When they had dined, Mobarec directing his discourse to the company, said, “Nobles of Cairo, do not think much to see me serve this young stranger in this manner:  know that he is the son of the sultan of Bussorah, my master.  His father purchased me, and died without making me free; so that I am still a slave, and consequently all I have of right belongs to this young prince, his sole heir.”  Here Zeyn interrupted him:  “Mobarec,” said he, “I declare, before all these lords, that I make you free from this moment, and that I renounce all right to your person, and all you possess.  Consider what you would have me do more for you.”  Mobarec kissed the ground, and returned the prince most hearty thanks.  Wine was then brought in, they drank all day, and towards evening presents were distributed among the guests, who departed.

The next day Zeyn said to Mobarec, “I have taken rest enough.  I came not to Cairo to take my pleasure; my design is to obtain the ninth statue; it is time for us to set out in search of it.”  “Sir,” said Mobarec, “I am ready to comply with your desires; but you know not what dangers you must encounter to make this precious acquisition.”  “Whatsoever the danger may be,” answered the prince, “I have resolved to make the attempt; I will either perish or succeed.  All that happens in this world is by God’s direction.  Do you but bear me company, and let your resolution be equal to mine.”

Mobarec, finding him determined to set out, called his servants, and ordered them to make ready his equipage.  The prince and he then performed the ablution, and the prayer enjoined, which is called Farz; and that done, they set out.  On their way they took notice of abundance of strange and wonderful things, and travelled many days, at length, being come to a delightful spot, they alighted from their horses.  Mobarec then said to all the servants that attended them, “Do you remain in this place, and take care of our equipage till we return.”  Then he said to Zeyn, “Now, sir, let us advance by ourselves.  We are near the dreadful place, where the ninth statue is kept.  You will stand in need of all your courage.”

They soon came to a vast lake:  Mobarec set down on the brink of it, saying to the prince, “We must cross this sea.”  “How can we,” answered Zeyn, “when we have no boat?” “You will see one appear in a moment,” replied Mobarec; “the enchanted boat of the sultan of the genii will come for us.  But do not forget what I am going to say to you:  you must observe a profound silence:  do not speak to the boatman, though his figure seem strange to you:  whatever extraordinary circumstance you observe, say nothing; for I tell you beforehand, that if you utter one word when we are embarked, the boat will sink.”  “I shall take care to hold my peace,” said the prince; “you need only tell me what I am to do, and I will strictly comply.”