witnesses with me to the place, and I brought out the jar. When he saw it, he verified what the broker had said and demanded that I fill it. He beat me with a painful beating, but I did not confess anything to him. At that, he imprisoned me and bound me. I remained through my day without food.

When evening came, the maidservant came to me with something to eat, gave it to me, and said: 'A man I do not know came to me, gave me this food, and said: "Go with this to your master, and if he asks who gave it, tell him a brother among your brothers."' I received what sustained me and remained in that state for a year, receiving what I lived on.

Five days ago, the maidservant came to me, her face and color changed, and she was emaciated¹. She said: 'O my master, I have felt death, and I did not believe I would reach you and see you. I am returning, and I do not think you will see me after this.' She gave me the food, then departed, and I did not see her after that day. I sent the jailer to the house to find news of her. He was absent from me for an hour and returned, saying to me: 'May Allah increase your reward regarding your maidservant, for she died yesterday and was buried. I entered the house you have and found nothing in it.'

Then the jailer went to the Governor of the city and informed him of that. He ordered my release, so he let me go. I came to the house and searched for the jewel, and I found it in the place where I had left it. I took it. Today, necessity drove me to sell it. I came out to the Pilgrimage with the intent to sell it secretly for whatever price and become wealthy through what I receive for it.

While I was among the tents of the Syrians, I met a youth with a handsome face and tattered rags. He greeted me, and I returned his greeting. I walked and he walked with me until he and I reached the Syrian pilgrims. He did not part from me, nor I from him, and I did not