Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/183

Rh become of Prince Ahmed my son? If he be alive, where is he? What is he doing? May I hope ever to see him again?"

"Sire," replied the sorceress, "if you will allow me till to-morrow, I will endeavor to satisfy you."

The sultan granted her the time, and promised to recompense her richly.

The sorceress returned the next day and said to the sultan, "Sire, I have not been able to discover anything more than that Prince Ahmed is alive, but as to where he is I cannot tell."

The Sultan of the Indies was obliged to remain satisfied with this answer, which in a small degree relieved his anxiety about the prince.

Prince Ahmed still adhered to his resolution not again to ask permission to leave the fairy Perie Banou, but he frequently talked about his father, and she perceived that he retained his wish to see him. At length, being assured of the sincerity of his affection for herself, she resolved to grant him the permission which he so ardently desired. One day she said to him, "Prince, as I am