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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Oriental Story Book, by Wilhelm Hauff
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Oriental Story Book
+       A Collection of Tales
+
+Author: Wilhelm Hauff
+
+Illustrator: J. W. Orr
+
+Translator: G. P. Quackenbos
+
+Release Date: February 13, 2008 [EBook #24593]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORIENTAL STORY BOOK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+             THE
+           ORIENTAL
+         STORY BOOK.
+
+    A COLLECTION OF TALES.
+
+
+ TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF
+        WILHELM HAUFF,
+
+
+     BY G. P. QUACKENBOS.
+
+
+  ILLUSTRATED BY J. W. ORR.
+
+
+          NEW YORK:
+   D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
+     346 & 348 BROADWAY.
+            1855.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+    OF NEW ORLEANS
+
+    IN REMEMBRANCE OF A LONG FRIENDSHIP,
+
+    AND MANY HAPPY HOURS SPENT WITH HIM OVER THE
+
+    GERMAN CLASSICS,
+
+    THIS LITTLE VOLUME
+
+    IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.
+
+
+
+
+THE CARAVAN.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+In a beautiful distant kingdom, of which there is a saying, that the
+sun on its everlasting green gardens never goes down, ruled, from the
+beginning of time even to the present day, Queen Phantasie. With full
+hands, she used to distribute for many hundred years, the abundance of
+her blessings among her subjects, and was beloved and respected by all
+who knew her. The heart of the Queen, however, was too great to allow
+her to stop at her own land with her charities; she herself, in the
+royal attire of her everlasting youth and beauty, descended upon the
+earth; for she had heard that there men lived, who passed their lives
+in sorrowful seriousness, in the midst of care and toil. Unto these
+she had sent the finest gifts out of her kingdom, and ever since the
+beauteous Queen came through the fields of earth, men were merry at
+their labor, and happy in their seriousness.
+
+Her children, moreover, not less fair and lovely than their royal
+mother, she had sent forth to bring happiness to men. One day
+Maerchen[A], the eldest daughter of the Queen, came back in haste from
+the earth. The mother observed that Maerchen was sorrowful; yes, at
+times it would seem to her as if her eyes would be consumed by
+weeping.
+
+"What is the matter with thee, beloved Maerchen?" said the Queen to
+her. "Ever since thy journey, thou art so sorrowful and dejected; wilt
+thou not confide to thy mother what ails thee?"
+
+"Ah! dear mother," answered Maerchen, "I would have kept silence, had I
+not known that my sorrow is thine also."
+
+"Speak, my daughter!" entreated the fair Queen. "Grief is a stone,
+which presses down him who bears it alone, but two draw it lightly out
+of the way."
+
+"Thou wishest it," rejoined Maerchen, "so listen. Thou knowest how
+gladly I associate with men, how cheerfully I sit down before the huts
+of the poor, to while away a little hour for them after their labor;
+formerly, when I came, they used to ask me kindly for my hand to
+salute, and looked upon me afterwards, when I went away, smiling and
+contented; but in these days, it is so no longer!"
+
+"Poor Maerchen!" said the Queen as she caressed her cheek, which was
+wet with a tear. "But, perhaps, thou only fanciest all this."
+
+"Believe me, I feel it but too well," rejoined Maerchen; "they love me
+no more. Wherever I go, cold looks meet me; nowhere am I any more
+gladly seen; even the children, who ever loved me so well, laugh at
+me, and slyly turn their backs upon me."
+
+The Queen leaned her forehead on her hand, and was silent in
+reflection. "And how, then, Maerchen," she asked, "should it happen
+that the people there below have become so changed?"
+
+"See, O Queen Phantasie! men have stationed vigilant watchmen, who
+inspect and examine all that comes from thy kingdom, with sharp eyes.
+If one should arrive who is not according to their mind, they raise a
+loud cry, and put him to death, or else so slander him to men, who
+believe their every word, that one finds no longer any love, any
+little ray of confidence. Ah! how fortunate are my brothers, the
+Dreams! they leap merrily and lightly down upon the earth, care
+nothing for those artful men, seek the slumbering, and weave and paint
+for them, what makes happy the heart, and brightens the eye with joy."
+
+"Thy brothers are light-footed," said the Queen, "and thou, my
+darling, hast no reason for envying them. Besides, I know these
+border-watchmen well; men are not so wrong in sending them out; there
+came so many boastful fellows, who acted as if they had come straight
+from my kingdom, and yet they had, at best, only looked down upon us
+from some mountain."
+
+"But why did they make me, thine own daughter, suffer for this?" wept
+forth Maerchen. "Ah, if thou knewest how they have acted towards me!
+They called me an old maid, and threatened the next time not to admit
+me!"
+
+"How, my daughter?--not to admit thee more?" asked the Queen, as
+anger heightened the color on her cheeks. "But already I see whence
+this comes; that wicked cousin has slandered us!"
+
+"Fashion? Impossible!" exclaimed Maerchen; "she always used to act so
+friendly towards us."
+
+"Oh, I know her, the false one!" answered the Queen. "But try it again
+in spite of her, my daughter: whoever wishes to do good, must not
+rest."
+
+"Ah, mother! suppose, then, they send me back again, or slander me so
+that men let me stay in a corner, disregarded, or alone and slighted!"
+
+"If the old, deluded by Fashion, value thee at nothing, then turn thee
+to the young; truly they are my little favorites. I send to them my
+loveliest pictures through thy brothers, the Dreams; yes, already I
+have often hovered over them in person, caressed and kissed them, and
+played fine games with them. They, also, know me well, though not by
+name; for I have often observed how in the night they laugh at my
+stars, and in the morning, when my shining fleeces play over the
+heavens, how they clap their hands for joy. Moreover, when they grow
+larger, they love me still; then I help the charming maids to weave
+variegated garlands, and the wild boys to become still, while I seat
+myself near them, on the lofty summit of a cliff, steep lofty cities
+and brilliant palaces in the mist-world of the blue mountains in the
+distance, and, on the red-tinged clouds of evening, paint brave troops
+of horsemen, and strange pilgrim processions."
+
+"Oh, the dear children!" exclaimed Maerchen, deeply affected. "Yes--be
+it so! with them I will make one more trial."
+
+"Yes, my good child," answered the Queen; "go unto them; but I will
+attire thee in fine style, that thou mayest please the little ones,
+and that the old may not drive thee away. See! the dress of an
+Almanach[B] will I give thee."
+
+"An Almanach, mother? Ah!--I will be ashamed to parade, in such a way,
+before the people."
+
+The Queen gave the signal, and the attendants brought in the rich
+dress of an Almanach. It was inwrought with brilliant colors, and
+beautiful figures. The waiting-maids plaited the long hair of the fair
+girl, bound golden sandals on her feet, and arrayed her in the robe.
+
+The modest Maerchen dared not look up; her mother, however, beheld her
+with satisfaction, and clasped her in her arms. "Go forth!" said she
+unto the little one; "my blessing be with thee. If they despise and
+scorn thee, turn quickly unto me; perhaps later generations, more true
+to nature, may again incline to thee their hearts."
+
+Thus spoke Queen Phantasie, while Maerchen went down upon the earth.
+With beating heart she approached the city, in which the cunning
+watchmen dwelt: she dropped her head towards the earth, wrapped her
+fine robe closely around her, and with trembling step drew near unto
+the gate.
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed a deep, rough voice. "Look out, there! Here comes a
+new Almanach!"
+
+Maerchen trembled as she heard this; many old men, with gloomy
+countenances, rushed forth; they had sharp quills in their fists, and
+held them towards Maerchen. One of the multitude strode up to her, and
+seized her with rough hand by the chin. "Just lift up your head, Mr.
+Almanach," he cried, "that one may see in your eyes whether you be
+right or not."
+
+Blushing, Maerchen lifted her little head quite up, and raised her dark
+eye.
+
+"Maerchen!" exclaimed the watchmen, laughing boisterously. "Maerchen!
+That we should have had any doubt as to who was here! How come you,
+now, by this dress?"
+
+"Mother put it on me," answered Maerchen.
+
+"So! she wishes to smuggle you past us! Not this time! Out of the way;
+see that you be gone!" exclaimed the watchmen among themselves,
+lifting up their sharp quills.
+
+"But, indeed, I will go only to the children," entreated Maerchen;
+"this, surely, you will grant to me."
+
+"Stay there not, already, enough of these menials in the land around?"
+exclaimed one of the watchmen. "They only prattle nonsense to our
+children."
+
+"Let us see what she knows this time," said another.
+
+"Well then," cried they, "tell us what you know; but make haste, for
+we have not much time for you."
+
+Maerchen stretched forth her hand, and described with the forefinger,
+various figures in the air. Thereupon they saw confused images move
+slowly across it;--caravans, fine horses, riders gayly attired,
+numerous tents upon the sand of the desert; birds, and ships upon the
+stormy seas; silent forests, and populous places, and highways;
+battles, and peaceful wandering tribes--all hovered, a motley crowd,
+in animated pictures, over before them.
+
+Maerchen, in the eagerness with which she had caused the figures to
+rise forth, had not observed that the watchmen of the gate had one by
+one fallen asleep. Just as she was about to describe new lines, a
+friendly man came up to her, and seized her hand. "Look here, good
+Maerchen," said he, as he pointed to the sleepers; "for these thy
+varied creations are as nothing; slip nimbly through the door; they
+will not suspect that thou art in the land, and thou canst quietly and
+unobserved pursue thy way. I will lead thee unto my children; in my
+house will give thee a peaceful, friendly home; there thou mayest
+remain and live by thyself; whenever my sons and daughters shall have
+learned their lessons well, they shall be permitted to run to thee
+with their plays, and attend to thee. Dost thou agree?"
+
+"Oh! how gladly will I follow thee unto thy dear children! how
+diligently will I endeavor to make, at times, for them, a happy little
+hour!"
+
+The good man nodded to her cordially, and assisted her to step over
+the feet of the sleeping men. Maerchen, when she had got safely across,
+looked around smilingly, and then slipped quickly through the gate.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[A] Maerchen represents the fairy or legendary tales, of which the
+Germans were at one time so fond.
+
+[B] The German "Almanach" corresponds in a measure with the English
+"Annual."
+
+
+
+
+THE CARAVAN.
+
+
+Once upon a time, there marched through the wilderness a large
+Caravan. Upon the vast plain, where one sees nothing but sand and
+heaven, were heard already, in the far distance, the little bells of
+the camels, and the silver-toned ones of the horses; a thick cloud of
+dust, which preceded them, announced their approach, and when a gale
+of wind separated the clouds, glittering weapons and brilliant dresses
+dazzled the eye. Such was the appearance of the Caravan to a man who
+was riding up towards it in an oblique direction. He was mounted on a
+fine Arabian courser, covered with a tiger-skin; silver bells were
+suspended from the deep-red stripe work, and on the head of the horse
+waved a plume of heron feathers. The rider was of majestic mien, and
+his attire corresponded with the splendor of his horse: a white
+turban, richly inwrought with gold, adorned his head, his habit and
+wide pantaloons were of bright red, and a curved sword with a
+magnificent handle hung by his side. He had arranged the turban far
+down upon his forehead; this, together with the dark eyes which
+gleamed forth from under his bushy brows, and the long beard which
+hung down under his arched nose, gave him a wild, daring expression.
+When the horseman had advanced fifty paces farther, the foremost line
+of the Caravan was near, and putting spurs to his steed, in the
+twinkling of an eye he was at the head of the procession. It was so
+unusual a thing to see a solitary rider travelling through the desert,
+that the guard, apprehending an attack, put their lances in rest.
+
+"What mean you?" exclaimed the horseman, as he saw himself received in
+so hostile a manner. "Do you imagine that a single man would attack
+your Caravan?"
+
+Ashamed of their precipitation, the guards lowered their lances, and
+their leader rode forth to the stranger, and asked to know his
+pleasure.
+
+"Who is the lord of this Caravan?" inquired the cavalier.
+
+"It belongs to no single lord," answered the interrogated one; "but
+to several merchants, who march from Mecca to their native country,
+and whom we escort through the desert; for oftentimes scoundrels of
+every kind alarm those who travel here."
+
+"Then lead me to the merchants," responded the stranger.
+
+"That cannot be now," rejoined the other, "for we must proceed without
+delay, and the merchants are at least a quarter of a mile behind; if,
+however, you would like to ride along with me until we halt to take
+our siesta, I will execute your desire."
+
+The stranger said nothing further; he drew forth a long pipe which he
+had attached to his saddle, and began to smoke with slow puffs, as he
+rode along by the leader of the van. The latter knew not what to make
+of the stranger, and ventured not to ask his name in so many words;
+but when he artfully endeavored to weave up a conversation, the
+cavalier, to his remarks, "You smoke there a good tobacco," or, "Your
+horse has a brave gait," constantly replied with only a brief "Yes,
+yes!" At last they arrived at the place where they were to halt for
+the siesta: the chief sent his people forward to keep a look-out,
+while he remained with the stranger to receive the Caravan. First,
+thirty camels passed by, heavily laden, guided by armed drivers. After
+these, on fine horses, came the five merchants to whom the Caravan
+belonged. They were, for the most part, men of advanced age, of grave
+and serious aspect; one, however, seemed much younger, as well as more
+gay and lively than the rest. A large number of camels and pack-horses
+closed the procession.
+
+Tents were pitched, and the camels and horses fastened around. In the
+midst was a large pavilion of blue silk, to which the chief of the
+escort conducted the stranger. When they reached the entrance, they
+saw the five merchants seated on gold-embroidered cushions; black
+slaves were carrying around to them food and drink. "Whom bringest
+thou hither to us?" exclaimed the young merchant unto the leader:
+before, however, the latter could reply, the stranger spoke.
+
+"I am called Selim Baruch, and am from Bagdad; I was taken captive by
+a robber-horde on a ride to Mecca, but three days ago managed to free
+myself from confinement. The mighty Prophet permitted me to hear, in
+the far distance, the little bells of your Caravan, and so I came to
+you. Allow me to ride in your company; you will grant your protection
+to no unworthy person; and when we reach Bagdad, I will reward your
+kindness richly, for I am the nephew of the Grand Vizier."
+
+The oldest of the merchants took up the discourse: "Selim Baruch,"
+said he, "welcome to our protection! It affords us joy to be of
+assistance to thee. But first of all, sit down, and eat and drink with
+us."
+
+Selim Baruch seated himself among the merchants, and ate and drank
+with them. After the meal, the slaves removed the table, and brought
+long pipes and Turkish sherbet. The merchants sat for some time in
+silence, while they puffed out before them the bluish, smoke-clouds,
+watching how they formed circle after circle, and at last were
+dissipated in the ambient air. The young merchant finally broke the
+silence. "Here sit we for three days," said he, "on horseback, and at
+table, without doing any thing to while away the time. I feel this
+tediousness much, for I am accustomed after dinner to see dancers, or
+to hear singing and music. Know you nothing, my friends, that will
+pass away the time for us?"
+
+The four elder merchants smoked away, and seemed to be seriously
+reflecting, but the stranger spoke: "If it be allowed me, I will make
+a proposition to you. I think one of us, at this resting-place, could
+relate something for the amusement of the rest: this, certainly, would
+serve to pass the time."
+
+"Selim Baruch, thou hast well spoken," said Achmet, the oldest of the
+merchants; "let us accept the proposal."
+
+"I am rejoiced that it pleases you," answered Selim; "and, in order
+that you may see that I desire nothing unreasonable, I will myself
+begin." The five merchants, overjoyed, drew nearer together, and
+placed the stranger in their midst. The slaves replenished their cups,
+filled the pipes of their masters afresh, and brought glowing coals
+for a light. Selim cleared his voice with a hearty draught of sherbet,
+smoothed back the long beard from his mouth, and said, "Listen then to
+THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Once upon a time, on a fine afternoon, the Caliph Chasid was seated on
+his sofa in Bagdad: he had slept a little, (for it was a hot day,) and
+now, after his nap, looked quite happy. He smoked a long pipe of
+rosewood, sipped, now and then, a little coffee which a slave poured
+out for him, and stroked his beard, well-satisfied, for the flavor
+pleased him. In a word, it was evident that the Caliph was in a good
+humor. At this season one could easily speak with him, for he was
+always very mild and affable; on which account did his Grand-Vizier,
+Mansor, seek him at this hour, every day.
+
+On the afternoon in question he also came, but looked very serious,
+quite contrary to his usual custom. The Caliph removed the pipe, a
+moment, from his mouth, and said, "Wherefore, Grand-Vizier, wearest
+thou so thoughtful a visage?"
+
+The Grand-Vizier folded his arms crosswise over his breast, made
+reverence to his lord, and answered: "Sir, whether I wear a thoughtful
+look, I know not, but there, below the palace, stands a trader who has
+such fine goods, that it vexes me not to have abundant money."
+
+The Caliph, who had often before this gladly indulged his Vizier, sent
+down his black slave to bring up the merchant, and in a moment they
+entered together. He was a short, fat man, of swarthy countenance and
+tattered dress. He carried a chest in which were all kinds of
+wares--pearls and rings, richly-wrought pistols, goblets, and combs.
+The Caliph and his Vizier examined them all, and the former at length
+purchased fine pistols for himself and Mansor, and a comb for the
+Vizier's wife. When the pedler was about to close his chest, the
+Caliph espied a little drawer, and inquired whether there were wares
+in that also. The trader drew forth the drawer, and pointed out
+therein a box of black powder, and a paper with strange characters,
+which neither the Caliph nor Mansor could read.
+
+"I obtained these two articles, some time ago, from a merchant, who
+found them in the street at Mecca," said the trader. "I know not what
+they contain. They are at your service for a moderate price; I can do
+nothing with them." The Caliph, who gladly kept old manuscripts in his
+library, though he could not read them, purchased writing and box, and
+discharged the merchant. The Caliph, however, thought he would like to
+know what the writing contained, and asked the Vizier if he knew any
+one who could decipher it.
+
+"Most worthy lord and master," answered he, "near the great Mosque
+lives a man called 'Selim the Learned,' who understands all languages:
+let him come, perhaps he is acquainted with these mysterious
+characters."
+
+The learned Selim was soon brought in. "Selim," said the Caliph to
+him, "Selim, they say thou art very wise; look a moment at this
+manuscript, and see if thou canst read it. If thou canst, thou shalt
+receive from me a new festival-garment; if not, thou shalt have twelve
+blows on the cheek, and five and twenty on the soles of the feet,
+since, in that case, thou art unjustly called Selim the Learned."
+
+Selim bowed himself and said, "Sire, thy will be done!" For a long
+time he pored over the manuscript, but suddenly exclaimed, "This is
+Latin, sire, or I will suffer myself to be hung."
+
+"If it is Latin, tell us what is therein," commanded the Caliph. Selim
+began to translate:--
+
+"Man, whosoever thou mayest be that findest this, praise Allah for his
+goodness! Whoever snuffs of the dust of this powder, and at the same
+time says, MUTABOR, can change himself into any animal, and shall also
+understand its language. If he wishes to return to the form of a man,
+then let him bow three times to the East, and repeat the same word.
+But take thou care, if thou be transformed, that thou laugh not;
+otherwise shall the magic word fade altogether from thy remembrance,
+and thou shalt remain a beast!"
+
+When Selim the Learned had thus read, the Caliph was overjoyed. He
+made the translator swear to tell no one of their secret, presented
+him a beautiful garment, and discharged him. To his Grand-Vizier,
+however, he said: "That I call a good purchase, Mansor! How can I
+contain myself until I become an animal! Early in the morning, do thou
+come to me. Then will we go together into the country, take a little
+snuff out of my box, and hear what is said in the air and in the
+water, in the forest and in the field."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Scarcely, on the next morning, had the Caliph Chasid breakfasted and
+dressed himself, when the Grand-Vizier appeared, to accompany him, as
+he had commanded, on his walk. The Caliph placed the box with the
+magic powder in his girdle, and having commanded his train to remain
+behind, set out, all alone with Mansor, upon their expedition. They
+went at first through the extensive gardens of the Caliph, but looked
+around in vain for some living thing, in order to make their strange
+experiment. The Vizier finally proposed to go farther on, to a pond,
+where he had often before seen many storks, which, by their grave
+behavior and clattering, had always excited his attention. The Caliph
+approved of the proposition of his Vizier, and went with him to the
+pond. When they reached it they saw a stork walking gravely to and
+fro, seeking for frogs, and now and then clattering at something
+before her. Presently they saw, too, another stork hovering far up in
+the air.
+
+"I will wager my beard, most worthy sire," exclaimed the Grand-Vizier,
+"that these two long-feet are even now carrying on a fine conversation
+with one another. How would it be, if we should become storks?"
+
+"Well spoken!" answered the Caliph. "But first, we will consider how
+we may become men again.--Right! Three times bow to the East, and
+exclaim 'MUTABOR!' then will I be Caliph once more, and thou Vizier.
+Only, for the sake of Heaven, laugh not, or we are lost!"
+
+While the Caliph was thus speaking, he saw the other stork hovering
+over their heads, and sinking slowly to the ground. He drew the box
+quickly out of his girdle, and took a good pinch; then he presented it
+to the Grand-Vizier, who also snuffed some of the powder, and both
+exclaimed "MUTABOR!" Immediately their legs shrivelled away and became
+slender and red; the handsome yellow slippers of the Caliph and his
+companion became misshapen stork's feet; their arms turned to wings;
+the neck extended up from the shoulders, and was an ell long; their
+beards had vanished, and their whole bodies were covered with soft
+feathers.
+
+"You have a beautiful beak, my lord Grand-Vizier," exclaimed the
+Caliph after long astonishment. "By the beard of the Prophet, in my
+whole life I have not seen any thing like it!"
+
+"Most humble thanks!" responded the Vizier, as he bowed. "But if I
+dared venture it, I might assert that your Highness looks almost as
+handsome when a stork, as when a Caliph. But suppose, if it be
+pleasing to you, that we observe and listen to our comrades, to see,
+if we actually understand Storkish."
+
+Meanwhile the other stork reached the earth. He cleaned his feet with
+his bill, smoothed his feathers, and moved towards the first. Both the
+new birds, thereupon, made haste to draw near, and to their
+astonishment, heard the following conversation.
+
+"Good-morning, Madam Long-legs; already, so early, upon the pond?"
+
+"Fine thanks, beloved Clatter-beak. I have brought me a little
+breakfast. Would you like, perhaps, the quarter of an eider-duck, or a
+little frog's thigh?"
+
+"My best thanks, but this morning I have little appetite. I come to
+the pond for a very different reason. I have to dance to-day before
+the guests of my father, and I wish to practise a little in private."
+
+Immediately, thereupon, the young lady-stork stepped, in great
+excitement, over the plain. The Caliph and Mansor looked on her in
+amazement. When, however, she stood in a picturesque attitude upon one
+foot, and, at the same time, gracefully moved her wings like a fan,
+the two could contain themselves no longer; a loud laugh broke forth
+from their bills. The Caliph was the first to recover himself. "That
+were once a joke," said he, "which gold could not have purchased.
+Pity! that the stupid birds should have been driven away by our
+laughter; otherwise they would certainly even yet have been singing."
+
+But already it occurred to the Grand-Vizier that, during their
+metamorphosis, laughter was prohibited; he shared his anxiety on this
+head with the Caliph. "By Mecca and Medina! that were a sorry jest, if
+I am to remain a stork. Bethink thyself, then, of the foolish word,
+for I can recall it not."
+
+"Three times must we bow ourselves to the East, and at the same time
+say, Mu--mu--mu--"
+
+They turned to the East, and bowed so low that their beaks almost
+touched the earth. But, O misery! that magic word had escaped them;
+and though the Caliph prostrated himself again and again, though at
+the same time the Vizier earnestly cried "Mu--mu--," all recollection
+thereof had vanished, and poor Chasid and his Vizier were to remain
+storks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+The enchanted ones wandered sorrowfully through the fields, not
+knowing, in their calamity, what they should first set about. To the
+city they could not return, for the purpose of discovering themselves,
+for who would have believed a stork that he was the Caliph? or, if he
+should find credit, would the inhabitants of Bagdad have been willing
+to have such a bird for their master? Thus, for several days, did they
+wander around, supporting themselves on the produce of the fields,
+which, however, on account of their long bills, they could not readily
+pick up. For eider-ducks and frogs they had no appetite, for they
+feared with such dainty morsels to ruin their stomachs. In this
+pitiable situation their only consolation was that they could fly, and
+accordingly they often winged their way to the roofs of Bagdad, to see
+what was going on therein.
+
+On the first day they observed great commotion and mourning in the
+streets; but on the fourth after their transformation, they lighted by
+chance upon the royal palace, from which they saw, in the street
+beneath, a splendid procession. Drums and fifes sounded; on a
+richly-caparisoned steed was seated a man, in a scarlet mantle
+embroidered with gold, surrounded by gorgeously-attired attendants.
