all possible means to falsify my horoscope, and to preserve my life. It is not long since he took the precaution to build me this subterranean place to hide in, till the end of the fifty days after the throwing down of the statue; and therefore, since it was ten days ago that this happened, he came hastily hither to hide me to-day, and promised at the end of forty days to come again and fetch me out. For my own part I am in good hope, for I cannot believe that prince Agib will come to look for me in a place underground, in the midst of a desert island.'
While the jeweller's son was telling me this story, I laughed in myself at those astrologers who had foretold that I should take away his life. I thought myself so far from being likely to verify what they said that he had scarcely done speaking when I told him, with great joy, 'Dear sir, put your trust in the goodness of God, and fear nothing. I am glad that after my shipwreck I came so fortunately hither to defend you against all that would attempt your death. I will not leave you till the forty days of which the foolish astrologers have made you apprehensive are ended; and in the meanwhile I will do you all the service that lies in my power.'
This encouraged the jeweller's son, and inspired him with confidence in me. I took care not to tell him I was the very Agib whom he dreaded, lest I should put him into a fright, and took as much care not to give him any cause to suspect it. We passed the time in talking till night came on. I found the young lad of ready wit, and shared in his provisions, of which he had enough to have lasted beyond the forty days, even if he had had more guests than myself. After supper we went to bed.
The next day, when we got up, I held the basin and water for him to wash himself; I also provided dinner, and set it on the table in due time; and after we had done, I invented a game to amuse ourselves, not only for that day but for those that followed. I prepared supper as I had prepared dinner. We had time enough to contract a friendship. I found the boy loved me; and for my part, I had so great a respect for him that I often said to myself, 'Those astrologers who predicted to his father that his son should die by my hand were impostors; for it is not possible that I could
