18. Story of Ben Sabar, a very charitable man who went to a distant place to marry a young couple. On his return he crossed safely over the back of a dragon stretched across the lake; the dragon used to kill everyone. He was met by an ugly man who was the Angel of Death, ready to take his soul. He prayed to be allowed to go home and put his house in order. On the way he came to the place of the sage Shephiphon ben Laish, who sheltered him. A cloud descended and surrounded the house and the Angel of Death claimed his pledge. Shephiphon refused and claimed a reward for Ben Sabar. God granted it and prolonged his life. (Cf. No. 137.)