In the country called Tabaristan there lived a rich Rajah, who gave
a feast and invited a number of guests.
Amongst the guests came a stranger who partook of the good things
distributed. The Rajah, on seeing him, enquired who he was.
"I am a stranger," said he, "but am willing to serve you, as I have
come from a very distant country."
The Rajah said he would keep him as a sort of Chowkidar, to guard
his house at night. So all night long the stranger used to pace up
and down the Palace grounds keeping watch.
One night the Rajah came out and, seeing him pacing up and down,
asked him who he was.
"Why, I am he whom you engaged as a servant."
Hardly had he spoken when a loud cry echoed through the grounds,
and a voice said: "I am going on, I am going on!"
"What is that?" asked the Rajah.
"I do not know," said the man, "but I hear it every night."
"Go and find out," returned the Rajah. So the man turned to do his
bidding.
Now the Rajah was very curious, and, quickly wrapping himself in his
coat, quietly followed his servant.
Outside the garden gate sat a figure covered and clothed in loose
white garments.