+Half Bagdad was running after him, crying, "Hail, Mizra! Lord of
+Bagdad!" All this the two storks beheld from the roof of the palace,
+and the Caliph Chasid exclaimed,--
+
+"Perceivest thou now why I am enchanted, Grand-Vizier? This Mizra is
+the son of my deadly enemy, the mighty sorcerer Kaschnur, who, in an
+evil hour, vowed revenge against me. Still I do not abandon all hope.
+Come with me, thou faithful companion of my misery; we will go to the
+grave of the Prophet; perhaps in that holy spot the charm may be
+dissolved." They raised themselves from the roof of the palace, and
+flew in the direction of Medina.
+
+In the use of their wings, however, they experienced some difficulty,
+for the two storks had, as yet, but little practice. "O Sire!"
+groaned out the Vizier, after a couple of hours; "with your
+permission, I can hold out no longer; you fly so rapidly! Besides, it
+is already evening, and we would do well to seek a shelter for the
+night."
+
+Chasid gave ear to the request of his attendant, and thereupon saw, in
+the vale beneath, a ruin which appeared to promise safe lodgings; and
+thither, accordingly, they flew. The place where they had alighted for
+the night, seemed formerly to have been a castle. Gorgeous columns
+projected from under the rubbish, and several chambers, which were
+still in a state of tolerable preservation, testified to the former
+magnificence of the mansion. Chasid and his companion went around
+through the corridor, to seek for themselves a dry resting-place;
+suddenly the stork Mansor paused. "Lord and master," he whispered
+softly, "were it not foolish for a Grand-Vizier, still more for a
+stork, to be alarmed at spectres, my mind is very uncomfortable; for
+here, close at hand, sighs and groans are very plainly perceptible."
+The Caliph now in turn stood still, and quite distinctly heard a low
+moaning, which seemed to belong rather to a human being than a beast.
+Full of expectation, he essayed to proceed to the place whence the
+plaintive sounds issued: but the Vizier, seizing him by the wing with
+his beak, entreated him fervently not to plunge them in new and
+unknown dangers. In vain! the Caliph, to whom a valiant heart beat
+beneath his stork-wing, burst away with the loss of a feather, and
+hastened into a gloomy gallery. In a moment he reached a door, which
+seemed only on the latch, and out of which he heard distinct sighs,
+accompanied by a low moaning. He pushed the door open with his bill,
+but stood, chained by amazement, upon the threshold. In the ruinous
+apartment, which was now but dimly lighted through a grated window, he
+saw a huge screech-owl sitting on the floor. Big tears rolled down
+from her large round eyes, and with ardent voice she sent her cries
+forth from her crooked bill. As soon, however, as she espied the
+Caliph and his Vizier, who meanwhile had crept softly up behind, she
+raised a loud cry of joy. She neatly wiped away the tears with her
+brown-striped wing, and to the great astonishment of both, exclaimed,
+in good human Arabic,--
+
+"Welcome to you, storks! you are to me a good omen of deliverance,
+for it was once prophesied to me that, through storks, a great piece
+of good fortune is to fall to my lot."
+
+When the Caliph recovered from his amazement, he bowed his long neck,
+brought his slender feet into an elegant position, and said:
+"Screech-owl, after your words, I venture to believe that I see in you
+a companion in misfortune. But, alas! this hope that through us thy
+deliverance will take place, is groundless. Thou wilt, thyself,
+realize our helplessness, when thou hearest our history."
+
+The Screech-owl entreated him to impart it to her, and the Caliph,
+raising himself up, related what we already know.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+When the Caliph had told his history to the owl, she thanked him, and
+said: "Listen to my story, also, and hear how I am no less unfortunate
+than thyself. My father is the king of India; I, his only, unfortunate
+daughter, am called Lusa. That same sorcerer Kaschnur, who transformed
+you, has plunged me also in this affliction. He came, one day, to my
+father, and asked me in marriage for his son Mizra. My father,
+however, who is a passionate man, cast him down the steps. The wretch
+managed to creep up to me again under another form, and as I was on
+one occasion taking the fresh air in my garden, clad as a slave, he
+presented me a potion which changed me into this detestable figure. He
+brought me hither, swooning through fear, and exclaimed in my ear with
+awful voice, 'There shalt thou remain, frightful one, despised even by
+beasts, until thy death, or till one, of his own free will, even
+under this execrable form, take thee to wife. Thus revenge I myself
+upon thee, and thy haughty father!'
+
+"Since then, many months have elapsed; alone and mournfully I live,
+like a hermit, in these walls, abhorred by the world, an abomination
+even to brutes. Beautiful nature is shut out from me; for I am blind
+by day, and only when the moon sheds her wan light upon this ruin,
+falls the shrouding veil from mine eye."
+
+The owl ended, and again wiped her eyes with her wing, for the
+narration of her wo had called forth tears. The Caliph was plunged in
+deep meditation by the story of the Princess. "If I am not altogether
+deceived," said he, "you will find that between our misfortunes a
+secret connection exists; but where can I find the key to this
+enigma?"
+
+The owl answered him, "My lord! this also is plain to me; for once, in
+early youth, it was foretold to me by a wise woman, that a stork would
+bring me great happiness, and perhaps I might know how we may save
+ourselves."
+
+The Caliph was much astonished, and inquired in what way she meant.
+
+"The enchanter who has made us both miserable," said she, "comes once
+every month to these ruins. Not far from this chamber is a hall;
+there, with many confederates, he is wont to banquet. Already I have
+often watched them: they relate to one another their shameful
+deeds--perhaps he might then mention the magic word which you have
+forgotten."
+
+"Oh, dearest Princess!" exclaimed the Caliph: "tell us--when will he
+come, and where is the hall?"
+
+The owl was silent a moment, and then said: "Take it not unkindly, but
+only on one condition can I grant your wish."
+
+"Speak out! speak out!" cried Chasid. "Command; whatever it may be, I
+am ready to obey."
+
+"It is this: I would fain at the same time be free; this, however, can
+only take place, if one of you offer me his hand." At this proposition
+the storks seemed somewhat surprised, and the Caliph beckoned to his
+attendant to step aside with him a moment. "Grand-Vizier," said the
+Caliph before the door, "this is a stupid affair, but you can set it
+all right."
+
+"Thus?" rejoined he; "that my wife, when I go home, may scratch my
+eyes out? Besides, I am an old man, while you are still young and
+unmarried, and can better give your hand to a young and beautiful
+princess."
+
+"Ah! that is the point," sighed the Caliph, as he mournfully drooped
+his wings: "who told you she is young and fair? That is equivalent to
+buying a cat in a sack!" They continued to converse together for a
+long time, but finally, when the Caliph saw that Mansor would rather
+remain a stork than marry the owl, he determined sooner, himself, to
+accept the condition. The owl was overjoyed; she avowed to them that
+they could have come at no better time, since, probably, that very
+night, the sorcerers would assemble together.
+
+She left the apartment with the storks, in order to lead them to the
+saloon; they went a long way through a gloomy passage, until at last a
+very bright light streamed upon them through a half-decayed wall. When
+they reached this place, the owl advised them to halt very quietly.
+From the breach, near which they were standing, they could look down
+upon a large saloon, adorned all around with pillars, and splendidly
+decorated, in which many colored lamps restored the light of day. In
+the midst of the saloon stood a round table, laden with various choice
+meats. Around the table extended a sofa, on which eight men were
+seated. In one of these men the storks recognised the very merchant,
+who had sold them the magic powder. His neighbor desired him to tell
+them his latest exploits; whereupon he related, among others, the
+story of the Caliph and his Vizier.
+
+"What did you give them for a word?" inquired of him one of the other
+magicians.
+
+"A right ponderous Latin one--MUTABOR."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+When the storks heard this through their chasm in the wall, they
+became almost beside themselves with joy. They ran so quickly with
+their long feet to the door of the ruin, that the owl could scarcely
+keep up with them. Thereupon spoke the Caliph to her: "Preserver of my
+life and that of my friend, in token of our eternal thanks for what
+thou hast done for us, take me as thy husband." Then he turned to the
+East: three times they bowed their long necks towards the sun, which
+was even now rising above the mountains, and at the same moment
+exclaimed "MUTABOR!" In a twinkling they were restored, and in the
+excessive joy of their newly-bestowed life, alternately laughing and
+weeping, were folded in each other's arms. But who can describe their
+astonishment when they looked around? A beautiful woman, attired as a
+queen, stood before them. Smiling, she gave the Caliph her hand, and
+said, "Know you your screech-owl no longer?" It was she; the Caliph
+was in such transports at her beauty and pleasantness, as to cry out,
+that it was the most fortunate moment in his life, when he became a
+stork.
+
+The three now proceeded together to Bagdad. The Caliph found in his
+dress, not only the box of magic powder, but also his money-bag. By
+means thereof, he purchased at the nearest village what was necessary
+for their journey, and accordingly they soon appeared before the gates
+of the city. Here, however, the arrival of the Caliph excited great
+astonishment. They had given out that he was dead, and the people were
+therefore highly rejoiced to have again their beloved lord.
+
+So much the more, however, burned their hatred against the impostor
+Mizra. They proceeded to the palace, and caught the old magician and
+his son. The old man the Caliph sent to the same chamber in the ruin,
+which the princess, as a screech-owl, had inhabited, and there had
+him hung; unto the son, however, who understood nothing of his
+father's arts, he gave his choice,--to die, or snuff some of the
+powder. Having chosen the latter, the Grand-Vizier presented him the
+box. A hearty pinch, and the magic word of the Caliph converted him
+into a stork. Chasid had him locked up in an iron cage, and hung in
+his garden.
+
+Long and happily lived Caliph Chasid with his spouse, the Princess;
+his pleasantest hours were always those, when in the afternoon the
+Vizier sought him; and whenever the Caliph was in a very good humor,
+he would let himself down so far, as to show Mansor how he looked,
+when a stork. He would gravely march along, with rigid feet, up and
+down the chamber, make a clattering noise, wave his arms like wings,
+and show how, in vain, he had prostrated himself to the East, and
+cried out, MU--MU. To the Princess and her children, this imitation
+always afforded great amusement: when, however, the Caliph clattered,
+and bowed, and cried out, too long, then the Vizier would threaten him
+that he would disclose to his spouse what had been proposed outside
+the door of the Princess Screech-owl!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Selim Baruch had finished his story, the merchants declared
+themselves delighted therewith. "Verily, the afternoon has passed away
+from us without our having observed it!" exclaimed one of them,
+throwing back the covering of the tent: "the evening wind blows cool,
+we can still make a good distance on our journey." To this his
+companions agreed; the tents were struck, and the Caravan proceeded on
+its way in the same order in which it had come up.
+
+They rode almost all the night long, for it was refreshing and
+starry, whereas the day was sultry. At last they arrived at a
+convenient stopping-place; here they pitched their tents, and composed
+themselves to rest. To the stranger the merchants attended, as a most
+valued guest. One gave him cushions, a second covering, a third
+slaves; in a word, he was as well provided for as if he had been at
+home. The hottest hours of the day had already arrived, when they
+awoke again, and they unanimously determined to wait for evening in
+this place. After they had eaten together, they moved more closely to
+each other, and the young merchant, turning to the oldest, addressed
+him: "Selim Baruch yesterday made a pleasant afternoon for us; suppose
+Achmet, that you also tell us something, be it either from your long
+life, which has known so many adventures, or even a pretty Maerchen."
+
+Upon these words Achmet was silent some time, as if he were in doubt
+whether to tell this or that; at last he began to speak: "Dear
+friends, on this our journey you have proved yourselves faithful
+companions, and Selim also deserves my confidence; I will therefore
+impart to you something of my life, of which, under other
+circumstances, I would speak reluctantly, and, indeed, not to any one:
+THE HISTORY OF THE SPECTRE SHIP."
+
+
+
+
+THE HISTORY OF THE SPECTRE SHIP.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+My father had a little shop in Balsora; he was neither rich, nor poor,
+but one of those who do not like to risk any thing, through fear of
+losing the little that they have. He brought me up plainly, but
+virtuously, and soon I advanced so far, that I was able to make
+valuable suggestions to him in his business. When I reached my
+eighteenth year, in the midst of his first speculation of any
+importance, he died; probably through anxiety at having intrusted a
+thousand gold pieces to the sea. I was obliged, soon after, to deem
+him happy in his fortunate death, for in a few weeks the intelligence
+reached us, that the vessel, to which my father had committed his
+goods, had been wrecked. This misfortune, however, could not depress
+my youthful spirits. I converted all that my father had left into
+money, and set out to try my fortune in foreign lands, accompanied
+only by an old servant of the family, who, on account of ancient
+attachment, would not part from me and my destiny.
+
+In the harbor of Balsora we embarked, with a favorable wind. The ship,
+in which I had taken passage, was bound to India. We had now for
+fifteen days sailed in the usual track, when the Captain predicted to
+us a storm. He wore a thoughtful look, for it seemed he knew that, in
+this place, there was not sufficient depth of water to encounter a
+storm with safety. He ordered them to take in all sail, and we moved
+along quite slowly. The night set in clear and cold, and the Captain
+began to think that he had been mistaken in his forebodings. All at
+once there floated close by ours, a ship which none of us had
+observed before. A wild shout and cry ascended from the deck, at
+which, occurring at this anxious season, before a storm, I wondered
+not a little. But the Captain by my side was deadly pale: "My ship is
+lost," cried he; "there sails Death!" Before I could demand an
+explanation of these singular words, the sailors rushed in, weeping
+and wailing. "Have you seen it?" they exclaimed: "all is now over with
+us!"
+
+But the Captain had words of consolation read to them out of the
+Koran, and seated himself at the helm. But in vain! The tempest began
+visibly to rise with a roaring noise, and, before an hour passed by,
+the ship struck and remained aground. The boats were lowered, and
+scarcely had the last sailors saved themselves, when the vessel went
+down before our eyes, and I was launched, a beggar, upon the sea. But
+our misfortune had still no end. Frightfully roared the tempest, the
+boat could no longer be governed. I fastened myself firmly to my old
+servant, and we mutually promised not to be separated from each other.
+At last the day broke, but, with the first glance of the morning-red,
+the wind struck and upset the boat in which we were seated. After that
+I saw my shipmates no more. The shock deprived me of consciousness,
+and when I returned to my senses, I found myself in the arms of my old
+faithful attendant, who had saved himself on the boat which had been
+upturned, and had come in search of me. The storm had abated; of our
+vessel there was nothing any more to be seen, but we plainly descried,
+at no great distance from us, another ship, towards which the waves
+were driving us. As we approached, I recognised the vessel as the same
+which had passed by us in the night, and which had thrown the Captain
+into such consternation. I felt a strange horror of this ship; the
+intimation of the Captain, which had been so fearfully corroborated,
+the desolate appearance of the ship, on which, although as we drew
+near we uttered loud cries, no one was visible, alarmed me.
+Nevertheless this was our only expedient; accordingly, we praised the
+Prophet, who had so miraculously preserved us.
+
+From the fore-part of the ship hung down a long cable; for the purpose
+of laying hold of this, we paddled with our hands and feet. At last
+we were successful. Loudly I raised my voice, but all remained quiet
+as ever, on board the vessel. Then we climbed up by the rope, I, as
+the youngest, taking the lead. But horror! what a spectacle was there
+presented to my eye, as I stepped upon the deck! The floor was red
+with blood; upon it lay twenty or thirty corpses in Turkish costume;
+by the middle-mast stood a man richly attired, with sabre in hand--but
+his face was wan and distorted; through his forehead passed a large
+spike which fastened him to the mast--he was dead! Terror chained my
+feet; I dared hardly to breathe. At last my companion stood by my
+side; he, too, was overpowered at sight of the deck which exhibited no
+living thing, but only so many frightful corpses. After having, in the
+anguish of our souls, supplicated the Prophet, we ventured to move
+forward. At every step we looked around to see if something new,
+something still more horrible, would not present itself. But all
+remained as it was--far and wide, no living thing but ourselves, and
+the ocean-world. Not once did we dare to speak aloud, through fear
+that the dead Captain there nailed to the mast would bend his rigid
+eyes upon us, or lest one of the corpses should turn his head. At last
+we arrived at a staircase, which led into the hold. There
+involuntarily we came to a halt, and looked at each other, for neither
+of us exactly ventured to express his thoughts.
+
+"Master," said my faithful servant, "something awful has happened
+here. Nevertheless, even if the ship down there below is full of
+murderers, still would I rather submit myself to their mercy or
+cruelty, than spend a longer time among these dead bodies." I agreed
+with him, and so we took heart, and descended, full of apprehension.
+But the stillness of death prevailed here also, and there was no sound
+save that of our steps upon the stairs. We stood before the door of
+the cabin; I applied my ear, and listened--there was nothing to be
+heard. I opened it. The room presented a confused appearance; clothes,
+weapons, and other articles, lay disordered together. The crew, or at
+least the Captain, must shortly before have been carousing, for the
+remains of a banquet lay scattered around. We went on from room to
+room, from chamber to chamber finding, in all, royal stores of silk,
+pearls, and other costly articles. I was beside myself with joy at the
+sight, for as there was no one on the ship, I thought I could
+appropriate all to myself; but Ibrahim thereupon called to my notice
+that we were still far from land, at which we could not arrive, alone
+and without human help.
+
+We refreshed ourselves with the meats and drink, which we found in
+rich profusion, and at last ascended upon deck. But here again we
+shivered at the awful sight of the bodies. We determined to free
+ourselves therefrom, by throwing them overboard; but how were we
+startled to find, that no one could move them from their places! So
+firmly were they fastened to the floor, that to remove them one would
+have had to take up the planks of the deck, for which tools were
+wanting to us. The Captain, moreover, could not be loosened from the
+mast, nor could we even wrest the sabre from his rigid hand. We passed
+the day in sorrowful reflection on our condition; and, when night
+began to draw near, I gave permission to the old Ibrahim to lie down
+to sleep, while I would watch upon the deck, to look out for means of
+deliverance. When, however, the moon shone forth, and by the stars I
+calculated that it was about the eleventh hour, sleep so irresistibly
+overpowered me that I fell back, involuntarily, behind a cask which
+stood upon the deck. It was rather lethargy than sleep, for I plainly
+heard the sea beat against the side of the vessel, and the sails creak
+and whistle in the wind. All at once I thought I heard voices, and the
+steps of men upon the deck. I wished to arise and see what it was, but
+a strange power fettered my limbs, and I could not once open my eyes.
+But still more distinct became the voices; it appeared to me as if a
+merry crew were moving around upon the deck. In the midst of this I
+thought I distinguished the powerful voice of a commander, followed by
+the noise of ropes and sails. Gradually my senses left me; I fell into
+a deep slumber, in which I still seemed to hear the din of weapons,
+and awoke only when the sun was high in the heavens, and sent down his
+burning rays upon my face. Full of wonder, I gazed about me; storm,
+ship, the bodies, and all that I had heard in the night, recurred to
+me as a dream; but when I looked around, I found all as it had been
+the day before. Immoveable lay the bodies, immoveably was the Captain
+fastened to the mast; I laughed at my dream, and proceeded in search
+of my old companion.
+
+The latter was seated in sorrowful meditation in the cabin. "O
+master," he exclaimed as I entered, "rather would I lie in the deepest
+bottom of the sea, than pass another night in this enchanted ship." I
+asked him the reason of his grief, and thus he answered me:--
+
+"When I had slept an hour, I awoke, and heard the noise of walking to
+and fro over my head. I thought at first that it was you, but there
+were at least twenty running around; I also heard conversation and
+cries. At length came heavy steps upon the stairs. After this I was no
+longer conscious; but at times my recollection returned for a moment,
+and then I saw the same man who is nailed to the mast, sit down at
+that table, singing and drinking; and he who lies not far from him on
+the floor, in a scarlet cloak, sat near him, and helped him to drink."
+Thus spoke my old servant to me.
+
+You may believe me, my friends, that all was not right to my mind;
+for there was no delusion--I too had plainly heard the dead. To sail
+in such company was to me horrible; my Ibrahim, however, was again
+absorbed in deep reflection. "I have it now!" he exclaimed at length;
+there occurred to him, namely, a little verse, which his grandfather,
+a man of experience and travel, had taught him, and which could give
+assistance against every ghost and spectre. He also maintained that we
+could, the next night, prevent the unnatural sleep which had come upon
+us, by repeating right fervently sentences out of the Koran.
+
+The proposition of the old man pleased me well. In anxious expectation
+we saw the night set in. Near the cabin was a little room, to which we
+determined to retire. We bored several holes in the door, large enough
+to give us a view of the whole cabin; then we shut it as firmly as we
+could from within, and Ibrahim wrote the name of the Prophet in all
+four corners of the room. Thus we awaited the terrors of the night.
+
+It might again have been about the eleventh hour, when a strong
+inclination for sleep began to overpower me. My companion, thereupon,
+advised me to repeat some sentences from the Koran, which assisted me
+to retain my consciousness. All at once it seemed to become lively
+overhead; the ropes creaked, there were steps upon the deck, and
+several voices were plainly distinguishable. We remained, a few
+moments, in intense anxiety; then we heard something descending the
+cabin stairs. When the old man became aware of this, he began to
+repeat the words which his grandfather had taught him to use against
+spirits and witchcraft:
+
+    "Come you, from the air descending,
+      Rise you from the deep sea-cave,
+    Spring you forth where flames are blending,
+      Glide you in the dismal grave:
+    Allah reigns, let all adore him!
+    Own him, spirits--bow before him!"
+
+I must confess I did not put much faith in this verse, and my hair
+stood on end when the door flew open. The same large, stately man
+entered, whom I had seen nailed to the mast. The spike still passed
+through the middle of his brain, but he had sheathed his sword. Behind
+him entered another, attired with less magnificence, whom also I had
+seen lying on the deck. The Captain, for he was unquestionably of this
+rank, had a pale countenance, a large black beard, and wildly-rolling
+eyes, with which he surveyed the whole apartment. I could see him
+distinctly, for he moved over opposite to us; but he appeared not to
+observe the door which concealed us. The two seated themselves at the
+table, which stood in the centre of the cabin, and spoke loud and
+fast, shouting together in an unknown tongue. They continually became
+more noisy and earnest, until at length, with doubled fist, the
+Captain brought the table a blow which shook the whole apartment. With
+wild laughter the other sprang up, and beckoned to the Captain to
+follow him. The latter rose, drew his sabre, and then both left the
+apartment. We breathed more freely when they were away; but our
+anxiety had still for a long time no end. Louder and louder became the
+noise upon deck; we heard hasty running to and fro, shouting,
+laughing, and howling. At length there came an actually hellish sound,
+so that we thought the deck and all the sails would fall down upon us,
+the clash of arms, and shrieks--of a sudden all was deep silence.
+When, after many hours, we ventured to go forth, we found every thing
+as before; not one lay differently--all were as stiff as wooden
+figures.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Thus passed we several days on the vessel; it moved continually
+towards the East, in which direction, according to my calculation, lay
+the land; but if by day it made many miles, by night it appeared to go
+back again, for we always found ourselves in the same spot when the
+sun went down. We could explain this in no other way, than that the
+dead men every night sailed back again with a full breeze. In order to
+prevent this, we took in all the sail before it became night, and
+employed the same means as at the door in the cabin; we wrote on
+parchment the name of the Prophet, and also, in addition, the little
+stanza of the grandfather, and bound them upon the furled sail.
+Anxiously we awaited the result in our chamber. The ghosts appeared
+this time not to rage so wickedly; and, mark, the next morning the
+sails were still rolled up as we had left them. During the day we
+extended only as much as was necessary to bear the ship gently along,
+and so in five days we made considerable headway.
+
+At last, on the morning of the sixth day, we espied land at a short
+distance, and thanked Allah and his Prophet for our wonderful
+deliverance. This day and the following night we sailed along the
+coast, and on the seventh morning thought we discovered a city at no
+great distance: with a good deal of trouble we cast an anchor into the
+sea, which soon reached the bottom; then launching a boat which stood
+upon the deck, we rowed with all our might towards the city. After
+half an hour we ran into a river that emptied into the sea, and
+stepped ashore. At the gate we inquired what the place was called, and
+learned that it was an Indian city, not far from the region to which
+at first I had intended to sail. We repaired to a Caravansery, and
+refreshed ourselves after our adventurous sail. I there inquired for a
+wise and intelligent man, at the same time giving the landlord to
+understand that I would like to have one tolerably conversant with
+magic. He conducted me to an unsightly house in a remote street,
+knocked thereat, and one let me in with the injunction that I should
+ask only for Muley.
+
+In the house, came to me a little old man with grizzled beard and a
+long nose, to demand my business. I told him I was in search of the
+wise Muley; he answered me that he was the man. I then asked his
+advice as to what I should do to the dead bodies, and how I must
+handle them in order to remove them from the ship.
