his arrival, that she might give the like information to the princess her mistress.