Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/246

230            THE JADE STORY BOOK The next day Zeyn said to Mobarec: "I have taken rest enough. I came not to Cairo for pleasure. My design is to obtain the ninth statue. It is time for us to set out in search of it."

"Sir," said Mobarec, "I am ready to comply with your desires; but you know not what dangers you must encounter to make this precious acquisition."

"Whatsoever the danger may be," answered the prince, "I have resolved to make the attempt. I will either perish or succeed. Do you but bear me company and let your resolution be equal to mine."

Mobarec, finding him determined to go, called his servants and ordered them to make ready his equipage. The prince and he then set out. They travelled many days. At length, being come to a delightful spot, they alighted from their horses. Mobarec then said to the servants that attended them, "Do you remain here till we return."

Then he said to Zeyn: "Now, sir, let us advance by ourselves. You will stand in need of all your courage."

They soon came to a vast lake. Mobarec