+
+He answered me that the people of the ship were probably enchanted on
+account of a crime somewhere upon the sea: he thought the spell would
+be dissolved by bringing them to land, but this could be done only by
+taking up the planks on which they lay. In the sight of God and
+justice, he said that the ship, together with all the goods, belonged
+to me, since I had, as it were, found it; and, if I would keep it very
+secret, and make him a small present out of my abundance, he would
+assist me with his slaves to remove the bodies. I promised to reward
+him richly, and we set out on our expedition with five slaves, who
+were supplied with saws and hatchets. On the way, the magician Muley
+could not sufficiently praise our happy expedient of binding the
+sails around with the sentences from the Koran. He said this was the
+only means, by which we could have saved ourselves.
+
+It was still pretty early in the day when we reached the ship. We
+immediately set to work, and in an hour placed four in the boat. Some
+of the slaves were then obliged to row to land to bury them there.
+They told us, when they returned, that the bodies had spared them the
+trouble of burying, since, the moment they laid them on the earth,
+they had fallen to dust. We diligently set to work to saw off the
+bodies, and before evening all were brought to land. There were, at
+last, no more on board than the one that was nailed to the mast.
+Vainly sought we to draw the nail out of the wood, no strength was
+able to start it even a hair's-breadth. I knew not what next to do,
+for we could not hew down the mast in order to bring him to land; but
+in this dilemma Muley came to my assistance. He quickly ordered a
+slave to row to land and bring a pot of earth. When he had arrived
+with it, the magician pronounced over it some mysterious words, and
+cast it on the dead man's head. Immediately the latter opened his
+eyes, drew a deep breath, and the wound of the nail in his forehead
+began to bleed. We now drew it lightly forth, and the wounded man fell
+into the arms of one of the slaves.
+
+"Who bore me hither?" he exclaimed, after he seemed to have recovered
+himself a little. Muley made signs to me, and I stepped up to him.
+
+"Thank thee, unknown stranger; thou hast freed me from long torment.
+For fifty years has my body been sailing through these waves, and my
+spirit was condemned to return to it every night. But now my head has
+come in contact with the earth, and, my crime expiated, I can go to my
+fathers!"
+
+I entreated him, thereupon, to tell how he had been brought to this
+horrible state, and he began--
+
+"Fifty years ago, I was an influential, distinguished man, and resided
+in Algiers: a passion for gain urged me on to fit out a ship, and turn
+pirate. I had already followed this business some time, when once, at
+Zante, I took on board a Dervise, who wished to travel for nothing. I
+and my companions were impious men, and paid no respect to the
+holiness of the man; I, in particular, made sport of him. When,
+however, on one occasion he upbraided me with holy zeal for my wicked
+course of life, that same evening, after I had been drinking to excess
+with my pilot in the cabin, anger overpowered me. Reflecting on what
+the Dervise had said to me, which I would not have borne from a
+Sultan, I rushed upon deck, and plunged my dagger into his breast.
+Dying, he cursed me and my crew, and doomed us not to die and not to
+live, until we should lay our heads upon the earth.
+
+"The Dervise expired, and we cast him overboard, laughing at his
+menaces; that same night, however, were his words fulfilled. One
+portion of my crew rose against me; with terrible courage the struggle
+continued, until my supporters fell, and I myself was nailed to the
+mast. The mutineers, however, also sank under their wounds, and soon
+my ship was but one vast grave. My eyes also closed, my breath
+stopped--I thought I was dying. But it was only a torpor which held me
+chained: the following night, at the same hour in which we had cast
+the Dervise into the sea, I awoke, together with all my comrades;
+life returned, but we could do and say nothing but what had been done
+and said on that fatal night. Thus we sailed for fifty years, neither
+living nor dying, for how could we reach the land? With mad joy we
+ever dashed along, with full sails, before the storm, for we hoped at
+last to be wrecked upon some cliff, and to compose our weary heads to
+rest upon the bottom of the sea; but in this we never succeeded. Now I
+shall die! Once again, unknown preserver, accept my thanks, and if
+treasures can reward thee, then take my ship in token of my
+gratitude."
+
+With these words the Captain let his head drop, and expired. Like his
+companions, he immediately fell to dust. We collected this in a little
+vessel, and buried it on the shore: and I took workmen from the city
+to put the ship in good condition. After I had exchanged, with great
+advantage, the wares I had on board for others, I hired a crew, richly
+rewarded my friend Muley, and set sail for my fatherland. I took a
+circuitous route, in the course of which I landed at several islands
+and countries, to bring my goods to market. The Prophet blessed my
+undertaking. After several years I ran into Balsora, twice as rich as
+the dying Captain had made me. My fellow-citizens were amazed at my
+wealth and good fortune, and would believe nothing else but that I had
+found the diamond-valley of the far-famed traveller Sinbad. I left
+them to their belief; henceforth must the young folks of Balsora, when
+they have scarcely arrived at their eighteenth year, go forth into the
+world, like me, to seek their fortunes. I, however, live in peace and
+tranquillity, and every five years make a journey to Mecca, to thank
+the Lord for his protection, in that holy place, and to entreat for
+the Captain and his crew, that He will admit them into Paradise.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The march of the Caravan proceeded the next day without hinderance,
+and when they halted, Selim the Stranger began thus to speak to Muley,
+the youngest of the merchants:
+
+"You are, indeed, the youngest of us, nevertheless you are always in
+fine spirits, and, to a certainty, know for us, some right merry
+story. Out with it then, that it may refresh us after the heat of the
+day."
+
+"I might easily tell you something," answered Muley, "which would
+amuse you, nevertheless modesty becomes youth in all things; therefore
+must my older companions have the precedence. Zaleukos is ever so
+grave and reserved; should not he tell us what has made his life so
+serious? Perhaps we could assuage his grief, if such he have; for
+gladly would we serve a brother, even if he belong to another creed."
+
+The person alluded to was a Grecian merchant of middle age, handsome
+and strongly built, but very serious. Although he was an unbeliever,
+(that is, no Mussulman,) still his companions were much attached to
+him, for his whole conduct had inspired them with respect and
+confidence. He had only one hand, and some of his companions
+conjectured that, perhaps, this loss gave so grave a tone to his
+character. Zaleukos thus answered Muley's friendly request:
+
+"I am much honored by your confidence: grief have I none, at least
+none from which, even with your best wishes, you can relieve me.
+Nevertheless, since Muley appears to blame me for my seriousness, I
+will relate to you something which will justify me when I am more
+grave than others. You see that I have lost my left hand; this came
+not to me at my birth, but I lost it in the most unhappy days of my
+life. Whether I bear the fault thereof, whether I am wrong to be more
+serious than my condition in life would seem to make me, you must
+decide, when I have told you the STORY OF THE HEWN-OFF HAND."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE STORY OF THE HEWN OFF HAND.
+
+
+I was born in Constantinople; my father was a Dragoman of the Ottoman
+Porte, and carried on, besides, a tolerably lucrative trade in
+essences and silk goods. He gave me a good education, since he partly
+superintended it himself, and partly had me instructed by one of our
+priests. At first, he intended that I should one day take charge of
+his business: but since I displayed greater capacity than he expected,
+with the advice of his friends, he resolved that I should study
+medicine; for a physician, if he only knows more than a common quack,
+can make his fortune in Constantinople.
+
+Many Frenchmen were in the habit of coming to our house, and one of
+them prevailed upon my father to let me go to the city of Paris, in
+his fatherland, where one could learn the profession gratuitously, and
+with the best advantages: he himself would take me with him, at his
+own expense, when he returned. My father, who in his youth had also
+been a traveller, consented, and the Frenchman told me to hold myself
+in readiness in three months. I was beside myself with delight to see
+foreign lands, and could not wait for the moment in which we should
+embark. At last the stranger had finished his business, and was ready
+to start.
+
+On the evening preceding our voyage, my father conducted me into his
+sleeping apartment; there I saw fine garments and weapons lying on the
+table; but what most attracted my eye was a large pile of gold, for I
+had never before seen so much together. My father embraced me, and
+said,
+
+"See, my son, I have provided thee with garments for thy journey.
+These weapons are thine; they are those which thy grandfather hung
+upon me, when I went forth into foreign lands. I know thou canst wield
+them; but use them not, unless thou art attacked; then, however, lay
+on with right good-will. My wealth is not great; see! I have divided
+it into three parts: one is thine; one shall be for my support, and
+spare money in case of necessity; the third shall be sacred and
+untouched by me, it may serve thee in the hour of need." Thus spoke my
+old father, while tears hung in his eyes, perhaps from a presentiment,
+for I have never seen him since.
+
+Our voyage was favorable; we soon reached the land of the Franks, and
+six days' journey brought us to the large city, Paris. Here my French
+friend hired me a room, and advised me to be prudent in spending my
+money, which amounted to two thousand thalers. In this city I lived
+three years, and learned all that a well-educated physician should
+know. I would be speaking falsely, however, if I said that I was very
+happy, for the customs of the people pleased me not; moreover, I had
+but few good friends among them, but these were young men of
+nobility.
+
+The longing after my native land at length became irresistible; during
+the whole time I had heard nothing from my father, and I therefore
+seized a favorable opportunity to return home. There was going an
+embassy from France to the Supreme Porte: I agreed to join the train
+of the ambassador as surgeon, and soon arrived once more at Stamboul.
+
+My father's dwelling, however, I found closed, and the neighbors,
+astonished at seeing me, said that my father had been dead for two
+months. The priest, who had instructed me in youth, brought me the
+key. Alone and forsaken, I entered the desolate house. I found all as
+my father had left it; but the gold which he promised to leave to me,
+was missing. I inquired of the priest respecting it, and he bowed and
+said:
+
+"Your father died like a holy man, for he left his gold to the
+Church!"
+
+This was incomprehensible to me; nevertheless, what could I do? I had
+no proofs against the priest, and could only congratulate myself that
+he had not also looked upon the house, and wares of my father, in the
+light of a legacy. This was the first misfortune that met me; but after
+this came one upon another. My reputation as a physician would not
+extend itself, because I was ashamed to play the quack; above all, I
+missed the recommendation of my father, who had introduced me to the
+richest and most respectable families; but now they thought no more of
+the poor Zaleukos. Moreover, the wares of my father found no sale, for
+his customers had been scattered at his death, and new ones came only
+after a long time. One day, as I was reflecting sorrowfully upon my
+situation, it occurred to me that in France I had often seen countrymen
+of mine, who travelled through the land, and exposed their goods at the
+market-places of the cities: I recollected that people gladly purchased
+of them, because they came from foreign lands; and that by such a
+trade, one could make a hundred-fold. My resolution was forthwith
+taken; I sold my paternal dwelling, gave a portion of the money
+obtained thereby to a tried friend to preserve for me, and with the
+remainder purchased such articles as were rare in France,--shawls,
+silken goods, ointments, and oils; for these I hired a place upon a
+vessel, and thus began my second voyage to France. It appeared as if
+fortune became favorable to me, the moment I had the Straits of the
+Dardanelles upon my back. Our voyage was short and prosperous. I
+travelled through the cities of France, large and small, and found, in
+all, ready purchasers for my goods. My friend in Stamboul continually
+sent me fresh supplies, and I became richer from day to day. At last
+when I had husbanded so well, that I believed myself able to venture on
+some more extensive undertaking, I went with my wares into Italy. I
+must, however, mention something that brought me in no little money; I
+called my profession also to my assistance. As soon as I arrived in a
+city I announced, by means of bills, that a Grecian physician was
+there, who had already cured many; and, truly, my balsam, and my
+medicines, had brought me in many a zechin.
+
+Thus at last I reached the city of Florence, in Italy. I proposed to
+myself to remain longer than usual in this place, partly because it
+pleased me so well, partly, moreover, that I might recover from the
+fatigues of my journey. I hired myself a shop in the quarter of the
+city called St. Croce, and in a tavern not far therefrom, took a
+couple of fine rooms which led out upon a balcony. Immediately I had
+my bills carried around, which announced me as a physician and
+merchant. I had no sooner opened my shop than buyers streamed in upon
+me, and although I asked a tolerably high price, still I sold more
+than others, because I was attentive and friendly to my customers.
+
+Well satisfied, I had spent four days in Florence, when one evening,
+after I had shut my shop, and according to custom was examining my
+stock of ointment-boxes, I found, in one of the smaller ones, a letter
+which I did not remember to have put in. I opened it and found therein
+an invitation to repair that night, punctually at twelve, to the
+bridge called the Ponte Vecchio. For some time I reflected upon this,
+as to who it could be that had thus invited me; as, however, I knew
+not a soul in Florence, I thought, as had often happened already, that
+one wished to lead me privately to some sick person. Accordingly I
+resolved to go; nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, I put on
+the sabre which my father had given me. As it was fast approaching
+midnight, I set out upon my way, and soon arrived at the Ponte
+Vecchio; I found the bridge forsaken and desolate, and resolved to
+wait until it should appear who had addressed me.
+
+It was a cold night; the moon shone clear as I looked down upon the
+waters of the Arno, which sparkled in her light. On the church of the
+city the twelfth hour was sounding, when I looked up, and before me
+stood a tall man, entirely covered with a red cloak, a corner of which
+he held before his face. At this sudden apparition I was at first
+somewhat startled, but I soon recovered myself and said--
+
+"If you have summoned me hither, tell me, what is your pleasure?"
+
+The Red-mantle turned, and solemnly ejaculated, "Follow!"
+
+My mind was nevertheless somewhat uneasy at the idea of going alone
+with this Unknown; I stood still and said, "Not so, dear sir; you will
+first tell me whither; moreover, you may show me your face a little,
+that I may see whether you have good intentions towards me."
+
+The Stranger, however, appeared not to be concerned thereat. "If thou
+wishest it not, Zaleukos, then remain!" answered he, moving away. At
+this my anger burned.
+
+"Think you," I cried, "that I will suffer a man to play the fool with
+me, and wait here this cold night for nothing?" In three bounds I
+reached him; crying still louder, I seized him by the cloak, laying
+the other hand upon my sabre; but the mantle remained in my hand, and
+the Unknown vanished around the nearest corner. My anger gradually
+cooled; I still had the cloak, and this should furnish the key to this
+strange adventure. I put it on, and moved towards home. Before I had
+taken a hundred steps, somebody passed very near, and whispered in the
+French tongue, "Observe, Count, to-night, we can do nothing." Before I
+could look around, this somebody had passed, and I saw only a shadow
+hovering near the houses. That this exclamation was addressed to the
+mantle, and not to me, I plainly perceived; nevertheless, this threw
+no light upon the matter. Next morning I considered what was best to
+be done. At first I thought of having proclamation made respecting
+the cloak, that I had found it; but in that case the Unknown could
+send for it by a third person, and I would have no explanation of the
+matter. While thus meditating I took a nearer view of the garment. It
+was of heavy Genoese velvet, of dark red color, bordered with fur from
+Astrachan, and richly embroidered with gold. The gorgeousness of the
+cloak suggested to me a plan, which I resolved to put in execution. I
+carried it to my shop and offered it for sale, taking care, however,
+to set so high a price upon it, that I would be certain to find no
+purchaser. My object in this was to fix my eye keenly upon every one
+who should come to inquire after it; for the figure of the Unknown,
+which, after the loss of the mantle, had been exposed to me distinctly
+though transiently, I could recognise out of thousands. Many merchants
+came after the cloak, the extraordinary beauty of which drew all eyes
+upon it; but none bore the slightest resemblance to the Unknown, none
+would give for it the high price of two hundred zechins. It was
+surprising to me, that when I asked one and another whether there was
+a similar mantle in Florence, all answered in the negative, and
+protested that they had never seen such costly and elegant
+workmanship.
+
+It was just becoming evening, when at last there came a young man who
+had often been in there, and had also that very day bid high for the
+mantle; he threw upon the table a bag of zechins, exclaiming--
+
+"By Heaven! Zaleukos, I must have your mantle, should I be made a
+beggar by it." Immediately he began to count out his gold pieces. I
+was in a great dilemma; I had exposed the mantle, in order thereby to
+get a sight of my unknown friend, and now came a young simpleton to
+give the unheard-of price. Nevertheless, what remained for me? I
+complied, for on the other hand the reflection consoled me, that my
+night adventure would be so well rewarded. The young man put on the
+cloak and departed; he turned, however, upon the threshold, while he
+loosened a paper which was attached to the collar, and threw it
+towards me, saying, "Here, Zaleukos, hangs something, that does not
+properly belong to my purchase." Indifferently, I received the note;
+but lo! these were the contents:--
+
+"This night, at the hour thou knowest, bring the mantle to the Ponte
+Vecchio; four hundred zechins await thee!"
+
+I stood as one thunder-struck: thus had I trifled with fortune, and
+entirely missed my aim. Nevertheless, I reflected not long; catching
+up the two hundred zechins, I bounded to the side of the young man and
+said, "Take your zechins again, my good friend, and leave me the
+cloak; I cannot possibly part with it."
+
+At first he treated the thing as a jest, but when he saw it was
+earnest, he fell in a passion at my presumption, and called me a fool;
+and thus at last we came to blows. I was fortunate enough to seize the
+mantle in the scuffle, and was already making off with it, when the
+young man called the police to his assistance, and had both of us
+carried before a court of justice. The magistrate was much astonished
+at the accusation, and adjudged the cloak to my opponent. I however,
+offered the young man twenty, fifty, eighty, at last a hundred,
+zechins, in addition to his two hundred, if he would surrender it to
+me. What my entreaties could not accomplish, my gold did. He took my
+good zechins, while I went off in triumph with the mantle, obliged to
+be satisfied with being taken for a madman by every one in Florence.
+Nevertheless, the opinion of the people was a matter of indifference
+to me, for I knew better than they, that I would still gain by the
+bargain.
+
+With impatience I awaited the night; at the same hour as the preceding
+day, I proceeded to the Ponte Vecchio, the mantle under my arm. With
+the last stroke of the clock, came the figure out of darkness to my
+side: beyond a doubt it was the man of the night before.
+
+"Hast thou the cloak?" I was asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," I replied, "but it cost me a hundred zechins cash."
+
+"I know it," rejoined he; "look, here are four hundred." He moved with
+me to the broad railing of the bridge and counted out the gold pieces;
+brightly they glimmered in the moonshine, their lustre delighted my
+heart--ah! it did not foresee that this was to be its last joy. I put
+the money in my pocket, and then wished to get a good view of the
+generous stranger, but he had a mask before his face, through which
+two dark eyes frightfully beamed upon me.
+
+"I thank you, sir, for your kindness," said I to him; "what further
+desire you of me? I told you before, however, that it must be nothing
+evil."
+
+"Unnecessary trouble," answered he, throwing the cloak over his
+shoulders; "I needed your assistance as a physician, nevertheless not
+for a living, but for a dead person."
+
+"How can that be?" exclaimed I in amazement.
+
+"I came with my sister from a distant land," rejoined he, at the same
+time motioning me to follow him, "and took up my abode with a friend
+of our family. A sudden disease carried off my sister yesterday, and
+our relations wished to bury her this morning. According to an old
+usage of our family, however, all are to repose in the sepulchre of
+our fathers; many who have died in foreign lands, nevertheless sleep
+there embalmed. To my relations now I grant the body, but to my father
+must I bring at least the head of his daughter, that he may see it
+once again."
+
+In this custom of severing the head from near relatives there was to
+me, indeed, something awful; nevertheless, I ventured to say nothing
+against it, through fear of offending the Unknown. I told him,
+therefore, that I was well acquainted with the art of embalming the
+dead, and asked him to lead me to the body. Notwithstanding, I could
+not keep myself from inquiring why all this must be done so secretly
+in the night. He answered me that his relations, who considered his
+purpose inhuman, would prevent him from accomplishing it by day; but
+only let the head once be cut off, and they could say little more
+about it: he could, indeed, have brought the head to me, but a natural
+feeling prevented him from cutting it off himself.
+
+These words brought us to a large splendid house; my companion pointed
+it out to me as the termination of our nocturnal walk. We passed the
+principal door, and entering a small gate, which the stranger
+carefully closed after him, ascended, in the dark, a narrow, winding
+staircase. This brought us to a dimly-lighted corridor, from which we
+entered an apartment; a lamp, suspended from the ceiling, shed its
+brilliant rays around.
+
+In this chamber stood a bed, on which lay the corpse; the Unknown
+turned away his face, as if wishing to conceal his tears. He beckoned
+me to the bed, and bidding me set about my business speedily yet
+carefully, went out by the door.
+
+I seized my knives, which, as a physician, I constantly carried with
+me, and approached the bed. Only the head of the corpse was visible,
+but that was so beautiful that the deepest compassion involuntarily
+came over me. In long braids the dark hair hung down; the face was
+pale, the eyes closed. At first, I made an incision in the skin,
+according to the practice of surgeons when they remove a limb. Then I
+took my sharpest knife and cut entirely through the throat. But,
+horror! the dead opened her eyes--shut them again--and in a deep sigh
+seemed now, for the first time, to breathe forth her life! Straightway
+a stream of hot blood sprang forth from the wound. I was convinced
+that I had killed the poor girl; for that she was dead there could be
+no doubt--from such a wound there was no chance of recovering. I stood
+some moments in anxious wo, thinking on what had happened. Had the
+Red-mantle deceived me, or was his sister, perhaps, only apparently
+dead? The latter appeared to me more probable. Yet I dared not tell
+the brother of the deceased, that, perhaps, a less rash blow would
+have aroused, without having killed her; therefore I began to sever
+the head entirely--but once again the dying one groaned, stretched
+herself out in a convulsion of pain, and breathed her last. Then
+terror overpowered me, and I rushed shivering out of the apartment.
+
+But outside in the corridor it was dark, for the lamp had died out; no
+trace of my companion was perceptible, and I was obliged to move along
+by the wall, at hazard in the dark, in order to reach the
+winding-stairs. I found them at last, and descended, half falling,
+half gliding. There was no one below; the door was only latched, and I
+breathed more freely when I was in the street, out of the uneasy
+atmosphere of the house. Spurred on by fear, I ran to my dwelling, and
+buried myself in the pillow of my bed, in order to forget the horrid
+crime I had committed. But sleep fled my eyelids, and soon morning
+admonished me again to collect myself. It seemed probable to me, that
+the man who had led me to this villainous deed, as it now appeared to
+me, would not denounce me. I immediately resolved to attend to my
+business in my shop, and to put on as careless an air as possible.
+But, alas! a new misfortune, which I now for the first time observed,
+augmented my sorrow. My cap and girdle, as also my knives, were
+missing; and I knew not whether they had been left in the chamber of
+the dead, or lost during my flight. Alas! the former seemed more
+probable, and they could discover in me the murderer.
+
+I opened my shop at the usual time; a neighbor stepped in, as was his
+custom, being a communicative man. "Ah! what say you to the horrid
+deed," he cried, "that was committed last night?" I started as if I
+knew nothing. "How! know you not that with which the whole city is
+filled? Know you not that last night, the fairest flower in Florence,
+Bianca, the daughter of the Governor, was murdered? Ah! only yesterday
+I saw her walking happily through the streets with her bridegroom, for
+to-day she would have had her nuptial festival!"
+
+Every word of my neighbor was a dagger to my heart; and how often
+returned my torments! for each of my customers told me the story, one
+more frightfully than another; yet not one could tell it half so
+horribly as it had seemed to me. About mid-day, an officer of justice
+unexpectedly walked into my shop, and asked me to clear it of the
+bystanders.
+
+"Signor Zaleukos," said he, showing me the articles I had lost,
+"belong these things to you?" I reflected whether I should not
+entirely disown them; but when I saw through the half-opened door, my
+landlord and several acquaintances, who could readily testify against
+me, I determined not to make the matter worse by a falsehood, and
+acknowledged the articles exhibited as my own. The officer told me to
+follow him, and conducted me to a spacious building, which I soon
+recognised as the prison. Then, a little farther on, he showed me into
+an apartment.
+
+My situation was terrible, as I reflected on it in my solitude. The
+thought of having committed a murder, even against my wish, returned
+again and again. Moreover, I could not conceal from myself that the
+glance of the gold had dazzled my senses; otherwise I would not have
+fallen so blindly into the snare.
+
+Two hours after my arrest, I was led from my chamber, and after
+descending several flights of stairs, entered a spacious saloon.
+Around a long table hung with black, were seated twelve men, mostly
+gray with age. Along the side of the room, benches were arranged, on
+which were seated the first people of Florence. In the gallery, which
+was built quite high, stood the spectators, closely crowded together.
+As soon as I reached the black table, a man with a gloomy, sorrowful
+air arose--it was the Governor. He told the audience that, as a
+father, he could not judge impartially in this matter, and that he,
+for this occasion, would surrender his seat to the oldest of the
+senators. The latter was a gray-headed man, of at least ninety years.
