Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/48

Rh pointed towards Abu-Zarr, amongst those who were present, and said, "This one will answer for me, and will become my surety."

Said ʾOmar: "O Abu-Zarr! wilt thou become surety for these words?"

He replied: "Yes, I will be answerable for him for three days."

And the two young men, the accusers, were satisfied with the suretyship of Abu-Zarr, and granted the delay determined upon.

But when the time had expired, and the hour was at hand, if not already past, they again presented themselves at the Council of ʾOmar, who was seated, with the Associates around him, like stars around the moon. Abu-Zarr was also present, and the accused alone was absent.

Then said the two young men: "Where is the culprit, O Abu-Zarr? How shall he who has fled return? Thou shalt not quit this place without redeeming thy pledge."

Then said Abu-Zarr: "By the truth of the Omniscient King! when the whole of the three days shall