Then the wazir-zadi threw the turban off her head and said, “O, dear mother, I did not go to an improper place, and have done nothing wrong; I have contrived the whole of this scheme according to your wishes to release my father from prison.  God be praised, that through the good effect of your prayers, and through His grace, I, having accomplished the entire object, am now returned; I have brought that merchant with me from Naishapur, along with the dog (around whose neck are those rubies), and have returned with the innocence you bestowed [282] on me.  I assumed the appearance of a man for the journey; now one day’s work remains; having done that, I will get my father released from prison, and return to my home; if you give me leave, I will go back again, and remain abroad another day, and then return to you.”  When the mother thoroughly comprehended that her daughter had acted the part of a man, and had preserved herself in all respects pure and virtuous, she offered up her grateful acknowledgments to God, and, rejoicing [at the event], clasped her daughter to her bosom and kissed her lips; she prayed for her and blessed her, and gave her leave to go, saying, “Do what thou thinkest best, I have full confidence in thee.”

The wazir-zadi having again assumed the appearance of a man, returned to the dog-worshipping khwaja.  He had been in the meantime so much distressed at her absence, that through impatience he had left his encampment.  It so happened, that as the young merchant was going out in the vicinity of the city, the khwaja was coming from the opposite direction; they met each other in the middle of the road.  On seeing him, the khwaja exclaimed, “O, my child! leaving this old man by himself, where wast thou gone?” The young merchant answered, “I went to my house with your permission, but the desire I had to see you again would not allow me to remain [at home], and I am returned to you.”  They perceived a shady garden close to the gate of the city on the sea shore; they pitched their tents and alighted there.  The khwaja and the young merchant sat down together, and began to eat their kababs, and drink their wine.  When the time of evening arrived, they left their tents, and sat out on high seats to view the country.  It happened that a royal chasseur passed that way; he was astonished at seeing their manners and their encampment, and said to himself, “Perhaps the ambassador of some king is arrived;” he stood [and amused himself by] looking on.

One of the khwaja’s messengers called him forward, and asked him who he was.  He replied, “I am the king’s head chasseur.”  The messenger mentioned him to the khwaja, who ordered a negro slave, saying, “Go and tell the chasseur that we are travellers, and if he feels inclined to come and sit down, the coffee and pipe are ready.” [283] When the chasseur heard the name of merchant, he was still more astonished, and