a single young man without weapons, and promise not to hurt you. I await your answer. But if I do not receive some proper recognition within a reasonable time, I shall report your discourtesy to Princess Vanella and her royal father.
This letter was of course handed to the Khan as soon as it was picked up, and I was admitted at once to his presence.
He demanded an explanation of my letter, and I told him just how the matter stood.
"I did n't believe you would allow a paltry bit of glassware and jewelry to stand between a young man and happiness—especially when a lady had asked for it.
"TAKING THE GOBLET FROM THE SIDEBOARD, HE HANDED IT TO ME."
"In my own country we never refuse any reasonable request a lady makes; and, in spite of reports to the contrary, I knew you to be too brave and great a man to depend upon the possession of a few gems for your renown. So, instead of bringing an army,—which, of course, you could easily defeat, thus causing much trouble and distress,—I thought I would see what you wished to do about it.'"
The Khan said not a word during my explanation. Then taking the crystal goblet from the top of his sideboard, he handed it to me, saying:
"Young man, you have my best wishes. You have acted like a gentleman in the whole matter. I believe your name is Kaba ben Ephraf, is n't it?"
