The king, assured that this would end the matter, gave most willing consent. “Let it be so, then!” he replied. “Go and bring it.”
Having obtained royal permission to leave the [[112]]palace, the supposed youth went beyond the sight of any, took the magic hairs from her bosom and rubbed them together. Immediately the horse appeared and was greeted most gladly.
“O, you beautiful creature! In a certain place, protected by the jinns, there is a mirror of which I am in need. You, who are so powerful, bring it to me, I pray!”
“Verily, I would gladly do as you desire, O, my princess! But it is not permitted me to touch the mirror. I will help you to obtain it for yourself. But you have much to do. Let me ask that you mount my back.”
This done, they were off like the wind.
After going for some time, they came to a high mountain. Here the horse stopped quite still, saying: “My princess, I have brought you as far as is permitted me. Dismount and go to the mountain opposite, where you will come upon the haunt of the jinns. Observe them carefully. If their eyes are shut, be assured that they are awake; but, should their eyes be open, you may believe them asleep. Enter softly. You will see the mirror hanging above their heads. Secure it, and return to me with all speed, without once looking behind.”
“Very well,” was the answer, “I will do my best.” [[113]]
Then she climbed to the top of the mountain indicated, and easily found the place where lived the jinns. Approaching noiselessly, she saw the mirror hanging above their heads and noted, carefully, that their eyes were open. Knowing this to be assurance that they were asleep—although it required great faith in the word of the horse—she went in boldly, took the mirror, turned about, and, as soon as she was beyond hearing, ran toward the horse without once looking behind.
She was no sooner out of the place than the jinns wakened, discovered their loss, and looked about until they espied the flying figure of the girl.
“Youth!” they shouted, “bring back our mirror!” And as they said the words, they rolled down stones that were like a broken mountain for size.