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He was delighted to be among human beings again, to hear his own language and to see solid buildings that did not appear and disappear just when they pleased, and as the days passed he began to think his adventures in fairyland were but a dream. Meanwhile, the princess waited patiently until the year was ended. Then she sent the big, black demon to bring Bar Shalmon back.
"My good ship is filled with a vast store of jewels, precious stones and other treasures. And know you, O most favored son of Mar Shalmon, this cargo is but a small portion of the wealth that is thine in a land across the sea." "'Tis strange," said Bar Shalmon, in surprise; "my father said nought of this to me.
"What a wretched plight for the richest man in the world," he said to himself, and the next moment he realized that he was in danger indeed. A terrible roar made him look around. To his horror he saw a lion making toward him. As quick as a flash Bar Shalmon ran to the tree and hastily scrambled into the branches.
He clapped his hand and immediately a table with food appeared before Bar Shalmon. The latter was far too hungry to ask any questions just then, and the rabbi was silent, too, while he ate. When he had finished, the rabbi clapped his hands and the table vanished. "Now tell me your story," said the rabbi. Bar Shalmon did so. "Alas! I am an unhappy man," he concluded.
All the fairies and demons invited them in turn; they had to attend banquets and parties and dances in grottoes and caves and in the depths of the fairy fountains in the square. Never before in Ergetz had there been such elaborate rejoicings. Some years rolled by and still Bar Shalmon thought of his native land. One day the princess found him weeping quietly.
"My father was wont to say that Mar Shalmon was strange and peradventure not possessed of all his senses to neglect his store of wealth and treasure." With an angry gesture Bar Shalmon stopped the captain, but he was sorely troubled.
Permit me to visit my home for a brief while, and I will return and prove myself more devoted to thee than ever." On these conditions, the princess agreed that he should take leave for a whole year. A big, black demon flew swiftly with him to his native city. No sooner had Bar Shalmon placed his feet on the ground than he determined not to return to the land of Ergetz.
"A mortal, a Jew, has fallen into my hands," he said, "and thy subjects crave for his blood. He is a perjurer, they say. Gracious majesty, I would petition for a trial." "What manner of mortal is he?" asked Ashmedai. Bar Shalmon stepped forward. "Jump up here so I may see thee," commanded the king. "Jump, jump," cried the crowd.
Bar Shalmon noticed that he was now wearing a garment just like all the demons. When he spread his arms, he found he could fly, and he sailed swiftly through the air to the palace. With these wings, he thought, he would be able to fly home. "Think not that," said the rabbi, who seemed to be able to read his thoughts, "for thy wings are useless beyond this land."
Sadly have I missed thee; long have I waited for thy coming, and difficult has it been to appease my father's anger. Come, husband mine, return with me; a great welcome awaits thee." "I will not return," said Bar Shalmon. "Kill him, kill him," shrieked the demons, and they surrounded him, gesticulating fiercely. "Nay, harm him not," commanded the princess.
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