When he had rested himself for some days, he repaired to a market, where labourers stood to be hired; and had not waited long, when a woman coming up asked if he wanted work, to which he replied in the affirmative.  She then said, “Part of the wall round the court of my house is so much decayed, that I must have it taken down and rebuilt, and if thou art willing to undertake the job I will employ thee.”  On his consenting, she led him to her house, and shewing him the wall, gave him a pick-axe, directing him as he went on to place the stones in one heap and the rubbish in another.  He replied, “To hear is to obey.”  She then brought him some provision and water, when he refreshed himself, and having thanked God that he had escaped, and was able to get his living, began his task, which he continued till sunset.  His employer paid him ten pieces of silver for his day’s work, and he returned contented to his lodging.

The following morning he again went to labour, and was treated with the same kindness as before.  About noon, as he was stocking up the foundation of the wall he found a copper vessel, which upon examination proved to be full of golden coin.  He carried the vessel to his lodging, where he counted the money, upwards of a hundred deenars, and returned to his work.  As he was coming home in the evening, he saw a crowd following a man who carried upon his head a large chest, which he offered for sale at a hundred deenars, but refused to mention the contents.

The fisherman was seized with an irresistible impulse to purchase the chest, and having a small silver coin of not more value than a silver penny, said to himself, “I will try my fate, possibly it may contain something valuable; but if not, I will disregard the disappointment;” ordered it to be conveyed to his lodging, and paid the price demanded.  He then locked his door and opened the chest, when, to his astonishment, he beheld in it a beautiful girl very richly dressed, but apparently lifeless.  However, on putting his hand to her mouth, he perceived that she breathed, and was only in a deep sleep, from which he endeavoured to awake her, but in vain.  He then took her out of the chest, laid her gently on his carpet, and continued to gaze at her charms; till at length about midnight she awoke, and in an exclamation of alarm and surprise exclaimed, “Gracious Allah, where am I?”

When the lady’s first alarm had subsided, she asked the fisherman how he had brought her to his lodging, and on being informed of the circumstances her mind became easy; for he behaved towards her with respectful attention.  Concealing for the present her condition and adventures, she said, “This lodging is too mean, on the morrow you must hire a better.  Serve me with fidelity, do as I desire, and you shall be amply rewarded.”  The fisherman, who, cautioned by his last love adventure, was fearful of taking liberties, and awed by her dignified demeanour, made a profound obeisance, and professed himself her slave.  He set before her the best refreshments he could procure, and when she had supped left her, and retired to sleep in a separate chamber.