The next day Zeyn said to Mobarec, "I have taken rest enough. I
came not to Cairo to take my pleasure; my design is to obtain the
ninth statue; it is time for us to set out in search of it."
"Sir," said Mobarec, "I am ready to comply with your desires; but
you know not what dangers you must encounter to make this
precious acquisition." "Whatsoever the danger may be," answered
the prince, "I have resolved to make the attempt; I will either
perish or succeed. All that happens in this world is by God's
direction. Do you but bear me company, and let your resolution
be equal to mine."

Mobarec, finding him determined to set out, called his servants,
and ordered them to make ready his equipage. The prince and he
then performed the ablution, and the prayer enjoined, which is
called Farz; and that done, they set out. On their way they took
notice of abundance of strange and wonderful things, and
travelled many days, at length, being come to a delightful spot,
they alighted from their horses. Mobarec then said to all the
servants that attended them, "Do you remain in this place, and
take care of our equipage till we return." Then he said to Zeyn,
"Now, sir, let us advance by ourselves. We are near the dreadful
place, where the ninth statue is kept. You will stand in need of
all your courage."

They soon came to a vast lake: Mobarec set down on the brink of
it, saying to the prince, "We must cross this sea." "How can
we," answered Zeyn, "when we have no boat?" "You will see one
appear in a moment," replied Mobarec; "the enchanted boat of the
sultan of the genii will come for us. But do not forget what I
am going to say to you: you must observe a profound silence: do