+He arose, stooping beneath the weight of age; his temples were covered
+with thin white hair, but his eyes still burned brightly, and his
+voice was strong and steady. He began by asking me whether I confessed
+the murder. I entreated his attention, and with dauntless, distinct
+voice, related what I had done and all that I knew. I observed that
+the Governor during my recital turned first pale, then red, and when I
+concluded, became furious. "How, wretch!" he cried out to me,
+"wishest thou thus to lay upon another, the crime thy avarice has
+committed?"
+
+The Senator rebuked him for his interruption, after having of his own
+free will resigned his right; moreover, that it was not so clear, that
+I had done the deed through avarice, for according to his own
+testimony, nothing had been taken from the corpse. Yes, he went still
+further; he told the Governor that he must give an account of his
+daughter's early life, for in this way only could one conclude whether
+I had told the truth or not. Immediately he closed the court for that
+day, for the purpose, as he said, of consulting the papers of the
+deceased, which the Governor was to give him. I was carried back to my
+prison, where I passed a sorrowful day, constantly occupied with the
+ardent hope, that they would in some way discover the connection
+between the deceased and the Red-mantle.
+
+Full of hope, I proceeded the next day to the justice-hall. Several
+letters lay upon the table; the old Senator asked whether they were of
+my writing. I looked at them, and found that they were by the same
+hand as both the letters that I had received. This I disclosed to the
+Senator; but he seemed to give but little weight to it, answering that
+I must have written both, for the name subscribed was unquestionably a
+Z, the initial of my name. The letters, however, contained menaces
+against the deceased, and warnings against the marriage which she was
+on the point of consummating. The Governor seemed to have imparted
+something strange and untrue, with respect to my person; for I was
+treated this day with more suspicion and severity. For my
+justification, I appealed to the papers, which would be found in my
+room, but I was informed that search had been made and nothing found.
+Thus, at the close of the court, vanished all my hope; and when, on
+the third day, I was led again to the hall, the judgment was read
+aloud, that I was convicted of a premeditated murder, and sentenced to
+death. To such extremity had I come; forsaken by all that was dear to
+me on earth, far from my native land, innocent and in the bloom of my
+years, I was to die by the axe!
+
+On the evening of this terrible day which had decided my fate, I was
+seated in my lonely dungeon, my hopes past, my thoughts seriously
+turned upon death, when the door of my prison opened, and a man
+entered who regarded me long in silence.
+
+"Do I see you again, in this situation, Zaleukos?" he began. By the
+dim light of my lamp I had not recognised him, but the sound of his
+voice awoke within me old recollections. It was Valetty, one of the
+few friends I had made during my studies at Paris. He said that he had
+casually come to Florence, where his father, a distinguished man,
+resided; he had heard of my story, and come to see me once more, to
+inquire with his own lips, how I could have been guilty of such an
+awful crime. I told him the whole history: he seemed lost in wonder,
+and conjured me to tell him, my only friend, all the truth, and not to
+depart with a lie upon my tongue. I swore to him with the most solemn
+oath, that I had spoken the truth; and that no other guilt could be
+attached to me, than that, having been blinded by the glance of the
+gold, I had not seen the improbability of the Stranger's story. "Then
+did you not know Bianca?" asked he. I assured him that I had never
+seen her. Valetty thereupon told me that there was a deep mystery in
+the matter; that the Governor in great haste had urged my
+condemnation, and that a report was current among the people, that I
+had known Bianca for a long time, and had murdered her out of revenge
+for her intended marriage with another. I informed him that all this
+was probably true of the Red-mantle, but that I could not prove his
+participation in the deed. Valetty embraced me, weeping, and promised
+me to do all that he could; to save my life, if nothing more. I had
+not much hope; nevertheless, I knew that my friend was a wise man, and
+well acquainted with the laws, and that he would do all in his power
+to preserve me.
+
+Two long days was I in suspense; at length Valetty appeared. "I bring
+consolation, though even that is attended with sorrow. You shall live
+and be free, but with the loss of a hand!"
+
+Overjoyed, I thanked my friend for my life. He told me that the
+Governor had been inexorable, and would not once look into the matter:
+that at length, however, rather than appear unjust, he had agreed, if
+a similar case could be found in the annals of Florentine history,
+that my penalty should be regulated by the punishment that was then
+inflicted. He and his father had searched, day and night, in the old
+books, and had at length found a case similar in every respect to
+mine; the sentence there ran thus:--
+
+"He shall have his left hand cut off; his goods shall be confiscated,
+and he himself banished forever!"
+
+Such now was my sentence, also, and I was to prepare for the painful
+hour that awaited me. I will not bring before your eyes the frightful
+moment, in which, at the open market-place, I laid my hand upon the
+block; in which my own blood in thick streams flowed over me!
+
+Valetty took me to his house until I had recovered, and then
+generously supplied me with money for my journey, for all that I had
+so laboriously acquired was confiscated to Justice. I went from
+Florence to Sicily, and thence, by the first ship I could find, to
+Constantinople. My hopes, which rested on the sum of money I had left
+with my friend, were not disappointed. I proposed that I should live
+with him--how astonished was I, when he asked why I occupied not my
+own house! He told me that a strange man had, in my name, bought a
+house in the quarter of the Greeks, and told the neighbors that I
+would soon, myself, return. I immediately proceeded to it with my
+friend, and was joyfully received by all my old acquaintances. An aged
+merchant handed me a letter which the man who purchased for me had
+left. I read:--
+
+"Zaleukos! two hands stand ready to work unceasingly, that thou mayest
+not feel the loss of one. That house which thou seest and all therein
+are thine, and every year shalt thou receive so much, that thou shalt
+be among the rich of thy nation. Mayest thou forgive one who is more
+unhappy than thyself!"
+
+I could guess who was the writer, and the merchant told me, in answer
+to my inquiry that it was a man covered with a red cloak, whom he had
+taken for a Frenchman. I knew enough to convince me that the Unknown
+was not entirely devoid of generous feeling. In my new house I found
+all arranged in the best style; a shop, moreover, full of wares, finer
+than any I had ever had. Ten years have elapsed since then; more in
+compliance with ancient custom, than because it is necessary, do I
+continue to travel in foreign lands for purposes of trade, but the
+land which was so fatal to me I have never seen since. Every year I
+receive a thousand pieces of gold; but although it rejoices me to know
+that this Unfortunate is so noble, still can his money never remove wo
+from my soul, for there lives forever the heart-rending image of the
+murdered Bianca!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus ended the story of Zaleukos, the Grecian merchant. With great
+interest had the others listened; the stranger, in particular, seemed
+to be wrapt up in it: more than once he had drawn a deep sigh, and
+Muley looked as if he had had tears in his eyes. No one spoke for some
+time after the recital.
+
+"And hate you not the Unknown, who so basely cost you a noble member
+of your body, and even put your life in danger?" inquired Selim.
+
+"Perhaps there were hours at first," answered the Greek, "in which my
+heart accused him before God, of having brought this misfortune upon
+me, and embittered my life; but I found consolation in the religion of
+my fathers, which commanded me to love my enemies. Moreover, he
+probably is more unhappy than myself."
+
+"You are a noble man!" exclaimed Selim, cordially pressing the hand of
+the Greek.
+
+The leader of the escort, however, here interrupted their
+conversation. He came with a troubled air into the tent, and told them
+that they could not give themselves up to repose, for this was the
+place in which Caravans were usually attacked, and his guards imagined
+they had seen several horsemen in the distance.
+
+The merchants were confounded at this intelligence. Selim, the
+stranger, however, expressed wonder at their alarm, saying they were
+so well escorted they need not fear a troop of Arabian robbers.
+
+"Yes, sir," rejoined to him the leader of the guard; "were he only a
+common outlaw, we could compose ourselves to rest without anxiety; but
+for some time back, the frightful Orbasan has shown himself again, and
+it is well to be upon our guard."
+
+The stranger inquired who this Orbasan was, and Achmet, the old
+merchant, answered him:--
+
+"Various rumors are current among the people with respect to this
+wonderful man. Some hold him to be a supernatural being, because, with
+only five or six men, he has frequently fallen upon a whole
+encampment; others regard him as a bold Frenchman, whom misfortune has
+driven into this region: out of all this, however, thus much alone is
+certain, that he is an abandoned robber and highwayman."
+
+"That can you not prove," answered Lezah, one of the merchants.
+"Robber as he is, he is still a noble man, and such has he shown
+himself to my brother, as I can relate to you. He has formed his
+whole band of well-disciplined men, and as long as he marches through
+the desert, no other band ventures to show itself. Moreover, he robs
+not as others, but only exacts a tribute from the caravans; whoever
+willingly pays this, proceeds without further danger, for Orbasan is
+lord of the wilderness!"
+
+Thus did the travellers converse together in the tent; the guards,
+however, who were stationed around the resting-place, began to become
+uneasy. A tolerably large band of armed horsemen showed themselves at
+the distance of half a league. They appeared to be riding straight to
+the encampment; one of the guard came into the tent, to inform them
+that they would probably be attacked.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The merchants consulted among themselves as to what they should do,
+whether to march against them, or await the attack. Achmet and the two
+elder merchants inclined to the latter course; the fiery Muley,
+however, and Zaleukos desired the former, and summoned the stranger to
+their assistance. He, however, quietly drew forth from his girdle a
+little blue cloth spangled with red stars, bound it upon a lance,
+and commanded one of the slaves to plant it in front of the tent: he
+would venture his life upon it, he said, that the horsemen, when they
+saw this signal, would quietly march back again. Muley trusted not the
+result; still the slave put out the lance in front of the tent.
+Meanwhile all in the camp had seized their weapons, and were looking
+upon the horsemen in eager expectation. The latter, however, appeared
+to have espied the signal; they suddenly swerved from their direct
+course towards the encampment, and, in a large circle, moved off to
+the side.
+
+Struck with wonder, the travellers stood some moments, gazing
+alternately at the horsemen and the stranger. The latter stood in
+front of the tent quite indifferently, as though nothing had happened,
+looking upon the plain before him. At last Muley broke the silence.
+
+"Who art thou, mighty stranger," he exclaimed, "that restrainest with
+a glance the wild hordes of the desert?"
+
+"You rate my art higher than it deserves," answered Selim Baruch. "I
+observed this signal when I fled from captivity; what it means, I know
+not--only this much I know, that whoever travels with this sign, is
+under great protection."
+
+The merchants thanked the stranger, and called him their preserver;
+indeed, the number of the robbers was so great, that the Caravan could
+not, probably, for any length of time, have offered an effectual
+resistance.
+
+With lighter hearts they now gave themselves to sleep; and when the
+sun began to sink, and the evening wind to pass over the sand-plain,
+they struck their tents, and marched on. The next day they halted
+safely, only one day's journey from the entrance of the desert. When
+the travellers had once more collected in the large tent, Lezah, the
+merchant, took up the discourse.
+
+"I told you, yesterday, that the dreaded Orbasan was a noble man;
+permit me to prove it to you, to-day, by the relation of my brother's
+adventure. My father was Cadi of Acara. He had three children; I was
+the eldest, my brother and sister being much younger than myself. When
+I was twenty years old, a brother of my father took me under his
+protection; he made me heir to his property, on condition that I
+should remain with him until his death. He however had reached an old
+age, so that before two years I returned to my native land, having
+known nothing, before, of the misfortune which had meanwhile fallen
+upon my family, and how Allah had turned it to advantage."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FATIMA'S DELIVERANCE.
+
+
+My brother Mustapha and my sister Fatima were almost of the same age;
+the former was at most but two years older. They loved each other
+fervently, and did in concert, all that could lighten, for our
+suffering father, the burden of his old age. On Fatima's seventeenth
+birthday, my brother prepared a festival. He invited all her
+companions, and set before them a choice banquet in the gardens of
+our father, and, towards evening, proposed to them to take a little
+sail upon the sea, in a boat which he had hired, and adorned in grand
+style. Fatima and her companions agreed with joy, for the evening was
+fine, and the city, particularly when viewed by evening from the sea,
+promised a magnificent prospect. The girls, however, were so well
+pleased upon the bark, that they continually entreated my brother to
+go farther out upon the sea. Mustapha, however, yielded reluctantly,
+because a Corsair had been seen, for several days back, in that
+vicinity.
+
+Not far from the city, a promontory projected into the sea; thither
+the maidens were anxious to go, in order to see the sun sink into the
+water. Having rowed thither, they beheld a boat occupied by armed men.
+Anticipating no good, my brother commanded the oarsmen to turn the
+vessel, and make for land. His apprehensions seemed, indeed, to be
+confirmed, for the boat quickly approached that of my brother, and
+getting ahead of it, (for it had more rowers,) ran between it and the
+land. The young girls, moreover, when they knew the danger to which
+they were exposed, sprang up with cries and lamentations: in vain
+Mustapha sought to quiet them, in vain enjoined upon them to be still,
+lest their running to and fro should upset the vessel. It was of no
+avail; and when, in consequence of the proximity of the other boat,
+all ran upon the further side, it was upset.
+
+Meanwhile, they had observed from the land the approach of the strange
+boat, and, inasmuch as, for some time back, they had been in anxiety
+on account of Corsairs, their suspicions were excited, and several
+boats put off from the land to their assistance: but they only came in
+time to pick up the drowning. In the confusion, the hostile boat
+escaped. In both barks, however, which had taken in those who were
+preserved, they were uncertain whether all had been saved. They
+approached each other, and, alas! found that my sister and one of her
+companions were missing; at the same time, in their number a stranger
+was discovered, who was known to none. In answer to Mustapha's
+threats, he confessed that he belonged to the hostile ship, which was
+lying at anchor two miles to the eastward, and that his companions had
+left him behind in their hasty flight, while he was engaged in
+assisting to pick up the maidens; moreover, he said he had seen two
+taken on board their boat.
+
+The grief of my old father was without bounds, but Mustapha also was
+afflicted unto death, for not only had his beloved sister been lost,
+and did he accuse himself of having been the cause of her misfortune,
+but, also, her companion who had shared it with her, had been promised
+to him by her parents as his wife; still had he not dared to avow it
+to our father, because her family was poor, and of low descent. My
+father, however, was a stern man; as soon as his sorrow had subsided a
+little, he called Mustapha before him, and thus spake to him:--
+
+"Thy folly has deprived me of the consolation of my old age, and the
+joy of my eyes. Go! I banish thee forever from my sight! I curse thee
+and thine offspring--and only when thou shalt restore to me my Fatima,
+shall thy head be entirely free from a father's execrations!"
+
+This my poor brother had not expected; already, before this, he had
+determined to go in search of his sister and her friend, after having
+asked the blessing of his father upon his efforts, and now that father
+had sent him forth into the world, laden with his curse. As, however,
+his former grief had bowed him down, so this consummation of
+misfortune, which he had not deserved, tended to steel his mind. He
+went to the imprisoned pirate, and, demanding whither the ship was
+bound, learned that she carried on a trade in slaves, and usually had
+a great sale thereof in Balsora.
+
+On his return to the house, in order to prepare for his journey, the
+anger of his father seemed to have subsided a little, for he sent him
+a purse full of gold, to support him during his travels. Mustapha,
+thereupon, in tears took leave of the parents of Zoraida, (for so his
+affianced was called,) and set out upon the route to Balsora.
+
+Mustapha travelled by land, because from our little city there was no
+ship that went direct to Balsora. He was obliged, therefore, to use
+all expedition, in order not to arrive too long after the sea-robbers.
+Having a good horse and no luggage, he hoped to reach this city by the
+end of the sixth day. On the evening of the fourth, however, as he
+was riding all alone upon his way, three men came suddenly upon him.
+Having observed that they were well-armed and powerful men, and sought
+his money and his horse, rather than his life, he cried out that he
+would yield himself to them. They dismounted, and tied his feet
+together under his horse; then they placed him in their midst, and,
+without a word spoken, trotted quickly away with him; one of them
+having seized his bridle.
+
+Mustapha gave himself up to a feeling of gloomy despair; the curse of
+his father seemed already to be undergoing its accomplishment on the
+unfortunate one, and how could he hope to save his sister and Zoraida,
+should he, robbed of all his means, even be able to devote his poor
+life to their deliverance? Mustapha and his silent companions might
+have ridden about an hour, when they entered a little valley. The vale
+was enclosed by lofty trees; a soft, dark-green turf, and a stream
+which ran swiftly through its midst, invited to repose. In this place
+were pitched from fifteen to twenty tents, to the stakes of which were
+fastened camels and fine horses: from one of these tents distinctly
+sounded the melody of a guitar, blended with two fine manly voices. It
+seemed to my brother as if people who had chosen so blithesome a
+resting-place, could have no evil intentions towards himself; and
+accordingly, without apprehension, he obeyed the summons of his
+conductors, who had unbound his feet, and made signs to him to follow.
+They led him into a tent which was larger than the rest, and on the
+inside was magnificently fitted up. Splendid cushions embroidered with
+gold, woven carpets, gilded censers, would elsewhere have bespoken
+opulence and respectability, but here seemed only the booty of a
+robber band. Upon one of the cushions an old and small-sized man was
+reclining: his countenance was ugly; a dark-brown and shining skin, a
+disgusting expression around his eyes, and a mouth of malicious
+cunning, combined to render his whole appearance odious. Although this
+man sought to put on a commanding air, still Mustapha soon perceived
+that not for him was the tent so richly adorned, and the conversation
+of his conductors seemed to confirm him in his opinion.
+
+"Where is the Mighty?" inquired they of the little man.
+
+"He is out upon a short hunt," was the answer; "but he has
+commissioned me to attend to his affairs."
+
+"That has he not wisely done," rejoined one of the robbers; "for it
+must soon be determined whether this dog is to die or be ransomed, and
+that the Mighty knows better than thou."
+
+Being very sensitive in all that related to his usurped dignity, the
+little man, raising himself, stretched forward in order to reach the
+other's ear with the extremity of his hand, for he seemed desirous of
+revenging himself by a blow; but when he saw that his attempt was
+fruitless, he set about abusing him (and indeed the others did not
+remain much in his debt) to such a degree, that the tent resounded
+with their strife. Thereupon, of a sudden, the tent-door opened, and
+in walked a tall, stately man, young and handsome as a Persian prince.
+His garments and weapons, with the exception of a richly-mounted
+poniard and gleaming sabre, were plain and simple; his serious eye,
+however, and his whole appearance, demanded respect without exciting
+fear.
+
+"Who is it that dares to engage in strife within my tent?" exclaimed
+he, as they started back aghast. For a long time deep stillness
+prevailed, till at last one of those who had captured Mustapha,
+related to him how it had begun. Thereupon the countenance of "the
+Mighty," as they had called him, seemed to grow red with passion.
+
+"When would I have placed thee, Hassan, over my concerns?" he cried,
+in frightful accents, to the little man. The latter, in his fear,
+shrunk until he seemed even smaller than before, and crept towards the
+door of the tent. One step of the Mighty was sufficient to send him
+through the entrance with a long singular bound. As soon as the little
+man had vanished, the three led Mustapha before the master of the
+tent, who had meanwhile reclined upon the cushion.
+
+"Here bring we thee him, whom thou commandedst us to take." He
+regarded the prisoner for some time, and then said, "Bashaw of
+Sulieika, thine own conscience will tell thee why thou standest before
+Orbasan." When my brother heard this, he bowed low and answered:--
+
+"My lord, you appear to labor under a mistake; I am a poor
+unfortunate, not the Bashaw, whom you seek." At this all were amazed;
+the master of the tent, however, said:--
+
+"Dissimulation can help you little, for I will summon the people who
+know you well." He commanded them to bring in Zuleima. An old woman
+was led into the tent, who, on being asked whether in my brother she
+recognised the Bashaw of Sulieika, answered:--
+
+"Yes, verily! And I swear by the grave of the Prophet, it is the
+Bashaw, and no other!"
+
+"Seest thou, wretch, that thy dissimulation has become as water?"
+cried out the Mighty in a furious tone. "Thou art too pitiful for me
+to stain my good dagger with thy blood, but to-morrow, when the sun is
+up, will I bind thee to the tail of my horse, and gallop with thee
+through the woods, until they separate behind the hills of Sulieika!"
+Then sank my poor brother's courage within him.
+
+"It is my cruel father's curse, that urges me to an ignominious
+death," exclaimed he, weeping; "and thou, too, art lost, sweet
+sister, and thou, Zoraida!"
+
+"Thy dissimulation helps thee not," said one of the robbers, as he
+bound his hands behind his back. "Come, out of the tent with thee! for
+the Mighty is biting his lips, and feeling for his dagger. If thou
+wouldst live another night, bestir thyself!"
+
+Just as the robbers were leading my brother from the tent, they met
+three of their companions, who were also pushing a captive before
+them. They entered with him. "Here bring we the Bashaw, as thou hast
+commanded," said they, conducting the prisoner before the cushion of
+the Mighty. While they were so doing, my brother had an opportunity of
+examining him, and was struck with surprise at the remarkable
+resemblance which this man bore to himself; the only difference being,
+that he was of more gloomy aspect, and had a black beard. The Mighty
+seemed much astonished at the resemblance of the two captives.
+
+"Which of you is the right one?" he asked, looking alternately at
+Mustapha and the other.
+
+"If thou meanest the Bashaw of Sulieika," answered the latter in a
+haughty tone, "I am he!"
+
+The Mighty regarded him for a long time with his grave, terrible eye,
+and then silently motioned to them to lead him off. This having been
+done, he approached my brother, severed his bonds with his dagger, and
+invited him by signs to sit upon the cushion beside him. "It grieves
+me, stranger," he said, "that I took you for this villain. It has
+happened, however, by some mysterious interposition of Providence,
+which placed you in the hands of my companions, at the very hour in
+which the destruction of this wretch was ordained."
+
+Mustapha, thereupon, entreated him only for permission to pursue his
+journey immediately, for this delay might cost him much. The Mighty
+asked what business it could be that required such haste, and, when
+Mustapha had told him all, he persuaded him to spend that night in his
+tent, and allow his horse some rest; and promised the next morning to
+show him a route which would bring him to Balsora in a day and a half.
+My brother consented, was sumptuously entertained, and slept soundly
+till morning in the robber's tent.
+
+Upon awaking, he found himself all alone in the tent, but, before the
+entrance, heard several voices in conversation, which seemed to belong
+to the swarthy little man and the bandit-chief. He listened awhile,
+and to his horror heard the little man eagerly urging the other to
+slay the stranger, since, if he were let go, he could betray them all.
+Mustapha immediately perceived that the little man hated him, for
+having been the cause of his rough treatment the day before. The
+Mighty seemed to be reflecting a moment.
+
+"No," said he; "he is my guest, and the laws of hospitality are with
+me sacred: moreover, he does not look like one that would betray us."
+
+Having thus spoken, he threw back the tent-cover, and walked in.
+"Peace be with thee, Mustapha!" he said: "let us taste the
+morning-drink, and then prepare thyself for thy journey." He offered
+my brother a cup of sherbet, and after they had drunk, they saddled
+their horses, and Mustapha mounted, with a lighter heart, indeed, than
+when he entered the vale. They had soon turned their backs upon the
+tents, and took a broad path, which led into the forest. The Mighty
+informed my brother, that this Bashaw whom they had captured in the
+chase, had promised them that they should remain undisturbed within
+his jurisdiction; but some weeks before, he had taken one of their
+bravest men, and had him hung, after the most terrible tortures. He
+had waited for him a long time, and to-day he must die. Mustapha
+ventured not to say a word in opposition, for he was glad to have
+escaped himself with a whole skin.
+
+At the entrance of the forest, the Mighty checked his horse, showed
+Mustapha the way, and gave him his hand with these words: "Mustapha,
+thou becamest in a strange way the guest of the robber Orbasan. I will
+not ask thee not to betray what thou hast seen and heard. Thou hast
+unjustly endured the pains of death, and I owe thee a recompense. Take
+this dagger as a remembrance, and when thou hast need of help, send it
+to me, and I will hasten to thy assistance. This purse thou wilt
+perhaps need upon thy journey."
+
+My brother thanked him for his generosity; he took the dagger, but
+refused the purse. Orbasan, however, pressed once again his hand, let
+the money fall to the ground, and galloped with the speed of the wind
+into the forest. Mustapha, seeing that he could not overtake him,
+dismounted to secure the purse, and was astonished at the great
+magnanimity of his host, for it contained a large sum of gold. He
+thanked Allah for his deliverance, commended the generous robber to
+his mercy, and again started, with fresh courage, upon the route to
+Balsora.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lezah paused, and looked inquiringly at Achmet, the old merchant.
+
+"No! if it be so," said the latter, "then will I gladly correct my
+opinion of Orbasan; for indeed he acted nobly towards thy brother."
+
+"He behaved like a brave Mussulman," exclaimed Muley; "but I hope thou
+hast not here finished thy story, for, as it seems to me, we are all
+eager to hear still further, how it went with thy brother, and whether
+he succeeded in rescuing thy sister and the fair Zoraida."
