“At length, on hearing these pious admonitions, the heart of that stony-hearted one became softened, and through the favour and mercy of God she began to weep, and said, ‘Well, teach me thy faith,’ I taught her the kalima, which she repeated with sincerity of heart, and having expressed penitence, and prayed for pardon, she became a [true] Musalman.  I then threw myself at her feet [and thanked her].  Until the morning she continued reciting the kalima, and praying for pardon.  Again she said, ’Well, I have embraced your faith, but my parents are idolators; what remedy is there for them?’ I replied, ’what is that to thee? as any one acts, so will he be treated.’  She said, ’They have betrothed me to my uncle’s son, and he is an idolator; if I should be married to him tomorrow, which God forbid, he, an idolator, would cohabit with me, and I should bear issue, which would be a dreadful misfortune.  We ought immediately to think of some remedy for this, so that I may be freed from such a calamity,’ I replied, ’what you say is indeed reasonable; do whatever you think proper.’  She said, ‘I will remain here no longer, but go forth somewhere else.’  I asked, ‘by what means can you escape, and where will you go?’ She answered, ’In the first place, do you leave me here, and go and abide with the Musalmans in the sarai, so that every one may hear of it, and not suspect you.  You will there continue on the look out for [the departure of] vessels, and if any vessel sails for Persia, let me know; for which reason I will send the nurse to you frequently, and when you send me word [that all is ready,] I will come to you, and having embarked in the vessel, I will effect my escape and obtain my release from the hands of these ill-fated heathens,’ I replied, ’I will devote myself as a sacrifice for your life and safety, but what will you do with the nurse?’ She answered, ’Her case can be easily settled; I will give her a cup of strong poison. [330] The plan was fixed upon, and when the day appeared, I went to the sarai, and hired a private apartment and went and resided therein.  During this absence, I only lived in the hopes of meeting again.  Two months [331] [after this event,] when the merchants of Rum, of Syria, and of Isfahan were assembled together, they formed the project of returning by water, and began to embark their merchandise on vessels.  From residing together I had formed acquaintances with most of them, and they said to me, ’Well, sir, will you not also come [along with us]; how long will you stay in this country of infidels?’ I answered, ’what have I wherewith I can return to my country?  I have as my property this only, a female slave, a chest, and a dog; if you could give me a little room to stay in and fix its price, I shall then be at ease in my mind, and embark likewise.’