Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/159

Rh The three princes cheerfully consented to this proposal, as each flattered himself fortune might prove favorable to him, and give him possession of the PrincesPrincess [sic] Nouronnihar. The sultan gave them the money he promised, and issued orders for the preparations for their travels. Early next morning they all went out at the same gate of the city, each dressed like a merchant, attended by a trusty officer habited as a slave, and all well mounted and equipped. They proceeded the first day's journey together; and at night when they were at supper, they agreed to travel for a twelvemonth, and that day a year later to meet again at the khan where they were stopping; so that as they had all three taken leave together of the sultan, they might return in company. The next morning by break of day, after they had embraced and wished each other good success, they mounted their horses and each took a different road.

Prince Houssain, the eldest brother, who had heard of the extent, power, riches, and splendor of the kingdom of Bisnager, bent his course towards the Indian coast; and