+
+"I will willingly proceed," rejoined Lezah, "if it be not tiresome to
+you; for my brother's history is, throughout, full of the most
+wonderful adventures."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+About the middle of the seventh day after his departure, Mustapha
+entered the gate of Balsora. As soon as he had arrived at a
+caravansery, he inquired whether the slave-market, which was held here
+every year, had opened; but received the startling answer, that he had
+come two days too late. His informer deplored his tardiness, telling
+him that on the last day of the market, two female slaves had arrived,
+of such great beauty as to attract to themselves the eyes of all the
+merchants.
+
+He inquired more particularly as to their appearance, and there was no
+doubt in his mind, that they were the unfortunate ones of whom he was
+in search. Moreover, he learned that the man who had purchased them
+both, was called Thiuli-Kos, and lived forty leagues from Balsora, an
+illustrious and wealthy, but quite old man, who had been in his early
+years Capudan-Bashaw of the Sultan, but had now settled down into
+private life with the riches he had acquired.
+
+Mustapha was, at first, on the point of remounting his horse with all
+possible speed, in order to overtake Thiuli-Kos, who could scarcely
+have had a day's start; but when he reflected that, as a single man,
+he could not prevail against the powerful traveller, could still less
+rescue from him his prey, he set about reflecting for another plan,
+and soon hit upon one. His resemblance to the Bashaw of Sulieika,
+which had almost been fatal to him, suggested to him the thought of
+going to the house of Thiuli-Kos under this name, and, in that way,
+making an attempt for the deliverance of the two unfortunate maidens.
+Accordingly he hired attendants and horses, in which the money of
+Orbasan opportunely came to his assistance, furnished himself and his
+servants with splendid garments, and set out in the direction of
+Thiuli's castle. After five days he arrived in its vicinity. It was
+situated in a beautiful plain, and was surrounded on all sides by
+lofty walls, which were but slightly overtopped by the structure
+itself. When Mustapha had arrived quite near, he dyed his hair and
+beard black, and stained his face with the juice of a plant, which
+gave it a brownish color, exactly similar to that of the Bashaw. From
+this place he sent forward one of his attendants to the castle, and
+bade him ask a night's lodging, in the name of the Bashaw of
+Sulieika. The servant soon returned in company with four
+finely-attired slaves, who took Mustapha's horse by the bridle, and
+led him into the court-yard. There they assisted him to dismount, and
+four others escorted him up a wide marble staircase, into the presence
+of Thiuli.
+
+The latter personage, an old, robust man, received my brother
+respectfully, and had set before him the best that his castle could
+afford. After the meal, Mustapha gradually turned the conversation
+upon the new slaves; whereupon, Thiuli praised their beauty, but
+expressed regret because they were so sorrowful; nevertheless he
+believed that would go over after a time. My brother was much
+delighted at his reception, and, with hope beating high in his bosom,
+lay down to rest.
+
+He might, perhaps, have been sleeping an hour, when he was awakened by
+the rays of a lamp, which fell dazzlingly upon his eyes. When he had
+raised himself up, he believed himself dreaming, for there before him
+stood the very same little, swarthy fellow of Orbasan's tent, a lamp
+in his hand, his wide mouth distended with a disgusting laugh.
+Mustapha pinched himself in the arm, and pulled his nose, in order to
+see if he were really awake, but the figure remained as before.
+
+"What wishest thou by my bed?" exclaimed Mustapha, recovering from his
+amazement.
+
+"Do not disquiet yourself so much, my friend," answered the little
+man. "I made a good guess as to the motive that brought you hither.
+Although your worthy countenance was still well remembered by me,
+nevertheless, had I not with my own hand assisted to hang the Bashaw,
+you might, perhaps, have deceived even me. Now, however, I am here to
+propose a question."
+
+"First of all, tell me why you came hither," interrupted Mustapha,
+full of resentment at finding himself detected.
+
+"That I will explain to you," rejoined the other: "I could not put up
+with the Mighty any longer, and therefore ran away; but you, Mustapha,
+were properly the cause of our quarrel, and so you must give me your
+sister to wife, and I will help you in your flight; give her not, and
+I will go to my new master, and tell him something of our new Bashaw."
+
+Mustapha was beside himself with fear and anger; at the very moment
+when he thought he had arrived at the happy accomplishment of his
+wishes, must this wretch come, and frustrate them all! It was the only
+way to carry his plan into execution--he must slay the little monster:
+with one bound, he sprang from the bed upon him; but the other, who
+might perhaps have anticipated something of the kind, let the lamp
+fall, which was immediately extinguished, and rushed forth in the
+dark, crying vehemently for help.
+
+Now was the time for decisive action; the maids he was obliged, for
+the moment, to abandon, and attend only to his own safety:
+accordingly, he approached the window, to see if he could not spring
+from it. It was a tolerable distance from the ground, and on the other
+side stood a lofty wall, which he would have to surmount. Reflecting,
+he stood by the window until he heard many voices approaching his
+chamber: already were they at the door, when seizing desperately his
+dagger, and garments, he let himself down from the window. The fall
+was hard, but he felt that no bone was broken; immediately he sprang
+up, and ran to the wall which surrounded the court. This, to the
+astonishment of his pursuers, he mounted, and soon found himself at
+liberty. He ran on until he came to a little forest, where he sank
+down exhausted. Here he reflected on what was to be done; his horses
+and attendants he was obliged to leave behind, but the money, which he
+had placed in his girdle, he had saved.
+
+His inventive genius, however, soon pointed him to another means of
+deliverance. He walked through the wood until he arrived at a village,
+where for a small sum he purchased a horse, with the help of which, in
+a short time, he reached a city. There he inquired for a physician,
+and was directed to an old experienced man. On this one he prevailed,
+by a few gold pieces, to furnish him with a medicine to produce a
+death-like sleep, which, by means of another, might be instantaneously
+removed. Having obtained this, he purchased a long false beard, a
+black gown, and various boxes and retorts, so that he could readily
+pass for a travelling physician; these articles he placed upon an ass,
+and rode back to the castle of Thiuli-Kos. He was certain, this time,
+of not being recognised, for the beard disfigured him so that he
+scarcely knew himself.
+
+Arrived in the vicinity of the castle, he announced himself as the
+physician Chakamankabudibaba, and matters turned out as he had
+expected. The splendor of the name procured him extraordinary favor
+with the old fool, who invited him to table. Chakamankabudibaba
+appeared before Thiuli, and, having conversed with him scarcely an
+hour, the old man resolved that all his female slaves should submit to
+the examination of the wise physician. The latter could scarcely
+conceal his joy at the idea of once more beholding his beloved sister,
+and with palpitating heart followed Thiuli, who conducted him to his
+seraglio. They reached an unoccupied room, which was beautifully
+furnished.
+
+"Chambaba, or whatever thou mayest be called, my good physician," said
+Thiuli-Kos, "look once at that hole in the wall; thence shall each of
+my slaves stretch forth her arm, and thou canst feel whether the pulse
+betoken sickness or health."
+
+Answer as he might, Mustapha could not arrange it so that he might see
+them; nevertheless, Thiuli agreed to tell him, each time, the usual
+health of the one he was examining. Thiuli drew forth a long list from
+his girdle, and began, with loud voice, to call out, one by one, the
+names of his slaves; whereupon, each time, a hand came forth from the
+wall, and the physician felt the pulse. Six had been read off, and
+declared entirely well, when Thiuli, for the seventh called Fatima,
+and a small white hand slipped forth from the wall. Trembling with
+joy, Mustapha grasped it, and with an important air pronounced her
+seriously ill. Thiuli became very anxious, and commanded his wise
+Chakamankabudibaba straightway to prescribe some medicine for her. The
+physician left the room, and wrote a little scroll:
+
+"Fatima, I will preserve thee, if thou canst make up thy mind to take
+a draught, which for two days will make thee dead; nevertheless, I
+possess the means of restoring thee to life. If thou wilt, then only
+return answer, that this liquid has been of no assistance, and it will
+be to me a token that thou agreest."
+
+In a moment he returned to the room, where Thiuli had remained. He
+brought with him an innocent drink, felt the pulse of the sick Fatima
+once more, pushed the note beneath her bracelet, and then handed her
+the liquid through the opening in the wall. Thiuli seemed to be in
+great anxiety on Fatima's account, and postponed the examination of
+the rest to a more fitting opportunity. As he left the room with
+Mustapha, he addressed him in sorrowful accents:
+
+"Chadibaba, tell me plainly, what thinkest thou of Fatima's illness?"
+
+My brother answered with a deep sigh: "Ah, sir, may the Prophet give
+you consolation! she has a slow fever, which may, perhaps, cost her
+life!"
+
+Then burned Thiuli's anger: "What sayest thou, cursed dog of a
+physician? She, for whom I gave two thousand gold pieces--shall she
+die like a cow? Know, if thou preservest her not, I will chop off
+thine head!"
+
+My brother immediately saw that he had made a misstep, and again
+inspired Thiuli with hope. While they were yet conversing, a black
+slave came from the seraglio to tell the physician, that the drink had
+been of no assistance.
+
+"Put forth all thy skill, Chakamdababelda, or whatever thy name may
+be; I will pay thee what thou askest!" cried out Thiuli-Kos, well-nigh
+howling with sorrow, at the idea of losing so much gold.
+
+"I will give her a potion, which will put her out of all danger,"
+answered the physician.
+
+"Yes, yes!--give it her," sobbed the old Thiuli.
+
+With joyful heart Mustapha went to bring his soporific, and having
+given it to the black slave, and shown him how much it was necessary
+to take for a dose, he went to Thiuli, and, telling him he must
+procure some medicinal herbs from the sea, hastened through the gate.
+On the shore, which was not far from the castle, he removed his false
+garments, and cast them into the water, where they floated merrily
+around; concealing himself, however, in a thicket, he awaited the
+night, and then stole softly to the burying-place of Thiuli's castle.
+
+Hardly an hour had Mustapha been absent, when they brought Thiuli the
+intelligence that his slave Fatima was in the agonies of death. He
+sent them to the sea-coast to bring the physician back with all speed,
+but his messengers returned alone, with the news that the poor
+physician had fallen into the water, and was drowned; that they had
+espied his black gown floating upon the surface, and that now and then
+his large beard peeped forth from amid the billows. Thiuli seeing now
+no help, cursed himself and the whole world; plucked his beard, and
+dashed his head against the wall. But all this was of no use, for soon
+Fatima gave up the ghost, in the arms of her companions. When the
+unfortunate man heard the news of her death, he commanded them quickly
+to make a coffin, for he could not tolerate a dead person in his
+house; and bade them bear forth the corpse to the place of burial. The
+carriers brought in the coffin, but quickly set it down and fled, for
+they heard sighs and sobs among the other piles.
+
+Mustapha, who, concealed behind the coffins, had inspired the
+attendants with such terror, came forth and lighted a lamp, which he
+had brought for that purpose. Then he drew out a vial which contained
+the life-restoring medicine, and lifted the lid of Fatima's coffin.
+But what amazement seized him, when by the light of the lamp, strange
+features met his gaze! Neither my sister, nor Zoraida, but an entire
+stranger, lay in the coffin! It was some time before he could recover
+from this new stroke of destiny; at last, however, compassion
+triumphed over anger. He opened the vial, and administered the liquid.
+She breathed--she opened her eyes--and seemed for some time to be
+reflecting where she was. At length, recalling all that had happened,
+she rose from the coffin, and threw herself, sobbing, at Mustapha's
+feet.
+
+"How may I thank thee, excellent being," she exclaimed, "for having
+freed me from my frightful prison?" Mustapha interrupted her
+expressions of gratitude by inquiring, how it happened that she, and
+not his sister Fatima, had been preserved. The maiden looked in
+amazement.
+
+"Now is my deliverance explained, which was before incomprehensible,"
+answered she. "Know that in this castle I am called Fatima, and it was
+to me thou gavest thy note, and the preserving-drink."
+
+My brother entreated her to give him intelligence of his sister and
+Zoraida, and learned that they were both in the castle, but, according
+to Thiuli's custom, had received different names; they were now
+called Mirza and Nurmahal. When Fatima, the rescued slave, saw that my
+brother was so cast down by this failure of his enterprise, she bade
+him take courage, and promised to show him means whereby he could
+still deliver both the maidens. Aroused by this thought, Mustapha was
+filled with new hope, and besought her to point out to him the way.
+
+"Only five months," said she, "have I been Thiuli's slave;
+nevertheless, from the first, I have been continually meditating an
+escape; but for myself alone it was too difficult. In the inner court
+of the castle, you may have observed a fountain, which pours forth
+water from ten tubes; this fountain riveted my attention. I remembered
+in my father's house to have seen a similar one, the water of which
+was led up through a spacious aqueduct. In order to learn whether this
+fountain was constructed in the same manner, I one day praised its
+magnificence to Thiuli, and inquired after its architect. 'I myself
+built it,' answered he, 'and what thou seest here is still the
+smallest part; for the water comes hither into it from a brook at
+least a thousand paces off, flowing through a vaulted aqueduct, which
+is as high as a man. And all this have I myself planned.' After
+hearing this, I often wished only for a moment to have a man's
+strength, in order to roll away the stone from the side of the
+fountain; then could I have fled whither I would. The aqueduct now
+will I show to you; through it you can enter the castle by night, and
+set them free. Only you must have at least two men with you, in order
+to overpower the slaves which, by night, guard the seraglio."
+
+Thus she spoke, and my brother Mustapha, although twice disappointed
+already in his expectations, once again took courage, and hoped with
+Allah's assistance to carry out the plan of the slave. He promised to
+conduct her in safety to her native land, if she would assist him in
+entering the castle. But one thought still troubled him, namely, where
+he could find two or three faithful assistants. Thereupon the dagger
+of Orbasan occurred to him, and the promise of the robber to hasten to
+his assistance, when he should stand in need of help, and he therefore
+started with Fatima from the burying-ground, to seek the chieftain.
+
+In the same city where he had converted himself into a physician,
+with his last money he purchased a horse, and procured lodgings for
+Fatima, with a poor woman in the suburbs. He, however, hastened
+towards the mountain where he had first met Orbasan, and reached it in
+three days. He soon found the tent, and unexpectedly walked in before
+the chieftain, who welcomed him with friendly courtesy. He related to
+him his unsuccessful attempts, whereupon the grave Orbasan could not
+restrain himself from laughing a little now and then, particularly
+when he announced himself as the physician Chakamankabudibaba. At the
+treachery of the little man, however, he was furious; and swore, if he
+could find him, to hang him with his own hand. He assured my brother
+that he was ready to assist him the moment he should be sufficiently
+recovered from his ride. Accordingly, Mustapha remained that night
+again in the robber's tent, and with the first morning-red they set
+out, Orbasan taking with him three of his bravest men, well mounted
+and armed. They rode rapidly, and in two days arrived at the little
+city, where Mustapha had left the rescued Fatima. Thence they rode on
+with her unto the forest, from which, at a little distance, they could
+see Thiuli's castle; there they concealed themselves, to await the
+night. As soon as it was dark, guided by Fatima, they proceeded softly
+to the brook, where the aqueduct commenced, and soon found it. There
+they left Fatima and a servant with the horses, and prepared
+themselves for the descent: before they started, however, Fatima once
+more repeated, with precision, the directions she had given; namely,
+that, on emerging from the fountain into the inner court-yard, they
+would find a tower in each corner on the right and left; that inside
+the sixth gate from the right tower, they would find Fatima and
+Zoraida, guarded by two black slaves. Well provided with weapons and
+iron implements for forcing the doors, Mustapha, Orbasan, and the two
+other men, descended through the aqueduct; they sank, indeed, in
+water, up to the middle, but not the less vigorously on that account
+did they press forward.
+
+In a half hour they arrived at the fountain, and immediately began to
+ply their tools. The wall was thick and firm, but could not long
+resist the united strength of the four men; they soon made a breach
+sufficiently large to allow them to slip through without difficulty.
+Orbasan was the first to emerge, and then assisted the others. Being
+now all in the court-yard, they examined the side of the castle which
+lay before them, in order to find the door which had been described.
+But they could not agree as to which it was, for on counting from the
+right tower to the left, they found one door which had been walled up,
+and they knew not whether Fatima had included this in her calculation.
+But Orbasan was not long in making up his mind: "My good sword will
+open to me this gate," he exclaimed, advancing to the sixth, while the
+others followed him. They opened it, and found six black slaves lying
+asleep upon the floor; imagining that they had missed the object of
+their search, they were already softly drawing back, when a figure
+raised itself in the corner, and in well-known accents called for
+help. It was the little man of the robber-encampment. But ere the
+slaves knew what had taken place, Orbasan sprang upon the little man,
+tore his girdle in two, stopped his mouth, and bound his hands behind
+his back; then he turned to the slaves, some of whom were already
+half bound by Mustapha and the two others, and assisted in completely
+overpowering them. They presented their daggers to the breasts of the
+slaves, and asked where Nurmahal and Mirza were: they confessed that
+they were in the next chamber. Mustapha rushed into the room, and
+found Fatima and Zoraida awakened by the noise. They were not long in
+collecting their jewels and garments, and following my brother.
+
+Meanwhile the two robbers proposed to Orbasan to carry off what they
+could find, but he forbade them, saying: "It shall never be told of
+Orbasan, that he enters houses by night, to steal gold." Mustapha, and
+those he had preserved, quickly stepped into the aqueduct, whither
+Orbasan promised to follow them immediately. As soon as they had
+departed, the chieftain and one of the robbers led forth the little
+man into the court-yard; there, having fastened around his neck a
+silken cord, which they had brought for that purpose, they hung him on
+the highest point of the fountain. After having thus punished the
+treachery of the wretch, they also entered the aqueduct, and followed
+Mustapha. With tears the two maidens thanked their brave preserver,
+Orbasan; but he urged them in haste to their flight, for it was very
+probable that Thiuli-Kos would seek them in every direction.
+
+With deep emotion, on the next day, did Mustapha and the rescued
+maidens part with Orbasan. Indeed, they never will forget him! Fatima,
+the freed slave, left us in disguise for Balsora, in order to take
+passage thence to her native land.
+
+After a short and agreeable journey, my brother and his companions
+reached home. Delight at seeing them once more, almost killed my old
+father; the next day after their arrival, he gave a great festival, to
+which all the city was invited. Before a large assemblage of relations
+and friends, my brother had to relate his story, and with one voice
+they praised him and the noble robber.
+
+When, however, Mustapha had finished, my father arose and led Zoraida
+to him. "Thus remove I," said he with solemn voice, "the curse from
+thy head; take this maiden as the reward which thy unwearied courage
+has merited. Receive my fatherly blessing: and may there never be
+wanting to our city, men who, in brotherly love, in prudence, and
+bravery, may be thy equals!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Caravan had reached the end of the desert, and gladly did the
+travellers salute the green meadows, and thickly-leaved trees, of
+whose charms they had been deprived for so many days. In a lovely
+valley lay a caravansery, which they selected as their resting-place
+for the night; and though it offered but limited accommodations and
+refreshment, still was the whole company more happy and sociable than
+ever: for the thought of having passed through the dangers and
+hardships, with which a journey through the desert is ever
+accompanied, had opened every heart, and attuned their minds to jest
+and gayety. Muley, the young and merry merchant, went through a comic
+dance, and sang songs thereto, which elicited a laugh, even from
+Zaleukos, the serious Greek. But not content with having raised the
+spirits of his comrades by dance and merriment, he also gave them, in
+the best style, the story he had promised, and, as soon as he could
+recover breath from his gambols, began the following tale.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LITTLE MUCK.
+
+
+In Nicea, my beloved father-city, lived a man, whom people called
+"Little Muck." Though at that time I was quite young, I can recollect
+him very well, particularly since, on one occasion, I was flogged
+almost to death, by my father, on his account. The Little Muck, even
+then, when I knew him, an old man, was nevertheless but three or four
+feet high: he had a singular figure, for his body, little and smart
+as it was, carried a head much larger and thicker than that of others.
+He lived all alone in a large house, and even cooked for himself;
+moreover, it would not have been known in the city whether he was
+alive or dead, (for he went forth but once in four weeks,) had not
+every day, about the hour of noon, strong fumes come forth from the
+house. Nevertheless, in the evening he was often to be seen walking to
+and fro upon his roof; although, from the street, it seemed as if it
+were his head alone that was running around there.
+
+I and my comrades were wicked fellows, who teased and ridiculed every
+one; accordingly, to us it was a holiday when the Little Muck went
+forth: on the appointed day we would assemble before his house, and
+wait for him to come out. When, then, the door opened, and at first
+the immense head and still larger turban peered forth, when the rest
+of the body followed covered with a small cloak which had been
+irregularly curtailed, with wide pantaloons, and a broad girdle in
+which hung a long dagger, so long that one could not tell whether Muck
+was fastened to the dagger, or the dagger to Muck--when in this guise
+he came forth, then would the air resound with our cries of joy; then
+would we fling our caps aloft, and dance round him, like mad. Little
+Muck, however, would salute us with a serious bow, and walk with long
+strides through the street, shuffling now and then his feet, for he
+wore large wide slippers, such as I have never elsewhere seen. We boys
+would run behind him, crying continually, "Little Muck! Little Muck!"
+We also had a droll little verse, which we would now and then sing in
+his honor; it ran thus:--
+
+    "Little Muck, oh Little Muck!
+    What a fine, brave dwarf art thou!
+      Livest in a house so tall;
+    Goest forth but once a month,
+      Mountain-headed, though so small.
+    Turn thyself but once, and look!
+      Run, and catch us, Little Muck."
+
+In this way had we often carried on our sport, and, to my shame, I
+must confess that I took the most wicked part in it, for I often
+plucked him by the mantle, and once trod from behind on his large
+slippers, so that he fell down. This was, at first, a source of the
+greatest amusement to me, but my laughter soon ceased when I saw the
+Little Muck go up to my father's house; he walked straight in, and
+remained there some time. I concealed myself near the door, and saw
+Muck come forth again, escorted by my father, who respectfully shook
+his hand, and with many bows parted with him at the door. My mind was
+uneasy, and I remained some time in my concealment; at length,
+however, hunger, which I feared more than blows, drove me in, and
+ashamed and with downcast head, I walked in before my father.
+
+"Thou hast, as I hear, insulted the good Muck," said he with a very
+serious tone. "I will tell thee the history of this Muck, and then I
+am sure thou wilt ridicule him no more. But first, thou shalt receive
+thy allowance." The allowance was five-and-twenty lashes, which he
+took care to count only too honestly. He thereupon took a long
+pipe-stem, unscrewed the amber mouthpiece, and beat me more severely
+than he had ever done before.
+
+When the five-and-twenty were all made up, he commanded me to attend,
+and told me the following story of Little Muck.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The father of Little Muck, who is properly called Mukrah, lived here
+in Nicea, a respectable, but poor man. He kept himself almost as
+retired as his son does now. The latter he could not endure, because
+he was ashamed of his dwarfish figure, and let him therefore grow up
+in perfect ignorance. When the Little Muck was still in his
+seventeenth year, a merry child, his father, a grave man, kept
+continually reproaching him, that he, who ought long before to have
+trodden down the shoes of infancy, was still so stupid and childish.
+
+The old man, however, one day had a bad fall, from the effects of
+which he died, and Little Muck was left behind, poor and ignorant. His
+cruel relations, to whom the deceased owed more than he could pay,
+turned the poor fellow out of the house, and advised him to go forth
+into the world, and seek his fortune. Muck answered that he was all
+ready, only asking them for his father's dress, which they willingly
+granted him. His father had been a large, portly man, and the garments
+on that account did not fit him. Muck, however, soon hit upon an
+expedient; he cut off what was too long, and then put them on. He
+seemed, however, to have forgotten that he must also take from their
+width; hence the strange dress that he wears at the present day; the
+huge turban, the broad girdle, the wide breeches, the blue cloak, all
+these he has inherited from his father, and worn ever since. The long
+Damascus dagger of his father, too, he attached to his girdle, and
+seizing a little staff, set out from the door.
+
+Gayly he wandered, the whole day, for he had set out to seek his
+fortune: if he saw upon the ground a potsherd shining in the sunlight,
+he took care to pick it up, in the belief that he could change it into
+a diamond of the first water; if he saw in the distance the cupola of
+a Mosque sparkling like fire, or the sea glittering like a mirror, he
+would hasten up, fully persuaded that he had arrived at fairy-land.
+But ah! these phantoms vanished as he approached, and too soon
+fatigue, and his stomach gnawed by hunger, convinced him that he was
+still in the land of mortals. In this way he travelled two days, in
+hunger and grief, and despaired of finding his fortune; the produce of
+the field was his only support, the hard earth his bed. On the
+morning of the third day, he espied a large city upon an eminence.
