Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 2.djvu/379

342 thee in the open field!” At this the Bedouin was wroth and they drove at one another, shouting aloud, whilst their horses pricked up their ears and raised their tails. They clashed together with such a dint, that it seemed to each as if the heavens were split in sunder, and strove like two butting rams, smiting one another with thick-coming spear-strokes. Presently, Kehrdash aimed a blow at Kanmakan; but he evaded it and turning upon the brigand, smote him in the breast, that the head of the spear issued from his back. Then he collected the horses and cattle and cried out to the slaves, saying, “Up and drive them off briskly!” With this down came Subbah and accosting Kanmakan, said to him, “Thou hast quitted thee right well, O hero of the age! I prayed God for thee and He heard my prayer.” Then he cut off Kehrdash’s head and Kanmakan laughed and said, “Out on thee, Subbah! I thought thee a man of valour.” Quoth the Bedouin, “Forget not thy slave in the division of the spoil, so haply I may win therewith to marry my cousin Nejmeh.” “Thou shalt surely have a share in it,” answered Kanmakan, “but now keep watch over the booty and the slaves.” Then they set out and journeyed night and day till they drew near Baghdad, and all the troops heard of Kanmakan and saw the booty and the brigand’s head on the point of Subbah’s spear. Moreover, the merchants knew Kehrdash’s head and rejoiced, for he was a noted highwayman, saying, “Allah hath rid mankind of him!” And they marvelled at his death and called down blessings on his slayer. Then all the people of Baghdad came to Kanmakan, seeking to know what had befallen him, and he told them what had passed, whereupon they were taken with awe of him and all the champions and men of war feared him. After this, he drove his spoil to the palace and planting the spear, on which was Kehrdash’s head, before the gate, gave largesse to the people of camels and horses