The captain sent the boat, which in a little time returned with the olives.  The princess demanded how much the fifty jars might be worth in the isle of Ebene?  “Sir,” replied the captain, “the merchant is very poor, and your majesty will do him a singular favour if you give him one thousand pieces of silver.”

“To satisfy him,” said the princess, “and because you tell me he is poor, I will order you one thousand pieces of gold for him, which do you take care to give him.”  The money was accordingly paid, and the jars carried to the palace.

Night drawing on the princess withdrew into the inner palace, and went to the princess Haiatalnefous’s apartment, ordering the olives to be brought thither.  She opened one jar to let the princess Haiatalnefous taste them, and poured them into a dish.  Great was her astonishment, when she found the olives were mingled with gold-dust.  “What can this mean!” said she, “It is wonderful beyond comprehension.”  Her curiosity increasing from so extraordinary an adventure, she ordered Haiatalnefous’s women to open and empty all the jars in her presence; and her wonder was still greater, when she saw that the olives in all of them were mixed with gold-dust; but when she saw her talisman drop out, she was so surprised that she fainted away.  Haiatalnefous and her women brought the princess to herself, by throwing cold water in her face.  When she recovered, she took the talisman, and kissed it again and again; but not being willing that the princess Haiatalnefous’s women, who were ignorant of her disguise, should hear what she said, and it growing late, she dismissed them.  “Princess,” said she to Haiatalnefous, as soon as they were gone, “you who have heard my story, doubtless, guessed it was at the sight of the talisman that I fainted.  This is that talisman, and the fatal cause of my dosing my husband; but as it was that which caused our separation, so I foresee it will be the means of our meeting.”

The next day, as soon as it was light, she sent for the captain of the ship; and when he came, spoke to him thus:  “I want to know something more of the merchant to whom the olives belong, that I bought of you yesterday.  I think you told me you left him behind in the city of the idolaters; can you tell me what is his employment there?”

“Yes,” replied the captain, “I can speak from my own knowledge.  I agreed for his passage with a very old gardener, who told me I should find him in his garden, where he worked under him.  He shewed me the place, and for that reason I told your majesty he was poor.  I went thither to call him.  I told him what haste I was in, spoke to him myself in the garden, and cannot be mistaken in the man.”

“If what you say is true,” replied the princess, “you must set sail this very day for the city of idolaters, and bring me that gardener’s man, who is my debtor; else I will not only confiscate all your goods and those of your merchants, but your life and theirs shall answer for his.  I have ordered my seal to be put on the warehouses where their goods are deposited, which shall not be taken off till your return:  this is all I have to say to you; go and do as I command you.”