This is the talisman, the
fatal cause of my losing my dear husband Prince Camaralzaman; but
as it was that which caused our separation, so I foresee it will be
the means of our meeting again soon.'
The next day, as soon as it was light, she sent for the captain of
the ship; and when he came she spoke to him thus: 'I want to know
something more of the merchant to whom the olives belong, that I
bought of you yesterday. I think you told me you had left him
behind you in the city of the idolaters: can you tell me what he is
doing there?'
'Yes, sire,' replied the captain, 'I can speak on my own knowledge.
I arranged for his passage with a very old gardener, who told me I
should find him in his garden, where he worked under him. He showed
me the place, and for that reason I told your majesty he was poor.
I went there to call him. I told him what haste I was in, spoke to
him myself in the garden, and cannot be mistaken in the man.'
'If what you say is true,' replied the Princess Badoura, 'you must
set sail this very day for the city of idolaters, and fetch me that
gardener's man, who is my debtor; else I will not only confiscate
all your goods and those of your merchants, but your and their
lives shall answer for his.
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