"My children, I have nothing whatever to give you. Go out into the world, knock at each door, ask for work, and perhaps you will find the means of making your living."
At these words the youngest of the twelve brothers, Abdallah, began to cry, and said:
"I am crippled, and it is difficult for me to walk. How can I gain my livelihood?"
"Dry your tears," said the father; "your brothers will take you along with them. They have good hearts, and if fortune smiles on them you may be sure that you will not be forgotten."
Early next morning the twelve brothers started out, after having faithfully promised their father that they would never be separated. But the deceitful brothers did not mean what they said. After several days of travel the eldest said to the others:
"Our little brother Abdallah is a continual burden. He delays our journey day by day, and if he continues to do so we will never get out of this miserable country. Let us forsake him on the way and perhaps some charitable person will find and take pity on him."
This advice was followed by the brothers. The little cripple was deserted by the way-side, and the other brothers continued on their way, begging from every one they met. In this way they went on until they came to a settlement of poor fishermen, where it was difficult to find a lodging-place. Fortunately for them the night was beautiful, the moon shone brilliantly in the sky, and a soft breeze tempered the heat that had filled the atmosphere during the day.
Overcome with fatigue the eleven brothers stretched themselves out at the foot of a tree, and they were soon sound asleep. After a while the dawn made its appearance, the brothers awoke, and the eldest said:
"For days and weeks we have been travelling without meeting with the good fortune we had hoped for. Let us leave this country for good and all. Only a strip of water lies between us and a land of plenty."