may be something good in your words." "Illustrious Arabs," continued
Shidoub, "you know what happened in consequence of the match between
Dahir and Ghabra: I assure you on my life that I will outstrip both of
them in running, even were they swifter than the wind. But listen to the
condition I offer; if I am the winner, I am to take the hundred camels
which are at stake; but if I am beaten, I am to forfeit fifty." Upon
this one of the Sheiks of Fazarah exclaimed, "What is that you are
saying, vile slave? Why should you receive a hundred camels if you win
and only forfeit fifty if you lose?" "Do you ask why, ancient mire of a
dunghill," replied Shidoub, "because I have but two legs to run on and a
horse has four, not counting his tail." All the Arabs burst out
laughing; yet as they were astonished at the conditions proposed by
Shidoub, and extremely curious to see him run the race, they agreed that
he should make the hazardous experiment.

When all had returned to the tents Antar said to Shidoub: "Come, now,
thou son of a cursed mother, how dared thou say that thou couldst
outstrip these two horses, whose race all horsemen of our tribes have
assembled to see, and who all the world admits have no equals in speed,
not even among the birds of the air?" "By him who created the springs in
the rocks and who knows all things," replied Shidoub, "I will outstrip
those two horses, be they fleet as the winds. Yes, and my victory will
have an advantageous result, for when the Arabs hear of it, they will
give up all idea of pursuing me, when I run across the desert." Antar
laughed, for he was in doubt about Shidoub's plan. The latter went to
find King Cais and his brothers, and the other witnesses of the race,
and made oath on his life that he would outstrip the two horses. All
present acknowledged themselves witnesses of the oath, and left the
spot, filled with astonishment at the proposition.