THE STORY OF AN ARABIAN HORSE
There lived once in Arabia a horse so noted for its great beauty that its fame spread throughout the country.
When the ruler of the country heard of this wonderful creature, he was filled with a desire to possess him; so he sent for Hamidu, the owner of the horse.
“I am told that you have the most beautiful horse in all Arabia,” he said to Hamidu. “It is only fitting that he should belong to the ruler of this country, which is the home of the most perfect horses in all the world.”
Poor Hamidu cast himself at the ruler’s feet and spoke in trembling tones.
“Great ruler,” he implored, “spare my horse to me. I love him better than my life. I raised him from a baby. Never a day has passed since he was born that I have not caressed him. He follows me about as would a dog. At night I sleep beside him. He would grieve so that he would die if we were separated; and so would Hamidu.”
This speech angered the ruler greatly, and calling some of his soldiers, he ordered them to go with Hamidu to his home and return with the horse to the palace.
It was a two days’ journey to Hamidu’s home. When the horse saw his master coming, he broke his halter and ran to meet him with every sign of deep affection.
The ruler’s soldiers admired the horse greatly, and bade Hamidu mount him and ride back to the palace with them.
When they stopped for the night they bound Hamidu, hands and feet, and laid him down on a hillock.