Tell me!" she implored.
'"Well," he replied, as if in torment, "I will risk my life and trust thee.

Know thou art in the presence of the greatest miracle.

I, though not a woman, am far gone with child--a thing which never happened on the earth till now--and in this hour it is decreed that I produce my first-born." 'Then, with a terrific cry, he thrust his hand beneath his petticoat, and showed his wife a little bird which he had kept there hidden.

He let it fly away out through the window.

Having watched it disappear, he said devoutly: '"Praise be to Allah! That is over! Thou hast seen my child.