Also, if it pleases you, give me a small pearl off one of those strings, that I may go into the city, which is named Tat, and sell it to buy you food and a place to dwell in." "Take a string," said Tua faintly.
"Nay, nay, Daughter, one will be enough, for in this town pearls are rare, and have a great value." So she gave him the gem, or rather let him take it from the silk, which he re-fastened very neatly for one who seemed to be almost blind, and strode off swiftly towards the town.
"Man or spirit, I wonder if we shall see him again ?" said Asti.
Tua made no answer--she was too tired, but resting herself against the bole of a tree, fell into a doze.

When she awoke again it was to see that the sun had sunk, and that before her stood the beggar Kepher, and with him two black men, each of whom led a saddled mule.
"Mount, Friends," he said, "for I have found you a lodging." So they mounted, and were led to the gate of the city which at the word of Kepher was opened for them, and thence down a long street to a house built in a walled garden.

Into this house they entered, the black men leading off the mules, to find that it was a well-furnished place with a table ready set in the ante-room, on which was food in plenty.

They ate of it, all three of them, and when they had finished Kepher bade a woman who was waiting on them, lead them to their chamber, saying that he himself would sleep in the garden.
Thither then they went without more questions, and throwing themselves down upon beds which were prepared for them, were soon fast asleep..