Adventure In The Desert
In days gone by people crossed the desert always in large groups. It was because there were gangs of bandits on the prowl for helpless travellers. Shem, a poor villager, once decided to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. He found two other villagers to accompany him. But only three persons could hardly stand against any attack. That is why they followed a caravan of merchants which was on its way to Mecca. The leader of the caravan took a liking for the witty and good-natured Shem. Shem's travel was smooth. But one day Shem and his two companions were still asleep when the caravan resumed its journey early in the morning. The people of the caravan had just forgotten them. On waking up, the travellers walked as fast as they could to catch up with the caravan. But they had not gone far when a young bandit, riding a horse, confronted them with his long sword. Now, this young bandit was a terror in the desert. He was as swift as a breeze and as cruel as a monster. He was extremely proud of the speed with which he could strike his victims dead. He made a lightning movement of his sword and all the three travellers fell. He laughed and got off his horse, and throwing his sword on the ground, began to reach the dead travellers for money.
Shem's companions had indeed been killed, but not Shem. He had sprawled on the ground before the bandit's sword had reached him, after cutting down the other two. The bandit did not know that he was alive. Shem suddenly picked up the bandit's sword and drove it through him, killing him instantly. Then he rode the horse but did not know where to go. The horse rambled about for a while and then galloped on. Shem did not stop it. By evening it reached an oasis. Under a few palm trees and beside a narrow stream there were some houses. The people of the oasis came out at the sight of the horse. They looked in surprise at Shem. Shem realised that they were the kinsmen of the young bandit whom he killed. He knew he was in great danger. However, he managed to remain calm. The chief of the tribe came forward and demanded to know what happened to the owner of the horse. "O, good man! the rider of this horse, a brave lad, charged at a party of pilgrims. He killed some but was captured. He would have been killed, but he offered me to pay money in exchange for his life. The price fixed for his life is one lakh dinars. He said that if someone would report his misfortune to his kinsmen, the price would be paid. He further said that the horse would lead the messenger to his village. But who would dare to visit a bandit's den? The young man was about to put to death. But I took pity on him and came here," said Shem.