Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/165

Rh beheld her laughing, and in a gay humor, with her women about her.

Prince Ali wanted no other proof to persuade him that this tube was the most valuable article, not only in the city of Shiraz, but in all the world; and believed that if he should neglect to purchase it, he would never meet with an equally wonderful curiosity. He said to the crier, "I am very sorry that I have entertained so wrong an opinion of you, but I hope to make amends by buying the tube, and I will give you the price you ask."

On this the prince took the crier to the khan where he lodged, counted him out the money, and received the tube.

Prince Ali was overjoyed at his purchase; he persuaded himself that, as his brothers would not be able to meet with anything so rare and admirable, the Princess Nouronnihar must be the recompense of his fatigue and travels. He now thought only of visiting the court of Persia, and of seeing whatever was curious in Shiraz, and when the caravan took its departure he joined the party of merchants with whom he had trav-