Next day Abd-er-Rahman was informed, by a man whom he had set as a watch, that the bowls destined for Habib were about to be carried forth. He went immediately and ordered the covers to be taken off, that he might look at the dishes prepared. Among them was one of which he was very fond, so he said,—
“Leave me this, and pour it out into little vases; I want to eat of it.”
The slaves were about to obey, when Kinaneh came in hastily, and said,—
“Prince, I conjure you not to touch these dishes. I will prepare for you exactly similar.”
“No,” said he, “for what you may now make may not please me so well.”
Kinaneh was obliged to yield, and said,—
“Well, let the slaves carry away the others, and keep that one.”
“No,” said he, “empty it, and when you have filled it again, you may take away the whole together.”
So the bowl was emptied, and a cuirass was found at the bottom.
“Oh!” said the Sultan, “what is this?”