The day after her interview with the detective Zulima had a caller in the person of Ashah. The giant came in a coach and told the princess her uncle wanted to see her. As he knew, the beautiful girl regarded Ajeeb’s commands as imperative.
She entered the coach with Ashah and they were driven very far up-town. Ajeeb had taken possession of a somber-looking building that stood alone by itself. During the journey the ill-assorted couple never exchanged a word.
Upon arriving at their destination they found Ajeeb was not at home. He had left a note behind saying he would not return for an hour.
“Ashah,” said the princess, in her most gentle terms, “is the prisoner under this roof?”
“Yes.”
“I should like to see him.”
The giant frowned.
“That would not be pleasing to my master,” he said.
“Did Ajeeb tell you I was not to be allowed to see Stolburst?”
“No.”