+Brightly shone the crescent upon her pinnacles, variegated flags waved
+over the roofs, and seemed to be beckoning Little Muck to themselves.
+In surprise he stood still, contemplating the city and the surrounding
+country.
+
+"There at length will Klein-Muck find his fortune," said he to
+himself, and in spite of his fatigue bounded in the air; "there or
+nowhere!" He collected all his strength, and walked towards the city.
+But although the latter seemed quite near, he could not reach it until
+mid-day, for his little limbs almost entirely refused him their
+assistance, and he was obliged to sit down to rest in the shade of a
+palm-tree. At last he reached the gate; he fixed the mantle jauntily,
+wound the turban still more tastily around his head, made the girdle
+broader, and arranged the dagger so as to fall still more obliquely:
+then, wiping the dust from his shoes, and seizing his cane, he marched
+bravely through the gate.
+
+He had already wandered through a few streets, but nowhere did any
+door open to him, nowhere did any one exclaim, as he had anticipated:
+"Little Muck, come in and eat and drink, and rest thy little feet."
+
+He was looking very wistfully straight at a large fine house, when a
+window opened, and an old woman, putting out her head, exclaimed in a
+singing tone--
+
+    "Hither, come hither!
+      The porridge is here;
+    The table I've spread,
+      Come taste of my cheer.
+    Hither, come hither!
+      The porridge is hot;
+    Your neighbors bring with you,
+      To dip in the pot!"
+
+The door opened, and Muck saw many dogs and cats walking in. For a
+moment he stood in doubt whether he should accept the invitation; at
+last, however, he took heart and entered the mansion. Before him
+proceeded a couple of genteel kittens, and he resolved to follow them,
+since they, perhaps, knew the way to the kitchen better than himself.
+
+When Muck had ascended the steps, he met the same old woman who had
+looked forth from the window. With frowning air she asked what he
+wanted.
+
+"Thou hast invited every one to thy porridge," answered Little Muck,
+"and as I was very hungry, I came too."
+
+The old woman laughed, saying, "Whence come you then, strange fellow?
+The whole city knows that I cook for no one but my dear cats, and now
+and then, as you see, I invite their companions from the
+neighborhood." Little Muck told her how hard it had gone with him
+since his father's death, and entreated her to let him dine, that day,
+with her cats. The old woman, on whom the frank relation of the little
+fellow made quite an impression, permitted him to become her guest,
+and gave him abundance to eat and drink. When he was satisfied and
+refreshed, she looked at him for some time, and then said:--
+
+"Little Muck, remain with me in my service; you will have little to
+do, and shall be well taken care of." Muck, who had relished the
+cat-porridge, agreed, and thus became the servant of the Frau Ahavzi.
+His duties were light but singular: Frau Ahavzi had two male, and four
+female cats; every morning Little Muck had to comb their hair, and
+anoint them with costly ointment. When the Frau went out, he had to
+give them all his attention; when they ate, he placed their bowls
+before them; and, at night, he had to lay them on silken cushions, and
+wrap them up in velvet coverings. There were, moreover, a few little
+dogs in the house, on which he was obliged to wait; but there were not
+so many ceremonies gone through with these as with the cats, whom Frau
+Ahavzi treated as her own children. As for the rest, Muck led as
+retired a life as in his father's house, for with the exception of the
+Frau, he saw every day only dogs and cats.
+
+For a long time it went very well with Little Muck; he had enough to
+eat, and but little to do; and the old woman seemed to be perfectly
+satisfied with him. But, by-and-by, the cats began to behave very
+badly; the moment the Frau went out, they ran around the rooms as if
+possessed, threw down every thing in confusion, and broke considerable
+fine crockery, which stood in their way. When, however, they heard
+their mistress coming up the steps, they would creep to their
+cushions, and wag their tails, when they saw her, as if nothing had
+happened. The Frau Ahavzi always fell in a passion when she saw her
+rooms so disordered, and attributed all to Muck; assert his innocence
+as he might, she believed her cats who looked so demure, in preference
+to her servant.
+
+Little Muck was very sorry that here also he had been disappointed in
+finding his fortune, and determined in his own mind to leave the
+service of the Frau Ahavzi. As, however, on his first journey, he had
+learned how badly one lives without money, he resolved to procure, in
+some way, for himself the wages which his mistress had once promised
+him, but had never paid. In the house of the Frau Ahavzi was a room,
+which was always closed, and the inside of which he had never seen.
+Nevertheless, he had often heard the Frau making a noise therein, and
+he would have willingly risked his life to know what was there
+concealed. Reflecting upon his travelling-money, it occurred to him
+that there his mistress might conceal her treasures. But the door was
+always tightly closed, and therefore he could not get at them.
+
+One morning, after the Frau Ahavzi had gone out, one of the little
+dogs who was treated by her in a very stepmother-like manner, but
+whose favor he had in a great degree gained by various acts of
+kindness, pulled him by his wide pantaloons, and acted as if he wanted
+Muck to follow him. Muck, who always gladly played with him, did so,
+and perceived that the dog was leading him to the sleeping apartment
+of his mistress; he stopped before a door, which the little fellow had
+never before observed, and which was now wide open. The dog entered,
+and Muck, following, was overjoyed at finding himself in the very
+chamber, which had so long been the object of his curiosity. He looked
+all around for money, but could find none: old garments only, and
+strangely-fashioned vases were scattered around. One of the latter, in
+particular, attracted his attention; it was of crystal, and fine
+figures were cut thereon. He lifted it up and turned it on all sides;
+but, oh horror! he had not observed that it had a lid, which was but
+insecurely fastened on: it fell to the floor, and broke into a
+thousand pieces.
+
+For a long time stood Little Muck motionless through terror; now was
+his fate decided, now must he fly, or be killed by the old woman. His
+departure was immediately resolved on; he only looked around, to see
+if he could not use some of the goods of the Frau Ahavzi upon his
+journey. Thereupon, a formidable pair of huge slippers met his eye;
+they were not, it is true, beautiful, but his own could hold out no
+longer; moreover their size was an inducement, for when he had these
+upon his feet, people would see, he hoped, that he had cast off the
+shoes of childhood. He quickly took off his own slippers, and put on
+the others. A walking-stick, also, with a fine lion's head cut upon
+the handle, seemed to be standing too idly in the corner; so he seized
+it, and hurried from the apartment. He hastened to his own room, put
+on his cloak, arranged his paternal turban, placed the dagger in his
+girdle, and ran as fast as his feet would carry him, out of the house,
+and out of the city. Fear of his old mistress drove him farther and
+still farther, until, from fatigue, he could scarcely run any more. He
+had never gone so quickly in his life; nay, it appeared to him as if
+he could not cease running, for an invisible power seemed propelling
+him on. At last he observed that this must be connected with the
+slippers, for they would continually shoot forward and bear him along
+with them. He endeavored in various ways, to stand still, but could
+not succeed; at last, in the greatest distress, he cried out to
+himself, as a man calls to his horse, "Wo--wo!" Then the slippers
+stopped, and Muck fell exhausted upon the earth.
+
+The slippers were a source of great joy to him. Thus had he, by his
+services, gained something that would help him on his way through the
+world to seek his fortune. In spite of his joy, he fell asleep through
+fatigue; for the body of Little Muck, which had to carry so heavy a
+head, could not hold out long. In his dream the little dog appeared to
+him, which had assisted him to the slippers in the house of the Frau
+Ahavzi, and thus spoke:--
+
+"Dear Muck, thou dost not still rightly understand the use of the
+slippers: know that if, in them, thou turnest thyself three times
+around upon the heel, thou canst fly wherever thou wilt; and with the
+staff thou canst find treasures, for, wherever gold is buried, it will
+beat three times upon the earth; where silver, twice."
+
+Thus dreamed Little Muck. When he awoke, he reflected on the singular
+vision, and resolved to make the experiment immediately. He put on the
+slippers, lifted one foot, and began to turn around upon his heel. But
+whoever has attempted to perform this manoeuvre in an enormously wide
+slipper, will not wonder that the Little Muck could not succeed,
+particularly when he remembers that his heavy head kept falling on
+this side and on that.
+
+The poor little fellow fell several times violently upon his nose;
+nevertheless, that did not deter him from making the trial again, and
+at last he succeeded. Like a wheel he went around upon his heel,
+wishing himself in the nearest large city, and--the slippers mounted
+into the air, ran with the speed of the wind through the clouds, and
+before Little Muck knew what to make of it, he found himself in a
+large market-place, where many stalls were erected, and innumerable
+men were busily running to and fro. He moved among the people, but
+considered it more prudent to retire into a less frequented street,
+for near the market one of the slippers bore him along so rapidly,
+that he almost fell down, or else ran against one and another with
+his projecting dagger, so that it was with difficulty he avoided their
+blows.
+
+Little Muck now seriously reflected what he should set about, in order
+to earn a piece of money. He had, it is true, a staff which would show
+him concealed treasures, but how could he find a place where gold or
+silver was buried. He could, indeed, in this emergency, have exhibited
+himself for money, but for this he was too proud. At last the
+quickness of his gait occurred to him. Perhaps, thought he, my
+slippers can procure me support, and he determined to hire himself out
+as a courier. He ventured to hope that the king of the city rewarded
+such service well, so he inquired for the palace. Before the door of
+the palace stood a guard, who asked him what he sought there. On
+answering that he was in search of service, they led him to the
+overseer of the slaves. Before this one he laid his request, and
+entreated that he might be admitted among the royal couriers. The
+overseer measured him with his eyes from head to foot, and said: "How!
+with thy little feet, which are scarcely a span long, wishest thou to
+become a royal messenger? Away with thee! I cannot play with every
+fool."
+
+Little Muck assured him, however, that his proposal was made in
+perfect seriousness, and that he would let it come to a trial with the
+swiftest, upon a wager. The matter seemed very ludicrous to the
+overseer. He commanded him to hold himself in readiness for a race in
+the afternoon, and leading him into the kitchen, saw that he was
+furnished with proper meat and drink. He himself, however, repaired
+unto the king, and told him of the little man and his proposal. The
+king was a merry lord, and therefore it pleased him well that the
+overseer had kept the little man for their amusement. He directed him
+to make preparations in a large meadow behind the castle, that the
+race might be conveniently beheld by his whole court, and once more
+commanded him to take great care of the dwarf. The king told his
+princes, and princesses, what a pastime they were to enjoy that
+afternoon; these told it again to their attendants, and when the time
+arrived all were in great expectation; and as many as had feet poured
+into the meadow, where a scaffolding had been erected, in order to
+see the boastful dwarf run.
+
+As soon as the king and his sons and daughters had taken their places
+upon the platform, the Little Muck walked forth upon the meadow, and
+made before the noble sovereign a very elegant bow. A universal cry of
+joy arose, the moment they beheld the little fellow; such a figure had
+they never seen. The small body with the mighty head, the little
+cloak, and the wide pantaloons, the long dagger in the broad girdle,
+the tiny feet in the immense slippers--no! it was so droll a sight
+they could not keep from laughing aloud. Little Muck, however, was not
+disconcerted by their laughter. He proudly walked forward, supported
+by his cane, and awaited his opponent. At Muck's own desire, the
+overseer of the slaves had selected the best runner. Walking in, he
+placed himself near the dwarf, and both looked for the signal.
+Thereupon the Princess Amarza made a sign with her veil as had been
+preconcerted, and, like two arrows shot from the same bow, the racers
+flew over the meadow.
+
+At first the courier took a tremendous bound, but Muck pursued him in
+his slipper carriage, overtook him, passed him, and had been standing
+for some time at the goal, when his opponent, gasping for breath, ran
+up. Amazement for a few moments enchained the spectators: the king was
+the first to clap his hands; then shouted the crowd for joy, all
+exclaiming, "Long live the Little Muck, the victor in the race!"
+
+Meanwhile they had brought up the little man; he prostrated himself
+before the king, saying, "Most mighty King, I have here given thee but
+a small proof of my powers; allow them, I pray thee, to give me a
+place among thy couriers." The king answered:--
+
+"Nay, dear Muck, thou shalt be my favorite messenger, and shalt remain
+about my person; every year shalt thou have a hundred gold pieces as
+thy wages, and thou shalt sup at the table of my first attendant."
+
+Then Muck thought he had at last found the fortune, of which he had so
+long been in search, and was merry and light-hearted. Moreover, he
+rejoiced in the peculiar favor of the king, for the latter employed
+him on his quickest and most secret errands, which he performed with
+the greatest care, and with inconceivable rapidity.
+
+But the other attendants of the king were not well affected towards
+him, because they reluctantly saw themselves displaced from their
+lord's favor by a dwarf, who knew how to do nothing, but to run fast.
+They set on foot many a conspiracy against him in order to work his
+destruction, but all failed, through the confidence which the king
+placed in his private Oberleiblaeufer, (for to this dignity had he in
+so short a time arrived.)
+
+Muck, upon whom these movements against himself produced no effect,
+thought not of revenge; for that he had too good a heart: no, he
+reflected upon the means of making himself necessary to his enemies,
+and beloved by them. Thereupon the staff, which in his good fortune he
+had forgotten, occurred to him; if he could find treasures, he thought
+the lords would be more favorably disposed towards him. He had before
+this often heard that the father of the present king had buried much
+of his gold, when the enemy had invaded the land; they said, moreover,
+that he had died without imparting the secret to his son. From this
+time Muck always carried his cane, in the hope that he would some
+time pass over the place where the money of the old king was buried.
+
+One evening, chance led him into a remote portion of the
+castle-garden, which he seldom visited, when suddenly he felt the
+staff move in his hand, and three times it beat upon the ground. He
+knew in an instant what this indicated; accordingly he drew forth his
+dagger, made marks on the surrounding trees, and then slipped back
+into the castle. Then he procured a spade, and awaited night for his
+undertaking.
+
+Treasure-digging, however, gave Muck more trouble than he had
+anticipated. His arms were very feeble, his spade large and heavy; he
+might perhaps have been laboring a couple of hours, without getting
+any farther down than as many feet. At length he hit upon something
+hard, which sounded like iron: he then set to work still more
+diligently, and soon brought up a large cover; he then descended into
+the hole, in order to examine what the cover concealed, and found a
+large pot completely full of gold pieces. His feeble wisdom, however,
+did not teach him to lift up the pot; but he put in his pantaloons
+and girdle as much as he could carry, filled his cloak, and then
+carefully covering up the rest, placed the load upon his back. But,
+indeed, if he had not had the slippers on his feet, he could not have
+stirred, so heavily did the gold weigh him down. Then, unobserved, he
+reached his room, and secured the money under the cushions of his
+sofa.
+
+When the little man saw so much gold in his possession, he thought the
+tables would now be turned, and that from among his enemies at court,
+he could gain many well-wishers and warm friends. But even in this,
+one could see that the good Muck had enjoyed no very careful
+education; otherwise he would not have imagined that he could buy true
+friends with gold. Ah! that he had then put on his slippers, and with
+his mantle full of gold, scampered away!
+
+The gold which from this time Little Muck distributed with lavish
+hand, awakened the envy of the other court-attendants. The
+kitchen-master, Ahuli, said, "He is a counterfeiter." The
+slave-overseer, Achmet, said, "He has cajoled the king." But Archaz,
+the treasurer, his most wicked enemy, who himself, even, now and then
+put his hand into his lord's coffers, exclaimed, "He is a thief." In
+order to be sure of the thing, they consulted together, and the head
+cup-bearer, Korchuz, placed himself one day, with a very sorrowful and
+depressed air, before the eyes of the king. He made his wo so
+apparent, that the king asked him what was the matter.
+
+"Ah!" answered he, "I am sorry that I have lost the favor of my lord!"
+
+"Why talkest thou idly, friend Korchuz?" rejoined the monarch. "Since
+when have I veiled from thee the sun of my favor?"
+
+The cup-bearer answered, that he loaded his private Oberleiblaeufer
+with money, but gave his poor faithful servants nothing. The king was
+much astonished at this accusation, had the story of Muck's
+gold-distribution told him, and the conspirators soon aroused in him
+the suspicion that the dwarf had, in some way or other, stolen the
+money from the treasure-chamber. Very pleasant was this turn of the
+matter to the treasurer, who would not otherwise have willingly
+submitted his accounts to examination. The king thereupon commanded
+that they should secretly watch all the movements of the dwarf, in
+order, if possible, to surprise him in the act. When, now, on the
+night which followed the fatal day, seeing his funds almost exhausted
+by his generosity, Muck crept forth, with his spade, into the
+castle-garden, to bring new supplies from his secret treasury, the
+watch followed him in the distance, led by Ahuli and Archaz; and, at
+the moment when he was removing the gold from the pot to his cloak,
+they fell upon him, bound him, and immediately led him before the
+king. The latter, whom, independently of any thing else, this
+interruption of his sleep would have enraged, received his poor dwarf
+very ungraciously, and ordered an immediate trial. Meanwhile they had
+dug the full pot out of the ground, and with the spade and cloak full
+of gold had placed it before the king. The treasurer said that he had
+surprised Muck with his guard, just as he had buried this vessel of
+gold in the earth.
+
+The king thereupon inquired of the accused, whether it was true, and
+whence the gold had come.
+
+Little Muck, conscious of innocence, answered that he had discovered
+this pot in the garden; that he had not buried it, but had brought it
+to light.
+
+All present laughed aloud at this defence; the king, however, provoked
+in the highest degree by the supposed impudence of the dwarf,
+exclaimed, "How, wretch! wilt thou so stupidly and shamelessly lie to
+thy king, after having stolen from him? Treasurer Archaz, I command
+thee to say whether thou knowest this sum of gold to be the same that
+is missing from my treasury."
+
+The treasurer thereupon answered that he was sure of the thing; that
+so much and even more had been missing from the royal treasures; and
+he could take his oath that this was the stolen money. Then the king
+commanded them to place Little Muck in galling chains, and convey him
+to prison: to Archaz, however, he gave the gold, that he might restore
+it to the treasury. Delighted at the fortunate issue of the matter,
+the officer took it, and counted out, at home, the glittering gold
+pieces; but the bad man never disclosed that down in the pot lay a
+letter, to the following purport:--
+
+    "The enemy has overrun my land; therefore I here conceal
+    a portion of my treasure. Whoever may find it, the curse
+    of his king fall upon him, if he do not immediately
+    deliver it to my son!
+
+        KING SADI."
+
+In his dungeon, poor Muck gave way to sorrowful reflections; he knew
+that for taking royal property death was the penalty; and yet--he
+could not betray the secret of his staff unto the king, because, in
+that case, he justly feared being deprived of both that, and his
+slippers. His slippers, alas! could render him no help, for there by
+close fetters he was fastened to the wall, and, torment himself as he
+might, he could not turn around upon his heel. When, however, on the
+next day, sentence of death was pronounced, he thought it would be
+better to live without the magic staff, than to die with it; and,
+having asked a private audience with the king, disclosed to him the
+secret. At first the king gave no credit to his assertions, but Little
+Muck promised him a proof, if he would respite him from death. The
+king gave him his word upon it, and having had some gold buried in the
+earth, unseen by Muck, commanded him to find it with his cane. In a
+few moments he succeeded in doing so, for the staff beat three times
+distinctly upon the ground. Then the king saw that his treasurer had
+betrayed him, and sent him, as is customary in the East, a silken
+cord, wherewith he should strangle himself. To Little Muck, however,
+he said:--
+
+"I have indeed promised thee thy life, but it seems to me that this is
+not the only secret thou art possessed of, connected with this staff.
+Therefore thou shalt remain in everlasting captivity, if thou do not
+confess what relation exists between it and thy rapid running."
+
+Little Muck, whom one night in his dungeon had deprived of all desire
+for further confinement, acknowledged that his whole art lay in the
+slippers; nevertheless, he informed not the king of the wonderful
+effect of turning three times upon the heel. The king put on the
+slippers, himself, in order to make the experiment, and ran, like mad,
+through the garden; often did he wish to hold up, but he knew not how
+to bring the slippers to a halt, and Muck, who could not deny himself
+this revenge, let him run on, until he fell down exhausted.
+
+When the king returned to consciousness, he was terribly angry at
+Little Muck, who had suffered him to run until so entirely out of
+breath. "I have promised thee thy freedom and life," said he, "but
+within twelve hours must thou leave my land; otherwise will I have
+thee hung." The slippers and cane, however, he commanded them to bear
+to his treasure-chamber.
+
+Thus, poor as ever, wandered the little fellow forth through the land,
+cursing the folly which had led him astray, and prevented his playing
+an important part at court. The land from which he was banished, was
+fortunately not extensive, and accordingly eight hours brought him to
+the frontier; but travelling, now that he was used to his dear
+slippers, came very hard to him. Having arrived at the border, he
+chose the usual road for reaching the most lonely part of the forest,
+for he hated all men, and resolved to live there by himself. In a
+thick portion of the wood, he lighted on a place, which seemed to him
+quite suitable for the resolution he had taken. A clear brook,
+surrounded by large shady fig-trees, and a soft turf, invited him: he
+threw himself down, determined to taste food no more, but calmly to
+await his end. Amid his sorrowful reflections on death, he fell
+asleep; when he awoke, he was tormented by hunger, and began to think
+that starving to death was rather an unpleasant affair; so he looked
+around to find something to eat.
+
+Fine ripe figs hung upon the tree beneath which he had slept; he
+stretched forth his hand to pluck some; their taste was delicious, and
+then he descended into the brook to slake his thirst. But what was his
+horror, when the water showed his head adorned with two immense ears,
+and a long thick nose! Amazed, he clapped his hands upon his ears, and
+they were really more than half an ell long.
+
+"I deserve ass's ears!" he exclaimed; "for, like an ass, have I
+trodden Fortune under my feet." He wandered around among the trees,
+and feeling hunger again, was obliged to have recourse once more to
+the fig-tree, for he could find nothing else that was eatable. After
+the second portion of figs, it struck him that if his ears could find
+room beneath his large turban, he would not look so ridiculous, and,
+on trying it, he found that his ears had vanished. He ran straight
+back to the stream, in order to convince himself thereof; it was
+actually so; his ears had resumed their original figure, his long
+misshapen nose was no more! He soon perceived how all this had
+happened; from the first fig-tree he had received the long nose and
+ears, the second had relieved him of them: he saw with joy that kind
+destiny yet again placed in his hands the means of becoming fortunate.
+He plucked, therefore, from each tree as many figs as he could carry,
+and went back to the land which shortly before he had left. There, in
+the first town, he disguised himself by means of different garments;
+then, turning again to the city inhabited by the king, he soon arrived
+at it.
+
+For about a year ripe fruit had been quite scarce; Little Muck,
+therefore, placed himself before the gate of the palace, for from his
+former residence there, it was well known to him, that here such
+rareties would be purchased by the kitchen-master for the royal table.
+Muck had not long been seated, when he saw that dignitary walking
+across the court-yard. He examined the articles of the traders who
+had placed themselves at the palace-gate; at length his eye fell upon
+Muck's little basket.
+
+"Ah! a dainty morsel!" said he, "which will certainly please his
+majesty: what wish you for the whole basket?" Muck set a high price
+upon them, and the bargain was soon struck. The kitchen-master gave
+the basket to his slave, and went his way: meantime Little Muck stole
+away, for he feared, when the change should show itself on the heads
+of the court, that he, as the one who sold them, would be sought for
+punishment.
+
+At table the king was well pleased, and praised his kitchen-master
+more than ever, on account of his good kitchen, and the care with
+which he always sought the rarest morsels for his table; the officer,
+however, who well knew what dainties he had in the back-ground, smiled
+pleasantly, and let fall but few words: "The day is not all past till
+evening," or "End good, all good;" so that the princesses were very
+curious to know what he would still bring on. The moment, however, he
+had the fine, inviting figs set upon the table, a universal "Ah!"
+escaped the lips of those who were present. "How ripe! how delicate!"
+exclaimed the king; "kitchen-master, thou art a whole-souled man, and
+deservest our peculiar favor!" Thus speaking, the king, who with such
+choice dishes took care to be very sparing, with his own hands
+distributed the figs around the table. Each prince and princess
+received two; the ladies of the court, the Viziers and Agas, each one;
+the rest he placed before himself, and began to swallow them with
+great delight.
+
+"In the name of heaven, father, why lookest thou so strange?" suddenly
+exclaimed the Princess Amarza. All gazed in astonishment upon the
+king; vast ears hung down from his head, a long nose stretched itself
+bridge-like, over above his chin; upon themselves also they looked,
+one upon another, with amazement and horror; all, more or less, were
+adorned with the same strange headdress.
+
+The horror of the court may be imagined. All the physicians in the
+city were immediately sent for; they came with a blustering air,
+prescribed pills and mixtures, but ears and noses remained. They
+operated on one of the princes, but the ears grew out again.
