“It is clear,” said Mahmood, “there is no safety for us here; we have, consequently, only a choice of evils, and it will therefore be the greater prudence to choose the least. The lions are now out of sight, and in spite of their cunning, we may be fortunate enough to baffle it.” “Then we had better descend the mountain,” said the attendant, “in the opposite direction to that taken by our watchful enemies, else we must give up every chance of evading them.” “But there is no practicable path,” said the prince; “and ever if there were, our chances are much the same, whatever road we take, provided what thou sayest of the vigilance of these creatures be true.” The stone was now rolled from the cave’s mouth, and the prince pushed his body through the narrow opening, followed by his armour-bearer and the attendant. No enemies were visible, and their roarings had by this time ceased to echo among the hills. Approaching the tree into which Musaood had climbed upon the first apprehension of danger, Mujahid looked up, and called upon his friend to descend; but perceiving that he was not among the branches, the prince said with a smile. “Musaood has tried the speed of his heels. If the lions should have crossed his path and wreaked their vengeance upon him, they will probably be satisfied; but if he has escaped, there is at least an equal chance for us. Grasp your swords and follow me.” “I have no doubt,” said Mahmood, “he has made good his retreat; I saw him descend the tree while the first lion was engaged in assaulting the rocky fragment which we had laid across the entrance of the cavern. He’s a wary youth that Musaood: I know of no one who likes so little to get into danger, or who knows so well how to extricate himself out of it.” “That is not the lion’s instinct,” said the prince, smiling. “Nay, but it is part of the wise man’s discretion.” “Then, Mahmood, thy master is a fool; for he never was yet remarkable for his prudence in getting out of a scrape.” “But valour,” replied Mahmood, with a respectful salaam, “is not an attribute of wisdom; that, therefore, would be prudent in the brave man, which would be folly in the wise.” “Then we bold fools, Mahmood, may be justified in cutting the throats of lions for the preservation of our own lives; while your sages, in conformity with their characters of wise men, would, as a matter of course, bow their heads under the lion’s paw, and die like philosophers.” Mahmood smiled, made another salaam, and remained silent, as if assenting to the truth of his master’s observation.