“And did they escape out of the country? And were the five faithful friends rewarded?” asked the Prince eagerly, as the Siddhi-kur ceased speaking.
“Indeed, yes!” said he, and he laughed merrily. “The Prince’s son and his lovely wife, and old foster-father and mother, and the five companions all left [[95]]that country and went to live in a fair land, where they were all happy and prosperous to the end of their days!
“But see now, Prince, you have neglected again the command of Nagarguna, the wise master. You have opened your lips and broken silence on the homeward way, and so I am free again—as free as the wind in my mango tree beside the garden of ghost children!”
And with a shout the Siddhi-kur leaped from his bag and ran off, leaving the Khan’s son looking disconsolately after him.
“The name of the tale which I shall tell you now,” said the Siddhi-kur, “is ‘The Secret of the Khan’s Barber.’ ”
He was again upon the Prince’s back, being borne along toward the dwelling of the great master, Nagarguna. The Prince nodded his head in sign of agreement, but he determined this time that no word [[96]]should pass his lips, no matter how interested he might become in the story. So, settling down comfortably in his sack, the Siddhi-kur began. [[97]]