+
+From the place of concealment into which he had withdrawn, Muck had
+heard the whole story, and perceived that it was now time for him to
+commence operations. He had already, with the money obtained by the
+sale of his figs, procured a dress which would represent him as a
+learned man; a long beard of goat's hair completed the illusion. With
+a small sack full of figs he repaired to the royal palace, and offered
+his assistance as a foreign physician. At first they were quite
+incredulous; but when Little Muck gave a fig to one of the princes,
+and thereby restored ears and nose to their original shape, then were
+all eager to be cured by the stranger. But the king took him silently
+by the hand, and led him to his apartment; then, opening a door that
+led into the treasure-chamber, he made signs to Muck to follow.
+
+"Here are my treasures," said the king; "choose for thyself: whatever
+it may be, it shall be thine, if thou wilt free me from this shameful
+evil." This was sweet music in the ears of Little Muck: at the moment
+of entering he had seen his slippers standing upon the floor, and hard
+by lay his little staff. He moved around the room, as if in wonder at
+the royal treasures; but no sooner had he reached his beloved shoes,
+than he hastily slipped into them, and seizing the little cane, tore
+off his false beard, and displayed to the astonished king the
+well-known countenance of his exiled Muck.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"False king!" said he, "who rewardest faithful service with
+ingratitude, take, as well-deserved punishment, the deformity which
+thou now hast. The ears I leave thee, that, each day they may remind
+thee of Little Muck." Having thus spoken, he turned quickly around
+upon his heel, wished himself far away, and before the king could call
+for help Little Muck had vanished. Ever since, he has lived here in
+great affluence, but alone, for men he despises. Experience has made
+him a wise man--one who, though there is something offensive in his
+exterior, deserves rather your admiration than your ridicule.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Such was my father's story. I assured him that I sincerely repented of
+my behavior towards the good little man, and he remitted the other
+half of the punishment which he had intended for me. To my comrades I
+told the wonderful history of the dwarf, and we conceived such an
+affection for him, that no one insulted him any more. On the contrary,
+we honored him as long as he lived, and bowed as low to him as to Cadi
+or Mufti.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The travellers determined to rest a day in this caravansery, in order
+to refresh themselves and their beasts for the rest of their journey.
+The gayety of the day before again prevailed, and they diverted
+themselves with various sports. After the meal, however, they called
+upon the fifth merchant, Ali Sizah, to perform his duty to the rest,
+and give them a story. He answered, that his life was too poor in
+remarkable adventures for him to relate one connected therewith, but
+he would tell them something which had no relation to it: "The story
+of the False Prince."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE FALSE PRINCE.
+
+
+There was once an honest journeyman tailor, by name Labakan, who
+learned his trade with an excellent master in Alexandria. It could not
+be said that Labakan was unhandy with the needle; on the contrary, he
+could make excellent work: moreover, one would have done him injustice
+to have called him lazy. Nevertheless, his companions knew not what to
+make of him, for he would often sew for hours together so rapidly
+that the needle would glow in his hand, and the thread smoke, and that
+none could equal him. At another time, however, (and this, alas!
+happened more frequently,) he would sit in deep meditation, looking
+with his staring eyes straight before him, and with a countenance and
+air so peculiar, that his master and fellow-journeymen could say of
+his appearance nothing else than, "Labakan has on again, his
+aristocratic face."
+
+On Friday, however, when others quietly returned home from prayers to
+their labor, Labakan would come forth from the mosque in a fine
+garment which with great pains he had made for himself, and walk with
+slow and haughty steps through the squares and streets of the city. At
+such times, if one of his companions cried, "Joy be with thee!" or,
+"How goes it, friend Labakan?" he would patronizingly give a token of
+recognition with his hand, or, if he felt called upon to be very
+polite, would bow genteelly with the head. Whenever his master said to
+him in jest, "Labakan, in thee a prince is lost," he would be
+rejoiced, and answer, "Have you too observed it?" or, "I have already
+long thought it."
+
+In this manner did the honest journeyman tailor conduct himself for a
+long time, while his master tolerated his folly, because, in other
+respects, he was a good man and an excellent workman. But one day,
+Selim, the sultan's brother, who was travelling through Alexandria,
+sent a festival-garment to his master to have some change made in it,
+and the master gave it to Labakan, because he did the finest work. In
+the evening, when the apprentices had all gone forth to refresh
+themselves after the labor of the day, an irresistible desire drove
+Labakan back into the workshop, where the garment of the sultan's
+brother was hanging. He stood some time, in reflection, before it,
+admiring now the splendor of the embroidery, now the varied colors of
+the velvet and silk. He cannot help it, he must put it on; and, lo! it
+fits him as handsomely as if it were made for him. "Am not I as good a
+prince as any?" asked he of himself, as he strutted up and down the
+room. "Has not my master himself said, that I was born for a prince?"
+With the garments, the apprentice seemed to have assumed quite a
+kingly carriage; he could believe nothing else, than that he was a
+king's son in obscurity, and as such he resolved to travel forth into
+the world, leaving a city where the people hitherto had been so
+foolish as not to discover his innate dignity beneath the veil of his
+inferior station. The splendid garment seemed sent to him by a good
+fairy; resolving therefore not to slight so precious a gift, he put
+his little stock of money in his pocket, and, favored by the darkness
+of the night, wandered forth from Alexandria's gates.
+
+The new prince excited admiration everywhere upon his route, for the
+splendid garment, and his serious majestic air, would not allow him to
+pass for a common pedestrian. If one inquired of him about it, he took
+care to answer, with a mysterious look, that he had his reasons for
+it. Perceiving, however, that he rendered himself an object of
+ridicule by travelling on foot, he purchased for a small sum an old
+horse, which suited him very well, for it never brought his habitual
+quiet and mildness into difficulty, by compelling him to show himself
+off as an excellent rider, a thing which in reality he was not.
+
+One day, as he was proceeding on his way, step by step, upon his
+Murva, (thus had he named his horse,) a stranger joined him, and asked
+permission to travel in his company, since to him the distance would
+seem much shorter, in conversation with another. The rider was a gay
+young man, elegant and genteel in manners. He soon knit up a
+conversation with Labakan, with respect to his whence and whither, and
+it turned out that he also, like the journeyman tailor, was travelling
+without purpose, in the world. He said his name was Omar, that he was
+the nephew of Elfi Bey, the unfortunate bashaw of Cairo, and was now
+on his way to execute a commission which his uncle had delivered to
+him upon his dying-bed. Labakan was not so frank with respect to his
+circumstances; he gave him to understand that he was of lofty descent,
+and was travelling for pleasure.
+
+The two young men were pleased with each other, and rode on in
+company. On the second day, Labakan interrogated his companion Omar,
+respecting the commission with which he was charged, and to his
+astonishment learned the following. Elfi Bey, the bashaw of Cairo, had
+brought up Omar from his earliest childhood; the young man had never
+known his parents. But shortly before, Elfi Bey, having been attacked
+by his enemies, and, after three disastrous engagements, mortally
+wounded, was obliged to flee, and disclosed to his charge that he was
+not his nephew, but the son of a powerful lord, who, inspired with
+fear by the prophecy of his astrologer, had sent the young prince away
+from his court, with an oath never to see him again until his
+twenty-second birthday. Elfi Bey had not told him his father's name,
+but had enjoined upon him with the greatest precision, on the fourth
+day of the coming month Ramadan, on which day he would be
+two-and-twenty years old, to repair to the celebrated pillar
+El-Serujah, four days' journey east of Alexandria: there he should
+offer to the men who would be standing by the pillar, a dagger which
+he gave him, with these words, "Here am I, whom ye seek!" If they
+answered, "Blessed be the Prophet, who has preserved thee!" then he
+was to follow them--they would lead him to his father.
+
+The journeyman tailor, Labakan, was much astonished at this
+information; from this time he looked upon Prince Omar with envious
+eyes, irritated because fortune conferred upon him, though already he
+passed for the nephew of a mighty bashaw, the dignity of a king's son;
+but on him, whom she had endowed with all things necessary for a
+prince, bestowed in ridicule, an obscure lineage, and an every-day
+vocation. He instituted a comparison between himself and the prince.
+He was obliged to confess that the latter was a man of very lively
+aspect; that fine sparkling eyes belonged to him, a boldly-arched
+nose, a gentlemanly, complaisant demeanor, in a word, all the external
+accomplishments, which every one is wont to commend. But numerous as
+were the charms he found in his companion, still he was compelled to
+acknowledge to himself, that a Labakan would be no less acceptable to
+the royal father than the genuine prince.
+
+These thoughts pursued Labakan the whole day; with them he went to
+sleep in the nearest night-lodgings; but when he awoke in the morning,
+and his eye rested upon Omar sleeping near him, who was reposing so
+quietly, and could dream of his now certain fortune, then arose in him
+the thought of gaining, by stratagem or violence, what unpropitious
+destiny had denied him. The dagger, the returning prince's token of
+recognition, hung in the sleeper's girdle; he softly drew it forth, to
+plunge it in the breast of its owner. Nevertheless, the peaceable soul
+of the journeyman recoiled before thoughts of murder; he contented
+himself with appropriating the dagger, and bridling for himself the
+faster horse of the prince; and, ere Omar awoke to see himself
+despoiled of all his hopes, his perfidious companion was several miles
+upon his way.
+
+The day on which Labakan robbed the prince was the first of the holy
+month Ramadan, and he had therefore four days to reach the pillar
+El-Serujah, the locality of which was well known to him. Although the
+region wherein it was situated could at farthest be at a distance of
+but four days' journey, still he hastened to reach it, through a
+constant fear of being overtaken by the real prince.
+
+By the end of the second day, he came in sight of the pillar
+El-Serujah. It stood upon a little elevation, in the midst of an
+extensive plain, and could be seen at a distance of two or three
+leagues. Labakan's heart beat high at the sight: though he had had
+time enough on horseback, for the last two days, to think of the part
+he was to play, still a consciousness of guilt made him anxious; the
+thought that he was born for a prince, however, encouraged him again,
+and he advanced towards the mark with renewed confidence.
+
+The country around the pillar was uninhabited and desert, and the new
+prince would have experienced some difficulty in finding sustenance,
+if he had not previously supplied himself for several days. He lay
+down beside his horse beneath some palm-trees, and there awaited his
+distant destiny.
+
+Towards the middle of the next day, he saw a large procession of
+horses and camels crossing the plain in the direction of the pillar
+El-Serujah. It reached the foot of the hill, on which the pillar
+stood; there they pitched splendid tents, and the whole looked like
+the travelling-suite of some rich bashaw or sheik. Labakan perceived
+that the numerous train which met his eye, had taken the pains to come
+hither on his account, and gladly would he that moment have shown them
+their future lord; but he mastered his eager desire to walk as
+prince; for, indeed, the next morning would consummate his boldest
+wishes.
+
+The morning sun awoke the too happy tailor to the most important
+moment of his life, which would elevate him from an inferior
+situation, to the side of a royal father. As he was bridling his horse
+to ride to the pillar, the injustice of his course, indeed, occurred
+to him; his thoughts pictured to him the anguish of the true prince,
+betrayed in his fine hopes; but the die was cast: what was done could
+not be undone, and self-love whispered to him that he looked stately
+enough to pass for the son of the mightiest king. Inspirited by these
+reflections, he sprang upon his horse, and collecting all his courage
+to bring him to an ordinary gallop, in less than a quarter of an hour,
+reached the foot of the hill. He dismounted from his horse, and
+fastened it to one of the shrubs that were growing near; then he drew
+the dagger of Prince Omar, and proceeded up the hill. At the base of
+the pillar six persons were standing around an old gray-haired man, of
+lofty king-like aspect. A splendid caftan of gold cloth surrounded by
+a white Cashmere shawl, a snowy turban spangled with glittering
+precious stones, pointed him out as a man of opulence and nobility. To
+him Labakan proceeded, and bowing low before him, said, as he extended
+the dagger--
+
+"Here am I, whom you seek."
+
+"Praise to the Prophet who has preserved thee!" answered the
+gray-haired one, with tears of joy. "Omar, my beloved son, embrace
+thine old father!" The good tailor was deeply affected by these solemn
+words, and sank, with mingled emotions of joy and shame, into the arms
+of the old noble.
+
+But only for a moment was he to enjoy the unclouded delight of his new
+rank; raising himself from the arms of the king, he saw a rider
+hastening over the plain in the direction of the hill. The traveller
+and his horse presented a strange appearance; the animal, either from
+obstinacy or fatigue, seemed unwilling to proceed. He went along with
+a stumbling gait, which was neither a pace nor a trot; but the rider
+urged him on, with hands and feet, to a faster run. Only too soon did
+Labakan recognise his horse Murva, and the real Prince Omar. But the
+evil spirit of falsehood once more prevailed within him, and he
+resolved, come what might, with unmoved front to support the rights he
+had usurped. Already, in the distance, had they observed the horseman
+making signs; at length, in spite of Murva's slow gait, having reached
+the bottom of the hill, he threw himself from his horse, and began
+rapidly to ascend.
+
+"Hold!" cried he. "Hold! whoever you may be, and suffer not yourselves
+to be deceived by a most infamous impostor! I am called Omar, and let
+no mortal venture to misuse my name!"
+
+Great astonishment was depicted on the countenances of the bystanders
+at this turn of the affair; the old man, in particular, seemed to be
+much amazed, as he looked inquiringly on one and another. Thereupon
+Labakan spoke, with a composure gained only by the most powerful
+effort.
+
+"Most gracious lord and father, be not led astray by this man. He is,
+as far as I know, a mad journeyman tailor of Alexandria, by name
+Labakan, who deserves rather our pity than our anger."
+
+These words excited the prince almost to phrensy. Foaming with
+passion, he would have sprung upon Labakan, but the bystanders,
+throwing themselves between, secured him, while the old man said:
+"Truly, my beloved son, the poor man is crazed. Let them bind him and
+place him on one of our dromedaries; perhaps we may be of some
+assistance to the unfortunate."
+
+The anger of the prince had abated; in tears, he cried out to the old
+man, "My heart tells me that you are my father; by the memory of my
+mother, I conjure you--hear me!"
+
+"Alas! God guard us!" answered he: "already he again begins to talk
+wildly. How can the man come by such crazy thoughts?" Thereupon,
+seizing Labakan's arm, he made him accompany him down the hill. They
+both mounted fine and richly-caparisoned coursers, and rode at the
+head of the procession, across the plain. They tied the hands of the
+unfortunate prince, however, and bound him securely upon a dromedary.
+Two horsemen rode constantly by his side, who kept a watchful eye upon
+his every movement.
+
+The old prince was Saoud, sultan of the Wechabites. For some time had
+he lived without children; at last a prince, for whom he had so
+ardently longed, was born to him. But the astrologer, whom he
+consulted respecting the destiny of his son, told him that, until his
+twenty-second year, he would be in danger of being supplanted by an
+enemy. On that account, in order that he might be perfectly safe, had
+the sultan given him, to be brought up, to his old and tried friend,
+Elfi Bey; and twenty-two sad years had lived without looking upon him.
+
+This did the sultan impart to his supposed son, and seemed delighted
+beyond measure with his figure and dignified demeanor.
+
+When they reached the sultan's dominions, they were everywhere
+received by the inhabitants with shouts of joy; for the rumor of the
+prince's arrival had spread like wildfire through the cities and
+towns. In the streets through which they proceeded, arches of flowers
+and branches were erected; bright carpets of all colors adorned the
+houses; and the people loudly praised God and his prophet, who had
+discovered to them so noble a prince. All this filled the proud heart
+of the tailor with delight: so much the more unhappy did it make the
+real Omar, who, still bound, followed the procession in silent
+despair. In this universal jubilee, though it was all in his honor, no
+one paid him any attention. A thousand, and again a thousand, voices
+shouted the name of Omar; but of him who really bore this name, of him
+none took notice: at most, only one or two inquired whom they were
+carrying with them, so tightly bound, and frightfully in the ears of
+the prince sounded the answer of his guards, "It is a mad tailor."
+
+The procession at last reached the capital of the sultan, where all
+was prepared for their reception with still more brilliancy than in
+the other cities. The sultana, an elderly woman of majestic
+appearance, awaited them, with her whole court, in the most splendid
+saloon of the castle. The floor of this room was covered with a large
+carpet; the walls were adorned with bright blue tapestry, which was
+suspended from massive silver hooks, by cords and tassels of gold.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was dark by the time the procession came up, and accordingly many
+globular colored lamps were lighted in the saloon, which made night
+brilliant as day; but with the clearest brilliancy and most varied
+colors, shone those in the farthest part of the saloon, where the
+sultana was seated upon a throne. The throne stood upon four steps,
+and was of pure gold, inlaid with amethysts. The four most illustrious
+emirs held a canopy of crimson silk over the head of their mistress;
+and the sheik of Medina cooled her with a fan of peacock feathers.
+Thus awaited the sultana her husband and son; the latter she had never
+looked on since his birth, but significant dreams had so plainly shown
+her the object of her longings, that she would know him out of
+thousands.
+
+Now they heard the noise of the approaching troop; trumpets and drums
+mingled with the huzzas of the populace; the hoofs of the horses
+sounded on the court of the palace; steps came nearer and nearer; the
+doors of the room flew open, and, through rows of prostrate
+attendants, hastened the sultan, holding his son by the hand, towards
+the mother's throne.
+
+"Here," said he, "do I bring to thee, him for whom thou hast so often
+longed."
+
+The sultana, however, interrupted him, crying: "This is not my son!
+These are not the features which the Prophet has shown me in my
+dreams!"
+
+Just as the sultan was about to rebuke her superstition, the door of
+the saloon sprang open, and Prince Omar rushed in, followed by his
+guards, whom an exertion of his whole strength had enabled him to
+escape. Breathless, he threw himself before the throne, exclaiming:--
+
+"Here will I die! Kill me, cruel father, for this disgrace I can
+endure no longer!"
+
+All were confounded at these words; they pressed around the
+unfortunate one, and already were the guards, who had hurried up, on
+the point of seizing him and replacing his fetters, when the sultana,
+who had thus far looked on in mute astonishment, sprang from the
+throne.
+
+"Hold!" she cried; "this, and no other, is my son! This is he, who,
+though my eyes have never seen him, is well known to my heart!" The
+guards had involuntarily fallen back from Omar, but the sultan,
+foaming with rage, commanded them to bind the madman.
+
+"It is mine to decide," he cried with commanding tone; "and here we
+will judge, not by a woman's dreams, but by sure and infallible
+signs. This," pointing to Labakan, "is my son, for he has brought me
+the dagger, the real token of my friend Elfi."
+
+"He stole it," cried Omar; "my unsuspicious confidence has he
+treacherously abused!" But the sultan hearkened not to the voice of
+his son, for he was wont in all things obstinately to follow his own
+judgment. He bade them forcibly drag the unfortunate Omar from the
+saloon, and himself retired with Labakan to his chamber, filled with
+anger at his wife, with whom, nevertheless, he had lived in happiness
+for five-and-twenty years. The sultana was full of grief at this
+affair; she was perfectly convinced that an impostor had taken
+possession of the sultan's heart, so numerous and distinct had been
+the dreams which pointed out the unhappy Omar as her son. When her
+sorrow had a little abated, she reflected on the means of convincing
+her husband of his mistake. This was indeed difficult, for he who had
+passed himself off as her son, had presented the dagger, the token of
+recognition, and had, moreover, as she learned, become acquainted with
+so much of Omar's early life from the lips of the prince himself, as
+to be able to play his part without betraying himself.
+
+She called to her the men who had attended the sultan to the pillar
+El-Serujah, in order to have the whole matter exactly laid before her,
+and then took counsel with her most trusty female slaves. She chose,
+and in a moment rejected, this means and that; at length, Melechsalah,
+an old and cunning Circassian, spoke.
+
+"If I have heard rightly, honored mistress, the one who bore this
+dagger called him whom thou holdest to be thy son, a crazy tailor,
+Labakan?"
+
+"Yes, it is so," answered the sultana; "but what wilt thou make of
+that?"
+
+"What think you," proceeded the slave, "of this impostor's having
+stitched his own name upon your son? If this be so, we have an
+excellent way of catching the deceiver, which I will impart to you in
+private."
+
+The sultana gave ear to her slave, and the latter whispered to her a
+plan which seemed to please her, for she immediately got ready to go
+to the sultan. The sultana was a sensible woman, and knew not only
+the weak side of her husband, but also the way to take advantage of
+it. She seemed therefore to give up, and to be willing to acknowledge
+her son, only offering one condition: the sultan, whom the outbreak
+between himself and his wife had grieved, agreed thereto, and she
+said:--
+
+"I would fain have from each a proof of his skill; another, perhaps,
+would have them contend in riding, in single conflict, or in hurling
+spears: but these are things which every one can do; I will give them
+something which will require both knowledge and dexterity. It shall be
+this; each shall make a caftan, and a pair of pantaloons, and then
+will we see at once who can make the finest ones."
+
+The sultan laughingly answered, "Ah! thou hast hit on a fine
+expedient! Shall my son contend with a mad tailor, to see who can make
+the best caftan? No! that cannot be." The sultana, however, cried out,
+that he had already agreed to the condition, and her husband, who was
+a man of his word, at length yielded, though he swore, should the mad
+tailor make his caftan ever so beautiful, he would never acknowledge
+him as his son.
+
+The sultan thereupon went to his son, and entreated him to submit to
+the caprices of his mother, who now positively wished to see a caftan
+from his hands. The heart of the good Labakan laughed with delight; if
+that be all that is wanting, thought he to himself, then shall the
+lady sultana soon behold me with joy. Two rooms had been fitted up,
+one for the prince, the other for the tailor; there were they to try
+their skill, and each was furnished with shears, needles, thread, and
+a sufficient quantity of silk.
+
+The sultan was very eager to see what sort of a caftan his son would
+bring to light, but the heart of the sultana beat unquietly, from
+apprehension lest her stratagem might be unsuccessful. Two days had
+they been confined to their work; on the third, the sultan sent for
+his wife, and when she appeared, dispatched her to the apartments to
+bring the two caftans and their makers. With triumphant air Labakan
+walked in, and extended his garment before the astonished eyes of the
+sultan.
+
+"Behold, father," said he, "look, mother! see if this be not a
+masterpiece of a caftan. I will leave it to the most skilful
+court-tailor, upon a wager, whether he can produce such another."
+
+The sultana, smiling, turned to Omar:-- "And thou, my son, what hast
+thou brought?"
+
+Indignantly he cast the silk and shears upon the floor.
+
+"They have taught me to tame horses, and to swing my sabre; and my
+lance will strike you a mark at sixty paces. But the art of the needle
+is unknown to me; it were unworthy a pupil of Elfi Bey, the lord of
+Cairo!"
+
+"Oh, thou true son of my heart!" exclaimed the sultana. "Ah, that I
+might embrace thee, and call thee, son! Forgive me, husband and
+master," she continued, turning to the sultan, "for having set on foot
+this stratagem against you. See you not now who is prince, and who
+tailor? Of a truth the caftan which your lord son has made, is
+magnificent, and I would fain ask with what master he has learned!"
+
+The sultan was lost in deep reflection, looking with distrust, now on
+his wife, now on Labakan, who vainly sought to conceal his blushes and
+consternation at having so stupidly betrayed himself. "This proof
+pleases me not," said he; "but, Allah be praised! I know a means of
+learning whether I am deceived." He commanded them to bring his
+swiftest horse, mounted, and rode to a forest, which commenced not far
+from the city. There, according to an old tradition, lived a good
+fairy, named Adolzaide, who had often before this assisted with her
+advice the monarchs of his family, in the hour of need: thither
+hastened the sultan.
+
+In the middle of the wood was an open place, surrounded by lofty
+cedars. There, the story said, lived the fairy; and seldom did a
+mortal visit this spot, for a certain awe connected with it had, from
+olden time, descended from father to son. When the sultan had drawn
+near he dismounted, tied his horse to a tree, and placing himself in
+the middle of the open space, cried with loud voice:--
+
+"If it be true that thou hast given good counsel to my fathers, in the
+hour of need, then disdain not the request of their descendant, and
+advise me in a case where human understanding is too short-sighted."
+
+Hardly had he uttered the last word, when one of the cedars opened,
+and a veiled lady, in long white garments, stepped forth.
+
+"I know, Sultan Saoud, why thou comest to me; thy wish is fair,
+therefore shall my assistance be thine. Take these two chests; let
+each of the two who claim to be thy son, choose; I know that he who is
+the real one, will not make a wrong selection." Thus speaking, the
+veiled lady extended to him two little caskets of ivory, richly
+adorned with gold and pearls: upon the lids, which he vainly sought to
+open, were inscriptions formed by inlaid diamonds.
