And the gaolers happening to overhear him, came
and reported the same to Khalid. And when night
fell, the latter ordered him into his presence, and
when he was brought in, entered into conversation

* " If a man or a woman steal, cut off their hands, in retribu-
tion for that which they have committed ; this is an exemplary
punishment appointed by God ; and God is mighty and wise."—
El Kuran, Sur. v., V. 42.
120 'ILAM-EN-NAS.
with him ; and found him so well-bred, sensible
intelligent, and refined, that he was astonished at
him. Then Khalid ordered some food to be brought,
and when they had eaten and talked together for
some time, said to him, " Of a truth, I felt convinced
that thou hadst some other tale besides that of the
theft. Therefore, to-morrow, when the people and
the judges are present, and I ask of thee concerning
the robbery, if thou dost deny it and throw doubt
upon it, thou wilt save thyself from mutilation. For
verily the Prophet of God has said, ' Doubts invali-
date penal sentences.'" Then he ordered him^back
to the prison.
And when the morning dawned upon the world,
there was left in el-Basrah neither man nor woman
who abstained from coming to witness the punish-
ment of that young man. And Khilid was enthroned,
and with him were the chief people of el-Bdsrah,
besides others. And he sent for the judges, and
desired the young man to be brought, who came
hobbling in his chains ; and there was not a woman
but wept for him, crying aloud and bewailing him.
