And the sultan looked at the four sons that were left him , and promised rich gifts to whichever of them would bring him the dates from the tree . But year by year passed , and he never got them . One son tried to keep himself awake with playing cards ; another mounted a horse and rode round and round the tree , while the two others , whom their father as a last hope sent together , lit bonfires . But whatever they did , the result was always the same . Towards dawn they fell asleep , and the bird ate the dates on the tree . The sixth year had come , and the dates on the tree were thicker than ever . And the head-man went to the palace and told the sultan what he had seen . But the sultan only shook his head , and said sadly , ` What is that to me ? I have had seven sons , yet for five years a bird has devoured my dates ; and this year it will be the same as ever . ' Now the youngest son was sitting in the kitchen , as was his custom , when he heard his father say those words . And he rose up , and went to his father , and knelt before him . ` Father , this year you shall eat dates , ' cried he . ` And on the tree are five great bunches , and each bunch I will give to a separate nation , for the nations in the town are five . This time , I will watch the date tree myself . ' But his father and his mother laughed heartily , and thought his words idle talk . One day , news was brought to the sultan that the dates were ripe , and he ordered one of his men to go and watch the tree . His son , who happened to be standing by , heard the order , and he said : ` How is it that you have bidden a man to watch the tree , when I , your son , am left ? ' And his father answered , ` Ah , six were of no use , and where they failed , will you succeed ? ' But the boy replied : ` Have patience to-day , and let me go , and to-morrow you shall see whether I bring you dates or not . ' ` Let the child go , Master , ' said his wife ; ` perhaps we shall eat the dates -- or perhaps we shall not -- but let him go . '
And the sultan answered : ' I do not refuse XXXXX let him go , but my heart distrusts him .
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