“On hearing these circumstances from that person, I was in a strange state; hunger and sleep vanished through anxiety; taking some money for [the expenses of] the road, I set out instantly for Bukhara.  When I arrived there, I searched for them both, and I brought them to the house [I had taken].  I had them bathed and clothed in new dresses, and, from fear of their being abashed with shame, I said not a word to them [of what had happened].  I again purchased some goods for merchandise for them, and returned with them home.  When we arrived near Naishapur, I left them in a village with all the goods and chattels, and came [secretly] to my house, for this reason, that no one might be informed of my return.  After two days, I gave out publicly that my brothers were returned from their journey, and that I would go out tomorrow to meet them.  In the morning, as I wished to set out, a peasant of that village came to me, and began to make loud complaints; on hearing his voice I came out, and seeing him crying, I asked, why dost thou make a lamentation?  He answered, ’Our houses have been plundered, owing to your brothers; would to God that you had not left them there!’

“I asked, what misfortune has occurred?  He replied, ’A gang of robbers came at night and plundered their property and goods, and they at the same time robbed our houses.’  I pitied him, and asked, where are these two now?  He answered, ’They are sitting without the city, stark naked and utterly distressed.’  I instantly took two suits of clothes with me and went [to them], and having clothed them, brought them to my house.  The people [of the city], hearing [the circumstances of the robbery], continued coming to see them, but they did not go out through shame.  Three months passed in this same manner; at last I reflected within myself, ’how long will they thus remain squatted in a corner?  If it can be brought about, I will take them with me on some voyage.’

“I proposed it to my brothers, and added, ’if you please, I will go with you.’  They were silent.  I again made the necessary preparations for the voyage, purchased some goods for the trade, and set out and took them with me.  After I had distributed the customary alms [for a prosperous voyage], and loaded the merchandise on the ship, we weighed anchor, and the vessel set sail.  This dog was sleeping on the banks [of the river]; when he awoke, and saw the ship in the middle of the stream, he was surprised, and having barked and jumped into the river, he began to swim [after us].  I sent a skiff for him, at last having seized [the faithful animal], they conveyed him into the ship.  One month passed in safety on the river; somehow, my second brother became enamoured of my slave girl.  One day, he thus spoke to our eldest brother, that, ’to bear the load of our younger brother’s favours is very shameful; what remedy shall we apply to this [evil]?’ The eldest answered, ’I have formed a plan in my mind; if it can be executed, it will be a great thing.’  Both at last consulted together, and settled it between them to destroy me, and seize all my property and goods.