Page:Indian Nights' Entertainment or, Folk-tales from the Upper Indus.djvu/72

42 the Tree of Death, hoping to die; but, by the blessing of God, instead of dying, we have both become young again.'

When the master of the horse had heard this wonderful account he was surprised, and, commanding them to follow him, he ushered them into the immediate presence of the king.

'These two persons,' said he, 'have strange tidings for you, O king.'

So to the king they related all that had befallen them, having first of all fallen on their knees and implored his pardon for their transgression of the laws.

At first the king was so incredulous that he felt inclined to order them forth to instant execution; but at the request of his master of the horse he spared them, in order to test the truth of their statement.

Calling one of the most aged of his nobles, he bade him go forth and gather some of the mysterious fruit which had wrought such miracles. The old courtier instantly hobbled away, and when he returned he held in his hand a small basket of the tiny rose-red apples.

'Behold, sire,' said he; 'I have obeyed your command.'

'Now eat!' exclaimed the monarch. And the old man,