For my own part, I am sanguine in my
hopes, and cannot believe that Prince Agib will seek for me in a place
under ground, in the midst of a desert island."
He had scarcely done speaking when I said to him, with great joy:
"Dear sir, trust in the goodness of God, and fear nothing. I will not
leave you till the forty days have expired, of which the foolish
astrologers have made you apprehensive; and in the meanwhile I will do
you all the service in my power; after which, with leave of your
father and yourself, I shall have the benefit of getting to the
mainland in your vessel; and when I am returned into my kingdom, I
will remember the obligations I owe you, and endeavor to demonstrate
my gratitude by suitable acknowledgments."
This discourse encouraged the jeweler's son, and inspired him with
confidence. I took care not to inform him I was the very Agib whom he
dreaded, lest I should alarm his fears. I found the young man of ready
wit, and partook with him of his provisions, of which he had enough
to have lasted beyond the forty days though he had had more guests
than myself. In short, madam, we spent thirty-nine days in this
subterranean abode in the pleasantest manner possible.
The fortieth day appeared; and in the morning, when the young man
awoke, he said to me, with a transport of joy that he could not
restrain, "Prince, this is the fortieth day, and I am not dead, thanks
to God and your good company.
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