The Nāṣirī Generations 274.2

274.2

One day, both the brothers — Uktae and Chaghatae — were proceeding along a track into the open country. Uktae was in advance, and Chaghatae behind him, at the distance of a quarter of a farsang [league]. Suddenly, Uktae reached the head of a reservoir of water, and perceived therein a Musalman who was washing his head and body. When the eyes of Uktae fell upon that Musalman, he turned his face towards his personal attendants, and said: “Alas! this unfortunate Musalman will be forthwith put to death by the hand of my brother Chaghatae: what is advisable?” After that he inquired: “Hath any person among you an ingot of gold or of silver ready at hand?” One of his attendants bowed and said: “I have an ingot of silver with me.” Uktae said: “Give it to that Musalman, and tell him to throw it into the reservoir; and that, when my brother Chaghatae reaches this spot and sees him, and questions him, he must say: ‘An ingot of silver of mine hath fallen into the water, and I have entered the reservoir in order to search for it,’ so that he may escape being put to death.” Uktae’s attendants gave the ingot of silver to that Musalman, and he threw it into the water; and Uktae urged his horse onwards.