that I had eagerly desired to do." At these words Djaida raised her
visor, thus permitting him to see her face. "Khaled," she cried, "is it
necessary for the girl you love to attack wild beasts, in order that the
daughters of Arabia may learn that this is not the exclusive privilege
of a warrior?" At this cutting rebuke Khaled was overcome with shame.
"By the faith of an Arab," he replied, "no one but you can overcome me;
but is there anyone in this country who has challenged you, or are you
come hither merely to prove to me the extent of your valor?" "By the
faith of an Arab," replied Djaida, "I came into this desert solely for
the purpose of helping you to hunt wild beasts, and in order that your
warriors might not reproach you for choosing me as your wife." At these
words Khaled felt thrilled with surprise and admiration, that such
spirit and resolution should have been exhibited in the conduct of
Djaida.

Then both of them dismounted from their horses and entered into a
cavern. There Khaled seized two ferocious wild beasts, and Djaida
attacked and carried off a lion and two lionesses. After these exploits
they exchanged congratulations, and Djaida felt happy to be with Khaled.
"Meanwhile," she said, "I shall not permit you to leave our tents until
after our marriage." She immediately left him in haste and betook
herself to her own dwelling.

Khaled proceeded to rejoin the slaves whom he had left a little way off,
and ordered them to carry to the tents the beasts he had slain.
Trembling with fright at the view of what Khaled had done, they extolled
him with admiration above all other champions of the land.

The feasts meanwhile went on, and all who came were welcomed with
magnificence. The maidens sounded their cymbals; the slaves waved their