Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/150

134 The Caliph fell into deep thought on hearing this story of the Princess. "If I am not much mistaken," said he, "there is some mysterious connection between our misfortunes, but how to find the key to the riddle is the question."

The owl answered: "Oh, my Lord! I too feel sure of this, for in my earliest youth a wise woman foretold that a stork would bring me some great happiness, and I think I could tell you how we might save ourselves." The Caliph was much surprised, and asked her what she meant.

"The magician who has made us both miserable," said she, "comes once a month to these ruins. Not far from this room is a large hall where he is in the habit of feasting with his companions. I have often watched them. They tell each other all about their evil deeds, and possibly the magic word which you have forgotten may be mentioned."

"Oh, dearest Princess!" exclaimed the Caliph. "Say, when does he come, and where is the hall?"

The owl paused a moment and then said: