"What possessed one so well-conditioned, and of so pleasing an aspect as thine, to do such a thing?" asked Khâlid.
"The wickedness of the world overcame me," he answered, "and God [may He be praised and exalted] is judge of the same."
"May thy mother be bereft of thee!" cried Khâlid. "Hadst not thou with a good countenance, and a sound mind, and excellent manners, a conscience to preserve thee from theft?"
He replied, "Let that pass, O Prince! and make known the command of the Most High concerning that upon which my hands laid hold, for God is not unjust to His slaves."
Then was Khâlid silent awhile, pondering over the affair of the young man. Presently he caused him to approach, and said to him, "Although thou hast confessed before the face of witnesses, verily I am in doubt, for I do not believe thee to be a thief. If therefore thou hast a story other than that of the robbery, make it known to me."
"O Prince!" said the young man, "do not imagine that there is anything but what I have confessed to thee; neither have I anything further to say than