+
+As he was riding home, the sultan tormented himself with various
+conjectures, as to what might be the contents of the caskets, which,
+do his best, he could not open. The words on the outside threw no
+light upon the matter; for on one was inscribed, HONOR AND FAME; upon
+the other, FORTUNE AND WEALTH. Saoud thought it would be difficult to
+make choice between these two, which seemed equally attractive,
+equally alluring. When he reached the palace, he sent for his wife,
+and told her the answer of the fairy: it filled her with an eager
+hope, that he to whom her heart clung, might select the casket which
+would indicate his royal origin.
+
+Two tables were brought in before the sultan's throne; on these, with
+his own hand, Saoud placed the two boxes; then, ascending to his seat,
+he gave the signal to one of his slaves to open the door of the
+saloon. A brilliant throng of bashaws and emirs of the realm poured
+through the open door: they seated themselves on the splendid
+cushions, which were arranged around the walls. When they had done
+this, Saoud gave a second signal, and Labakan was introduced; with
+haughty step he walked through the apartment, and prostrated himself
+before the throne with these words:--
+
+"What is the command of my lord and father?" The sultan raised himself
+in his throne, and said:--
+
+"My son, doubts are entertained as to the genuineness of thy claims to
+this name; one of these chests contains the confirmation of thy real
+birth. Choose! I doubt not thou wilt select the right one!" Labakan
+raised himself, and advanced towards the boxes; for a long time he
+reflected as to which he should choose, at last he said:--
+
+"Honored father, what can be loftier than the fortune of being thy
+son? What more noble than the wealth of thy favor? I choose the chest
+which bears the inscription, FORTUNE AND WEALTH."
+
+"We will soon learn whether thou hast made the right choice; meanwhile
+sit down upon that cushion, near the bashaw of Medina," said the
+sultan, again motioning to his slaves.
+
+Omar was led in; his eye was mournful, his air dejected, and his
+appearance excited universal sympathy among the spectators. He threw
+himself before the throne, and inquired after the sultan's pleasure.
+Saoud informed him that he was to choose one of the chests: he arose,
+and approached the table. He read attentively both inscriptions, and
+said:--
+
+"The few last days have informed me how insecure is fortune, how
+transient is wealth; but they have also taught me that, in the breast
+of the brave, lives what can never be destroyed, HONOR, and that the
+bright star of RENOWN sets not with fortune. The die is cast! should I
+resign a crown, Honor and Fame, you are my choice!" He placed his hand
+upon the casket that he had chosen, but the sultan commanded him not
+to unclose it, while he motioned to Labakan to advance, in like
+manner, before his table. He did so, and at the same time grasped his
+box. The sultan, however, had a chalice brought in, with water from
+Zemzem, the holy fountain of Mecca, washed his hands for supplication,
+and, turning his face to the East, prostrated himself in prayer:
+
+"God of my fathers! Thou, who for centuries hast established our
+family, pure and unadulterated, grant that no unworthy one disgrace
+the name of the Abassidae; be with thy protection near my real son, in
+this hour of trial." The sultan arose, and reascended his throne.
+Universal expectation enchained all present; they scarcely breathed;
+one could have heard a mouse crawl over the hall, so mute and
+attentive were all. The hindmost extended their necks, in order to get
+a view of the chests, over the heads of those in front. The sultan
+spoke: "Open the chests;" and they, which before no violence could
+force, now sprang open of their own accord.
+
+In the one which Omar had chosen, lay upon a velvet cushion, a small
+golden crown, and a sceptre: in Labakan's, a large needle, and a
+little linen thread. The sultan commanded both to bring their caskets
+before him: he took the little crown from the cushion in his hand,
+and, wonderful to see! it became larger and larger, until it reached
+the size of a real crown. Placing it on his son Omar, who kneeled
+before him, he kissed his forehead, and bade him sit upon his right
+hand. To Labakan, however, he turned and said:--
+
+"There is an old proverb, 'Shoemaker, stick to thy last;' it seems
+that thou shouldst stick to thy needle. Thou hast not, indeed, merited
+much mercy at my hands, but one has supplicated for thee, whom this
+day I can refuse nothing; therefore give I thee thy paltry life; but,
+if I may advise, haste thee to leave my land."
+
+Ashamed, ruined as he was, the poor tailor could answer nothing: he
+threw himself before the prince, and tears came into his eyes.
+
+"Can you forgive me, prince?" he said.
+
+"To be true to a friend, magnanimous to a foe, is the pride of the
+Abassidae!" answered the prince, raising him. "Go in peace!"
+
+"My true son!" cried the old sultan, deeply affected, and sinking upon
+Omar's breast. The emirs and bashaws, and all the nobles of the
+realm, arose from their seats, to welcome the new prince, and amid
+this universal jubilee, Labakan, his chest under his arm, crept out of
+the saloon.
+
+He went down into the sultan's stable, bridled his horse Murva, and
+rode forth from the gate towards Alexandria. His whole career as
+prince recurred to him as a dream, and the splendid chest, richly
+adorned with pearls and diamonds, alone convinced him that it was not
+all an idle vision. Having at last reached Alexandria, he rode to the
+house of his old master, dismounted, and fastening his horse to the
+door, walked into the workshop. The master, who did not even know him,
+made a low bow and asked what was his pleasure: when, however, he had
+a nearer view of his guest, and recognised his old Labakan, he called
+to his journeymen and apprentices, and all precipitated themselves,
+like mad, upon poor Labakan, who expected no such reception; they
+bruised and beat him with smoothing-irons and yard-sticks, pricked him
+with needles, and pinched him with sharp shears, until he sank down,
+exhausted, on a heap of old clothes. As he lay there, the master
+ceased, for a moment, from his blows, to ask after the stolen
+garments: in vain Labakan assured him that he had come back on that
+account alone, to set all right; in vain offered him threefold
+compensation for his loss; the master and his journeymen fell upon him
+again, beat him terribly, and turned him out of doors. Sore and
+bruised, he mounted Murva, and rode to a caravansery. There he laid
+down his weary lacerated head, reflecting on the sorrows of earth, on
+merit so often unrewarded, and on the nothingness and transientness of
+all human blessings. He went to sleep with the determination to give
+up all hopes of greatness, and to become an honest burgher. Nor on the
+following day did he repent of his resolution, for the heavy hands of
+his master, and the journeymen, had cudgelled out of him all thoughts
+of nobility.
+
+He sold his box to a jeweller for a high price, and fitted up a
+workshop for his business. When he had arranged all, and had hung out,
+before his window, a sign with the inscription, LABAKAN, MERCHANT
+TAILOR, he sat down and began with the needle and thread he had found
+in the chest, to mend the coat which his master had so shockingly
+torn. He was called off from his work, but on returning to it, what a
+wonderful sight met his eyes! The needle was sewing industriously
+away, without being touched by any one; it took fine, elegant
+stitches, such as Labakan himself had never made even in his most
+skilful moments.
+
+Truly the smallest present of a kind fairy is useful, and of great
+value! Still another good quality had the gift; be the needle as
+industrious as it might, the little stock of thread never gave out.
+
+Labakan obtained many customers, and was soon the most famous tailor
+for miles around. He cut out the garments, and took the first stitch
+therein with the needle, and immediately the latter worked away,
+without cessation, until the whole was completed. Master Labakan soon
+had the whole city for customers, for his work was beautiful, and his
+charges low; and only one thing troubled the brains of the people of
+Alexandria, namely, how he finished his work entirely without
+journeymen, and with closed doors.
+
+Thus was the motto of the chest which promised fortune and wealth
+undergoing its accomplishment. FORTUNE AND WEALTH accompanied, with
+gradual increase, the steps of the good tailor, and when he listened
+to the praises of the young sultan Omar, who lived in every mouth;
+when he heard that this brave man was the object of his people's pride
+and love, the terror of his enemies; then would the quondam prince say
+to himself, "Still is it better that I remained a tailor, for HONOR
+AND FAME are ever accompanied by danger."
+
+Thus lived Labakan, contented with himself, respected by his
+fellow-burghers; and if the needle, meanwhile, has not lost her
+cunning, she is still sewing with the everlasting thread of the good
+Fairy Adolzaide.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At sundown the Caravan set out, and soon reached Birket-el-had, or
+"the Pilgrims' Fountain," whence the distance to Cairo was three
+leagues. The Caravan had been expected at this time, and the merchants
+soon had the pleasure of seeing their friends coming forth from the
+city to meet them. They entered through the gate Bebel-Falch, for it
+was considered a good omen for those who came from Mecca to enter by
+this gate, because the Prophet himself had passed through it.
+
+At the market-place the four Turkish merchants took leave of the
+stranger and the Greek Zaleukos, and went home with their friends.
+Zaleukos, however, showed his companion a good caravansery, and
+invited him to dine with him. The stranger agreed, and promised to
+make his appearance as soon as he should have changed his dress. The
+Greek made every arrangement for giving a fine entertainment to the
+stranger, for whom, upon the journey, he had conceived a deep feeling
+of esteem; and when the meats and drink had been brought in in proper
+order, he seated himself, waiting for his guest.
+
+He heard slow and heavy steps approaching through the gallery which
+led to their apartment. He arose in order to meet him as a friend, and
+welcome him upon the threshold; but, full of horror, he started back
+as the door opened--the same frightful Red-mantle walked in before
+him! His eyes were still turned upon him; it was no illusion: the same
+lofty, commanding figure, the mask, from beneath which shone forth the
+dark eyes, the red cloak with embroidery of gold--all were but too
+well known to him, impressed upon his mind as they had been during the
+most awful moments of his life.
+
+The breast of Zaleukos heaved with contending emotions; he had long
+since felt reconciled towards this too-well-remembered apparition, and
+forgiven him; nevertheless his sudden appearance opened every wound
+afresh. All those torturing hours of anguish, that wo which had
+envenomed the bloom of his life, rushed back for a moment, crowding
+upon his soul.
+
+"What wishest thou, terrible one?" cried the Greek, as the apparition
+still stood motionless upon the threshold. "Away with thee, that I may
+curse thee not!"
+
+"Zaleukos!" said a well-known voice from under the mask: "Zaleukos! is
+it thus that you receive your guest?" The speaker removed the mask,
+and threw back his cloak: it was Selim Baruch, the stranger! But still
+Zaleukos seemed not at ease, for he too plainly recognised in him the
+Unknown of the Ponte Vecchio: nevertheless, old habits of hospitality
+conquered; he silently motioned to the stranger to seat himself at the
+table.
+
+"I can guess your thoughts," commenced the latter, when they had taken
+their places: "your eyes look inquiringly upon me. I might have been
+silent, and your gaze would never more have beheld me; but I owe you
+an explanation, and therefore did I venture to appear before you in my
+former guise, even at the risk of receiving your curse. You once said
+to me, 'The faith of my fathers bids me love him; and he is probably
+more unhappy than myself:' be assured of this, my friend, and listen
+to my justification.
+
+"I must begin far back, in order that you may fully understand my
+story. I was born in Alexandria, of Christian parents. My father, the
+youngest son of an ancient illustrious French family, was consul for
+his native land in the city I have just mentioned. From my tenth year
+I was brought up in France, by one of my mother's brothers, and left
+my fatherland for the first time a few years after the revolution
+broke out there, in company with my uncle, who was no longer safe in
+the land of his ancestors, in order to seek refuge with my parents
+beyond the sea. We landed eagerly, hoping to find in my father's house
+the rest and quiet of which the troubles of France had deprived us.
+But ah! in my father's house I found not all as it should be: the
+external storms of these stirring times had not, it is true, reached
+it; but the more unexpectedly had misfortune made her home in the
+inmost hearts of my family. My brother, a promising young man, first
+secretary of my father, had shortly before married a young lady, the
+daughter of a Florentine noble who lived in our vicinity: two days
+before our arrival she had suddenly disappeared, and neither our
+family nor her own father could discern the slightest trace of her.
+At last they came to the conclusion that she had ventured too far in a
+walk, and had fallen into the hands of robbers. Almost agreeable was
+this thought to my poor brother, when compared to the truth, which
+only too soon became known. The perfidious one had eloped with a young
+Neapolitan, with whom she had become acquainted in her father's house.
+My brother, who was exceedingly affected by this step, employed every
+means to bring the guilty one to punishment; but in vain: his
+attempts, which in Naples and Florence had excited wonder, served only
+to complete his and our misfortune. The Florentine nobleman returned
+to his native land, under the pretence of seeing justice done to my
+brother, but with the real determination of destroying us all. He
+frustrated all those examinations which my brother had set on foot,
+and knew how to use his influence, which he had obtained in various
+ways, so well, that my father and brother fell under suspicion of
+their government, were seized in the most shameful manner, carried to
+France, and there suffered death by the axe of the executioner. My
+poor mother lost her mind; and not until ten long months had passed,
+did death release her from her awful situation, though for the few
+last days she was possessed of perfect consciousness. Thus did I now
+stand isolated in the world: one thought alone occupied my whole soul,
+one thought alone bade me forget my sorrows; it was the mighty flame
+which my mother in her last moments had kindled within me.
+
+"In her last moments, as I said, recollection returned; she had me
+summoned, and spoke with composure of our fate, and her own death.
+Then she sent all out of the room, raised herself, with a solemn air,
+from her miserable bed, and said that I should receive her blessing,
+if I would swear to accomplish something with which she would charge
+me. Amazed at the words of my dying mother, I promised with an oath to
+do whatever she should tell me. She thereupon broke forth in
+imprecations against the Florentine and his daughter, and charged me,
+with the most frightful threats of her curse, to avenge upon him the
+misfortunes of my house. She died in my arms. This thought of
+vengeance had long slumbered in my soul; it now awoke in all its
+might. I collected what remained of my paternal property, and bound
+myself by an oath to stake it all upon revenge, and, rather than be
+unsuccessful, to perish in the attempt.
+
+"I soon arrived in Florence, where I kept myself as private as
+possible; it was very difficult to put my plan in execution on account
+of the situation which my enemy occupied. The old Florentine had
+become governor, and thus had in his hand all the means of destroying
+me, should he entertain the slightest suspicion. An accident came to
+my assistance. One evening I saw a man in well-known livery, walking
+through the streets: his uncertain gait, his gloomy appearance, and
+the muttered 'Santo sacramento,' and 'Maledetto diavolo,' soon made me
+recognise old Pietro, a servant of the Florentine, whom I had formerly
+known in Alexandria. There was no doubt but that he was in a passion
+with his master, and I resolved to turn his humor to my advantage. He
+appeared much surprised to see me there, told me his grievances, that
+he could do nothing aright for his master since he had become
+governor, and my gold supported by his anger soon brought him over to
+my side. Most of the difficulty was now removed: I had a man in my
+pay, who would open to me at any hour the doors of my enemy, and from
+this time my plan of vengeance advanced to maturity with still greater
+rapidity. The life of the old Florentine seemed to me too pitiful a
+thing, to be put into the balance with that of my whole family.
+Murdered before him, he must see the dearest object of his love, and
+this was his daughter Bianca. It was she that had so shamefully
+wronged my brother, it was she that had been the author of our
+misfortunes. My heart, thirsting for revenge, eagerly drank in the
+intelligence, that Bianca was on the point of being married a second
+time; it was settled--she must die. But as my soul recoiled at the
+deed, and I attributed too little nerve to Pietro, we looked around
+for a man to accomplish our fell design. I could hire no Florentine,
+for there was none that would have undertaken such a thing against the
+governor. Thereupon Pietro hit upon a plan, which I afterwards
+adopted, and he thereupon proposed you, being a foreigner and a
+physician, as the proper person. The result you know: only, through
+your excessive foresight and honesty, my undertaking seemed, at one
+time, to be tottering; hence the scene with the mantle.
+
+"Pietro opened for us the little gate in the governor's palace; he
+would have let us out, also, in the same secret manner, if we had not
+fled, overcome by horror at the frightful spectacle, which, through
+the crack of the door, presented itself to our eyes. Pursued by terror
+and remorse, I ran on about two hundred paces, until I sank down upon
+the steps of a church. There I collected myself again, and my first
+thought was of you, and your awful fate, if found within the house.
+
+"I crept back to the palace, but neither of Pietro nor yourself could
+I discover a single trace. The door, however, was open, and I could at
+least hope that you had not neglected this opportunity of flight.
+
+"But when the day broke, fear of detection, and an unconquerable
+feeling of remorse, allowed me to remain no longer within the walls of
+Florence. I hastened to Rome. Imagine my consternation, when, after a
+few days, the story was everywhere told, with the addition that, in a
+Grecian physician, they had detected the murderer. In anxious fear, I
+returned to Florence; my vengeance now seemed too great: I cursed it
+again and again, for with your life it was purchased all too dearly. I
+arrived on the same day which cost you a hand. I will not tell you
+what I felt, when I saw you ascend the scaffold, and bear all with
+such heroism. But when the blood gushed forth in streams, then was my
+resolution taken, to sweeten the rest of your days. What has since
+happened you know; it only now remains to tell you, why I have
+travelled with you. As the thought that you had never yet forgiven me,
+pressed heavily upon me, I determined to spend some days with you, and
+at last to give you an explanation of what I had done."
+
+Silently had the Greek listened to his guest; with a kind look, as he
+finished, he offered him his right hand.
+
+"I knew very well that you must be more unhappy than I, for that awful
+deed will, like a thick cloud, forever darken your days. From my heart
+I forgive you. But answer me yet one question: how came you under this
+form, in the wilderness? What did you set about, after purchasing my
+house in Constantinople?"
+
+"I returned to Alexandria," answered the guest. "Hate against all
+mankind raged in my bosom; burning hate, in particular, against that
+people, whom they call 'the polished nation.' Believe me, my Moslem
+friends pleased me better. Scarcely a month had I been in Alexandria,
+when the invasion of my countrymen took place. I saw in them only the
+executioners of my father and brother; I, therefore, collected some
+young people of my acquaintance, who were of the same mind as myself,
+and joined those brave Mamelukes, who were so often the terror of the
+French host. When the campaign was finished, I could not make up my
+mind to return to the peaceful arts. With my little band of congenial
+friends, I led a restless, careless life, devoted to the field and the
+chase. I live contented among this people, who honor me as their
+chief; for though my Asiatics are not quite so refined as your
+Europeans, yet are they far removed from envy and slander, from
+selfishness and ambition."
+
+Zaleukos thanked the stranger for his relation, but did not conceal
+from him, that he would find things better suited to his rank and
+education, if he would live and work in Christian, in European lands.
+With delight his companion looked upon him.
+
+"I know by this," said he, "that you have entirely forgiven me, that
+you love me: receive, in return, my heartfelt thanks." He sprang up,
+and stood in full height before the Greek, whom the warlike air, the
+dark sparkling eyes, the deep mysterious voice of his guest, almost
+inspired with fear. "Thy proposal is intended kindly," continued he;
+"for another it might have charms; but I--I cannot accept it. Already
+stands my horse saddled: already do my attendants await me. Farewell,
+Zaleukos!"
+
+The friends whom destiny had so strangely thrown together, embraced at
+parting. "And how may I call thee? What is the name of my guest, who
+will forever live in my remembrance?" exclaimed the Greek.
+
+The stranger gazed at him some time, and said, as he pressed his hand
+once more: "They call me 'the lord of the wilderness;' I am THE ROBBER
+ORBASAN!"
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+Miscellaneous Juvenile Works,
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+    cts.
+
+    _CHILD'S OWN STORY BOOK_; or, Tales and Dialogues for
+    the Nursery. By Mrs. JERRAM. Illustrated with numerous
+    colored plates. Square 16mo., elegantly bound. 50 cts.
+
+    _CHILD'S PICTURE AND VERSE-BOOK_; commonly called "Otto
+    Speckter's Fable-Book." Translated from the German by
+    MARY HOWITT. Illustrated with 100 engravings on wood.
+    Square 16mo. Boards, 50 cts.; cloth, 62 cts.; gilt
+    edges, 75 cts.
+
+    _CITY CHARACTERS_; or, Familiar Scenes in Town. 1 vol.
+    square 16mo. Illustrated with 24 plates, designed by
+    CROOME. Paper covers, gilt edges, 25 cts. Do., cloth,
+    38 cts.
+
+    ------ Do., cloth, colored plates. 50 cts.
+
+
+Popular Tales
+
+BY MARY HOWITT, MRS. ELLIS, HANNAH MORE. &C. &C.
+
+    _ALICE FRANKLIN._ By Mary Howitt. 38 cts.
+
+    _HOPE ON, HOPE EVER!_ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _LITTLE COIN, MUCH CARE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _LOVE & MONEY._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _MY OWN STORY._ By do. 38 cts
+
+    _MY UNCLE THE CLOCKMAKER._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _NO SENSE LIKE COMMON SENSE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _SOWING AND REAPING._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _STRIVE AND THRIVE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _THE TWO APPRENTICES._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _WHICH IS THE WISER?_ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _WHO SHALL BE GREATEST?_ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _WORK & WAGES._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _DOMESTIC TALES._ By Hannah More. 2 vols. 75 cts.
+
+    _DANGERS OF DINING OUT._ By Mrs. Ellis. 38 cts.
+
+    _FIRST IMPRESSIONS._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _SOMERVILLE HALL._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _MINISTER'S FAMILY._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _SON OF A GENIUS._ By Mrs. Hofland. 38 cts.
+
+    _EARLY FRIENDSHIP._ By Mrs. Copley. 38 cts.
+
+    _POPULAR GROVE._ By do. 38 cts
+
+    _CHANCES AND CHANGES._ By Charles Burdett. 38 cts.
+
+    _NEVER TOO LATE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _CROFTON BOYS._ By Miss Martineau. 38 cts.
+
+    _PEASANT AND PRINCE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _FARMER'S DAUGHTER._ By Mrs. Cameron. 38 cts.
+
+    _TIRED OF HOUSEKEEPING._ By T. S. Arthur. 38 cts.
+
+    _TWIN SISTERS._ By Mrs. Sandham. 38 cts.
+
+    _LOOKING-GLASS FOR THE MIND._ 38 cts.
+
+    _GOLDMAKER'S VILLAGE._ By H. Zschokke. 38 cts.
+
+    _OCEAN WORK._ Ancient and Modern. By J. H. Wright. 38
+    cts.
+
+
+Uncle Amerel's Story Books.
+
+    _THE LITTLE GIFT BOOK._ 18mo., cloth. 25 cts.
+
+    _THE CHILD'S STORY BOOK._ Illustrated. 18mo., cloth. 25
+    cts.
+
+    _SUMMER HOLIDAYS._ 18mo., cloth. 25 cts.
+
+    _WINTER HOLIDAYS._ Illustrated. 18mo., cloth. 25 cts.
+
+    _GEORGE'S ADVENTURES IN THE COUNTRY._ Illus. 18mo.,
+    cloth. 25 cts.
+
+    _CHRISTMAS STORIES._ Illustrated. 18mo., cloth. 25 cts.
+
+
+Mary Howitt's Juvenile Tales.
+
+NEW EDITIONS, BOUND TOGETHER, ENTITLED:
+
+    _POPULAR MORAL TALES._ 16mo. 75 cts.
+
+    _JUVENILE TALES & STORIES._ 16mo. 75 cts.
+
+    _MY JUVENILE DAYS_, and other Tales. 16mo. 75 cts.
+
+    _TALES AND STORIES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS._ 75 cts.
+
+
+Library for my Young Countrymen.
+
+    _ADVENTURES OF CAPT. JOHN SMITH._ By the author of Uncle
+    Philip. 38 cts.
+
+    _ADVENTURES OF DANIEL BOONE._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF HENRY HUDSON._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _DAWNINGS OF GENIUS._ By Ann Pratt. 38 cts.
+
+    _LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF HERNAN CORTEZ._ By do. 38 cts.
+
+    _PHILIP RANDOLPH._ A Tale of Virginia. By M. Gertrude.
+    38 cts.
+
+    _ROWAN'S HISTORY OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION._ 2 vols. 75
+    cts
+
+    _SOUTHEY'S LIFE OF OLIVER CROMWELL._ 38 cts.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Minor punctuation errors have been corrected without note. There is
+some archaic spelling in this text, which has been retained as printed,
+for example, pedler, phrensy, wo, etc. The single oe ligature has not
+been retained.
+
+The author dedication at the beginning of the book appears exactly as
+printed in the original, although it appears that there is some text
+missing from the start of it.
+
+The following amendments have been made:
+
+    Page 101--thus amended to this--"... only this much I
+    know, that whoever ..."
+
+    Page 136--Nourmahal amended to Nurmahal--"... and asked
+    where Nurmahal and Mirza were."
+
+    Page 188--Saaud amended to Saoud--"The old prince was
+    Saoud, sultan of the Wechabites."
+
+    Page 204--sheers amended to shears--"... and pinched him
+    with sharp shears, until he sank down, ..."
+
+Illustrations have been moved slightly where they were previously
+located in the middle of a paragraph. The frontispiece illustration
+has been moved to follow the title page.
+
+Advertising material has been moved to the end of the text.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Oriental Story Book, by Wilhelm Hauff
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORIENTAL STORY BOOK ***
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