Then the Zemindar thanked him, made a low salaam, and returned the same way he had come.
First he met the plum tree, and it at once enquired if he had found out why its fruit was bitter, and he told it the reason.
“It is yours to remove that cause, my friend, so dig quickly, and see what there is at my roots.”
The Zemindar did as he was bid, and found a box full of treasure—pearls, and gold, and rubies—so he tied them in his blanket, and went on his way.
At the river his friend the turtle awaited him eagerly; so the Zemindar explained everything, and the turtle said: “I will impart half the knowledge to you as a reward; stoop down and listen.”
The man did as he was bid, and the creature imparted great wisdom to him in whispers.
After this he met the King, who said: “Well, traveller, what news? Have you found your fortune?”
“Yes, O King, and the cause of your trouble is, that, until your daughter is married, your house will continue to fall down.”
“Will you marry her?” said the King.
The Zemindar gladly consented, and the marriage took place with great pomp. After it he returned to his own home, and there his elder brother met him.