I went out from before Him, bewildered in my affair, not knowing what to do regarding the need of my Master and attaining it, since

between me and the land of Sindh was a journey of five months and more.

So I walked from the House of my Master, cutting through the walls of Surra Man Ra'a (Samarra), until I came to the bridge of so-and-so son of so-and-so. I found there a Sindhi man; around his waist was a cloak (Burda), and upon his shoulders was another, and upon his head was a wreath (Iklil) detailed with Adharyun.

He said to me: 'O Muhammad ibn Nusayr, why do I see you like this?'

I was amazed at his knowledge of me and his naming me, while I did not know him. I said to him: 'From where do you know me?'

He said to me: 'How could I not know you, when you just entered upon my Master at this hour, and I was leaving His presence?'

I said: 'By Allah, I did not see you.'

He said: 'But I saw you. So why are you pensive?'

I said: 'Indeed, my Master requested a need from me in the land of Sindh, and between me and the land of Sindh is a journey of five months and more.'