Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/242

Rh So they reckoned them, and found that he had to answer for a considerable overplus of goods. And Khuzaimah claimed from him the payment thereof. But he said, "I have no means whatsoever." "There is nothing else to be done," said Khuzaimah. But he repeated, "I have it not; therefore do thy duty."

So Khuzaimah ordered him to prison; but afterwards sent some one to him, again demanding the money from him. But he sent the messenger back, saying, "I am not one who for the sake of concealing his wealth would lose his reputation (by imprisonment). So do with me as thou wilt." Then they loaded him with irons, and thus he remained for a month or longer, and became in consequence weak and miserable.

And the daughter of his paternal uncle heard news of this, and it distressed and disquieted her. So she summoned a freed slave who was clever and intelligent, and said to her, "Go instantly to the gate of this Amîr, Khuzaimah-ibn-Bishr, and say, 'I am possessed of good advice.' And if they ask it of thee, say, 'I will not reveal it except to the Amîr Khuzaimah-ibn-Bishr.' Then if thou art admitted