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After some demur, the demons agreed to this proposal, and they trooped out of the synagogue in the same peculiar manner in which they came. Each was compelled to leave by the same door or window at which he entered. Bar Shalmon was carried off to the palace of King Ashmedai, preceded and followed by a noisy crowd of demons and fairies.
"I know not," replied the rabbi. "Few mortals come here, and mostly, I fear they are put to death. The demons love them not." "Woe, woe is me," cried Bar Shalmon, "I am undone." "Weep not," said the rabbi. "I, as a Jew, love not death by violence and torture, and will endeavor to save thee." "I thank thee," cried Bar Shalmon. "Let thy thanks wait," said the rabbi, kindly.
Bar Shalmon, amused at the fears of the men, again struck the vessel with the twig. Once more it trembled. A third time he raised the twig. "If the ship is bewitched," he said, "something will happen after the third blow." "Swish" sounded the branch through the air, and the third blow fell on the vessel's bow. Something did happen.
Bar Shalmon went out into the garden, but he did not see toads and lizards. What he beheld was a vast array of demons and goblins and sprites, and in a rose-bush the princess, his wife, shining like a star, surrounded by her attendant fairies. She stretched forth her arms to him. "Husband mine," she pleaded, "I have come to implore thee to return to the land of Ergetz with me.
"'Tis plain," said the mayor, delivering judgment, "that her royal highness, the princess of the Fairyland of Ergetz, has spoken that which is true. But Bar Shalmon has in this city wife and child to whom he is bound by ties that may not be broken. Bar Shalmon must divorce the princess and return unto her the dowry received by him on their marriage."
If thou canst make him acquainted with thy store of learning, thy life shall be spared. The petition for a trial is granted." The king waved his scepter and two slaves seized Bar Shalmon by the arms. He felt himself lifted from the balcony and carried swiftly through the air. Across the vast square the slaves flew with him, and when over the largest of the fountains they loosened their hold.
In another year it will be too late, for by the laws of the country it will be forfeit." "I cannot return with thee," said Bar Shalmon. "I have a vow before heaven never to voyage on the sea." The captain laughed. "In very truth, I understand thee not, as my father understood not thine," he replied.
"But I have a wife and child in my native land," said Bar Shalmon, sorely troubled. "Thou hast now forfeited thy hopes of return," said the princess, slowly. "Once more hast thou broken a promise. It seems to come easy to thee now." Bar Shalmon had no wish to die, and he waited, in fear and trembling for the king's return.
The little son of Bar Shalmon went out into the garden, but quickly rushed back into the house. "Father, come forth and see," he cried. "The garden is full of strange creatures brought by the storm. All manner of creeping, crawling things have invaded the garden lizards, toads, and myriads of insects. The trees, the shrubs, the paths are covered, and some shine in the twilight like tiny lanterns."
"I have loved thee, and have been faithful unto thee, Bar Shalmon. I accept the decree of your laws and shall return to the land of Ergetz a widow. I ask not for your pity. I ask but for that which is my right, one last kiss." "Very well," said Bar Shalmon, still more gruffly, "anything to have done with thee." The princess stepped proudly forward to him and kissed him on the lips.
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