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172 and dethrone him. They represented the danger to be greater, as the prince could not reside far from the capital, for on every visit his attendants were different, their habits new, and their arms clean and bright, as if just come from the maker's hands; and their horses looked as if they had only been walked out. "These are sufficient proofs," they said, "that Prince Ahmed does not travel far, so that we should think ourselves wanting in our duty did we not make our humble remonstrances, in order that, for your own preservation and the good of your people, your majesty may take such measures as you shall think advisable."

When the courtiers had concluded these insinuations, the sultan said, "I do not believe my son Ahmed would act as you would persuade me; however, I am obliged to you for your advice, and do not doubt that it proceeds from your loyalty to my person."

The Sultan of the Indies said this that his courtiers might not know the impression their words had made on his mind. He was, however, so much alarmed by them, that he resolved to have Prince Ahmed