Before the two hours were gone a messenger came, saying that the Al-je-bal bade me do what he had commanded.
"'Return,' I answered; 'the princess adorns herself.

We follow presently alone, as it is commanded.' "Then I threw this cloak about her and bade her be brave, and, if we failed, to choose whether she would take Sinan or death for lord.

Next, I took the ring you had, the Signet of the dead Al-je-bal, who gave it to your kinsman, and held it before the slaves, who bowed and let me pass.

We came to the guards, and to them again I showed the ring.

They bowed also, but when they saw that we turned down the passage to the left and not to the right, as we should have done to come to the doors of the inner palace, they would have stopped us.
"'Acknowledge the Signet,' I answered.