Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 3.djvu/232

210 whom he would, and had that day bidden one whom he loved and had made this entertainment for him. When, therefore, this man (whose name was Behadir and who was a kindly, liberal and open-handed man) came thither and found the door open and the lock broken, he entered softly and putting in his head at the door of the saloon, saw Amjed and the lady sitting, with the dish of fruit and the wine-jar before them. Amjed at that moment had the cup in his hand and his face turned to the door; and when his eyes met Behadir’s, he turned pale and trembled in every nerve. Behadir, seeing his trouble, signed to him, with his finger on his lips, as who should say, ‘Be silent and come hither to me.’ So he set down the cup and rose, whereupon quoth the lady, ‘Whither away?’ He shook his head and signing to her that he wished to make water, went out into the corridor, barefoot. When he saw Behadir, he knew him for the master of the house; so he hastened to him and kissing his hands, said to him, ‘God on thee, O my lord, before thou do me any hurt, hear what I have to say.’ Then he told him who he was and what caused him leave his native land and royal state, and how he had not entered his house of his free will, but that it was the lady who had broken the lock and done all this. When Behadir heard his story and knew that he was a king’s son, he inclined to him and taking compassion on him, said to him, ‘O Amjed, hearken to me and do what I bid thee, and I will ensure thee safety from that thou fearest; but, if thou cross me, I will kill thee.’ ‘Command me as thou wilt,’ answered Amjed. ‘I will not gainsay thee in aught, for I am the freedman of thy bounty.’ ‘Then go back forthright into the saloon,’ rejoined Behadir, ‘and sit down in thy place and take thine ease. I will presently come in to thee, and when thou seest me (now my name is Behadir) do thou revile me and rail at me, saying, “Why hast thou tarried till now?” And accept no excuse from me, but