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‘Eisa was really a kind –hearted man. He took his bag of medicines and come along. after examining her he said, "She is severely wounded but she will be all-right within forty days if God wills it so, "He washed the wounds with neem–water. He stiched some of them, put bandages on others after applying some ointments and said , " I will come every morning for dressing. Please see to it that she has complete rest, lest the stiches give way. Give her chicken soup in a small quantities and musk- water to keep her strength," With these instruction he took his leave. I presented him a bottle of rose scent and said, "May God bless you! You have given me new hope of her life." In my heart I prayed for her health , never left her alone and saw to it that she had complete rest as advised.

Meanwhile, the merchant of Yemen to whom I had entrusted my goods also arrived there.

I took my goods from him and sold them in the market at whatever price they fetched. The proceeds thereof I began to spend on her. The surgeon visited her every day and dressed her wounds. In a short time her wounds healed. When she recovered completely and took her bath of health, I thanked God and presented a robe of honour to the surgeon. I was extremely happy, as though I had got the kingdom of the seven realms. I celebrated the occation and ordered costly colourful carpets to cover the floor and got a cosy and elegant seat for her with soft cushions and pillows. There she sat-so beautiful, her face bright like the full moon and eyes sparkling as if to dazzle me. I distributed a huge sum of money among the poor . I kept myself at her service and did what she asked me to do. One day, in her vanity, she said, "Look, if you want my pleasure, always do what I say; never try to meddle in my doings, or else you will repent."

Nevertheless, from her looks it appeared that she was grateful for my kindness and services to her. I would do nothing without her approval and obediently did whatever she asked me to. Months passed in this manner, yet I never knew the mystery behind her nor had I the courage to ask her about it.

"I realized that my resources were fast depleting and that it would not be long before I had spent my last penny. The thought distressed me much because I was a complete stranger there and knew no one to seek help from. One day she guessed my distress from my face and said," By the three arched gates near the fort , you will find a big mansion in the adjoining lane. The master of that house is Sidi Bahar.Go and deliver this note to him."

"I followed her instructions and soon found the place. Through the door-keeper I announced my arrival. No sooner had he reported it in the house, than a handsome and pleasing young negro, wearing an attractive turban, came out to see me. He said nothing but politely took the note from me and went in. Within a few moments he came back, followed by slaves carried on their heads eleven trays covered with silk cloth. He ordered them, "Go with this young man and deliver these trays in and placed them before the lady. She looked at them and said," Keep these elevent bags of gold sovereigns with you to meet the day expenses." I took those bags but the mystery deepened for me and I became more disturbed . "it is really strange," I said to myself," that a person unknown to me should give so much money at the sight of a short note, without asking me any questions. I cannot ask the lady for she has already forbidden me to enquire about anything." So I grew more anxious and lost my peace mind.

Eight day later, she said to me," God has bestowed on man the robe of humanity which does not diminish his stature and humanity, which does not get torn or soiled. Worn out clothes seldom command respect in society. Take some money and go to the market and buy two elegant suits and some jewellery for yourself from Yusuf’s shop."

I mounted my horse and went to the shop described. I saw there a young man in saffron-colored clothes. He looked really handsome. Many a passer-by would stop to have look at him. I greeted him and mentioned the articles I required. he knew from my accent that I was a foreigner and said," You can get all you need here but tell me please where you hail from and the purpose of your visit to this country." I did not think it proper to relate him to him my story. So I avoided it somehow and collected the dress and jewellery and paid its price. As I rose to take my leave, he was displeased and said, "If you wished to keep the mystery about yourself , why did you display such warmth at first?" He sounded upset and I thought it uncultured to take my leave abruptly. I sat down . He was much pleased at this and said, "Many thanks , Sir , for this kindness! Would you also favour me with your company tonight? I am inviting some of my friends and hope we shall have a good time." As I always had the lady on my mind and never left her alone nor had done anything without her consent I made many excuses. But he would not let me leave until he had extracted a promise from me to attend the party.

So I went back to her and placed the articles before her. She asked their price and inquired about the jeweler. I told her his invitation and of my acceptance of it provided she approved. She said,"Our Prophet said we should accept such offers of hospitality. Since you have given your word, you should keep it. Leave me under the protection of Allah and keep your promise." I said,"As a matter of fact , I do not wish to go and leave you alone , but now I must carry out what you say. I shall go but my heart will be here with you."

I went back to the merchant and found him waiting for me."Welcome , sir,"said he, "you have kept me waiting for long." He took my hand and led me into a garden. It was really delightful there with fountains playing basins, canals rippling and the trees laden with various kinds of ripe fruits. Birds of many species were twittering in the trees. There was a grand pavilion in the centre of the garden and each apartment was elegantly furnished. We sat down in a beautiful saloon by a canal. After a while he left and presently returned in another rich dress. On seeing him I said,"What a beauty! May God save you from evil eye!" he said,"Better if you change." To please him I did. He had managed well for my entertainment and provided for everything required for the occasion. He kept me warm company and his conversation was quite charming. Meanwhile, a cup –bearer appeared with a crystal cup and a expensive punch. Many delicacies were also served. While we were so absorbed, my host , the young merchant , with tears rolling down his cheeks ,said, "Now we are good friends ; and as no religion approves of keeping a secret from a friend, I frankly confide a secret in you.

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