




          So the merchant brought the King's horses to Wali Dad. 
          "This grows worse and worse!" declared the old man. "What could I 
     do with twelve horses?" 
          But, after a moment, Wali Dad said, "I know who should have such 
     a gift. I beg you, keep two horses for yourself, and take the rest to 
     the Queen of Khaistan!" 
          The merchant thought this was very funny, but he consented. On 
     his next visit to the Queen's palace, he gave her the horses. 
          Now the Queen was perplexed. She whispered to her Prime Minister, 
     "Why does this Wali Dad persist in sending gifts? I have never even 
     heard of him!" 
          The Prime Minister said, "Why don't you discourage him? Send him 
     a gift so rich, he can never hope to match it." 
          So, for every horse given her by Wali Dad, the Queen sent back 
     two mules loaded with silver. 



