Page:The book of wonder voyages (1919).djvu/180

 in and leave thee. Wait at the door another five days without wearying, and on the sixth day expect him. And if he come out to thee himself, know that thy wish will be won, but if one of his pages come, know that he meaneth to kill thee; and—thus thy story will end."

Then Abd al-Kaddus tried to dissuade him from undertaking the journey, but Hasan would in no way agree. And seeing it was useless to try to turn him from his purpose he said: "Know, O my son, that the Islands of Wak are seven in number, peopled by a mighty host of women, and the Inner Isles by Satans, Mardis, Warlocks, and various tribes of the Jinn. And no man once entering this land hath ever returned. Will nothing serve thee but that thou must make the journey?" Hasan replied, "Nothing! I only ask thy prayers for help and aidance. "So the old man knew he would not turn from his purpose though it cost him his life, so he handed him the scroll, saying: "I have in this letter given a strict charge concerning thee to Abu al-Ruwaysh, son of Bilkis, daughter of Muin, for he is my Shaykh and my teacher, and all men and Jinn humble themselves to him and stand in awe of him."

Thus Hasan set out, and his horse flew swifter than lightning, and stayed not for ten days until there appeared before him a vast loom, black as night, walling the world from east to west. And as he neared it his steed neighed under him, whereupon horses many as the drops of rain came rubbing themselves against it. And Hasan was afraid, for he rode thus until he came to the