Sheriar ate half at the hut and took the other half with him as he walked in silence toward the town. After walking several miles, Sheriar came to the banks of a broad, swift river which he could not cross since he did not know how to swim. Although he wondered if he had followed the directions properly, he was not alarmed, fully believing that God would send someone to help him across. Sheriar decided to lie down near the banks to wait. He fell asleep, but after a short nap, he was awakened by the sound of tinkling camel bells.
A caravan had arrived and Sheriar asked its leader how he intended to cross the river. The man replied that the river had become shallow enough to allow the camels to cross and that the men would ride on them. When Sheriar implored the man to take him across the river, the person demanded two rupees. Sheriar explained that he was a renunciant and had no money, not even a paisa (a penny), but the man did not believe him and proceeded to take his caravan across the river and gradually disappeared. Although no one else arrived, Sheriar was not worried. Trusting in God, he was convinced that His mercy would find a way to get him across the river.
As night fell an inner peace came over him. The moon shone brightly and Sheriar's tranquility merged with the silvery reflection in the rippling waters. Awestruck by the splendor of nature's beauty so near the desolation of the desert, Sheriar longed in his heart for the sight of God. He had been searching for so long; he wept out of longing and joy.
Seated on the bank of the river, feeling hungry, he took out the remaining loaf of bread. Schools of fish swam before him, and seeing them, Sheriar broke the bread into pieces and tossed them to the fish. His appetite left him in the enjoyment of watching the fish leap out of the water for the crumbs.
Suddenly he heard a harsh voice demanding, "What are you doing here?"
Turning around, he faced a tall, burly man who towered over him. "I am waiting to be taken across the river," he answered. "I cannot swim."
Hearing his reply, the stranger laughed and said, "How do you expect to cross it by sitting here, you fool? You don't have to swim. Come with me and I will show you a way."