In days of yore and in times and tides long gone before there dwelt in a
certain town of Persia two brothers one named Kásim and the other ’Alí
Bábá, who at their father’s demise had divided the little wealth he had
left to them with equitable division, and had lost no time in wasting
and spending it all. The elder, however, presently took to himself a
wife, the daughter of an opulent merchant; so that when his
father-in-law fared to the mercy of Almighty Allah, he became owner of a
large shop filled with rare goods and costly wares and of a store-house
stocked with precious stuffs; likewise of much gold that was buried in
the ground. Thus was he known throughout the city as a substantial man.
But the woman whom Ali Baba had married was poor and needy; they lived,
therefore, in a mean hovel and Ali Baba eked out a scanty livelihood by
the sale of fuel which he daily collected in the jungle[39] and carried
about the town to the Bazar upon his three asses. Now it chanced one day
that Ali Baba had cut dead branches and dry fuel sufficient for his
need, and had placed the load upon his beasts when suddenly he espied a
dust-cloud spireing high in air to his right and moving rapidly towards
him; and when he closely considered it he descried a troop of horsemen
riding on amain and about to reach him. At this sight he was sore
alarmed, and fearing lest perchance they were a band of bandits who
would slay him and drive off his donkeys, in his affright he began to
run; but forasmuch as they were near hand and he could not escape from
out the forest, he drove his animals laden with the fuel into a bye-way
of the bushes and swarmed up a thick trunk of a huge tree to hide
himself therein; and he sat upon a branch whence he could descry
everything beneath him whilst none below could catch a glimpse of him
above; and that tree grew close beside a rock which towered high
above-head. The horsemen, young, active, and doughty riders, came close
up to the rock-face and all dismounted; whereat Ali Baba took good note
of them and soon he was fully persuaded by their mien and demeanour that
they were a troop of highwaymen who, having fallen upon a caravan had
despoiled it and carried off the spoil and brought their booty to this
place with intent of concealing it safely in some cache. Moreover he
observed that they were forty in number.——And as the morn began to dawn
Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Twenty-sixth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious king, that Ali Baba saw the
robbers, as soon as they came under the tree, each unbridle his horse
and hobble it; then all took off their saddle-bags which proved to be
full of gold and silver. The man who seemed to be the captain presently
pushed forwards, load on shoulder, through thorns and thickets, till he
came up to a certain spot where he uttered these strange words, “Open, O
Simsim!”[40] and forthwith appeared a wide doorway in the face of the
rock. The robbers went in and last of all their Chief and then the
portal shut of itself. Long while they stayed within the cave whilst Ali
Baba was constrained to abide perched upon the tree, reflecting that if
he came down peradventure the band might issue forth that very moment
and seize him and slay him. At last he had determined to mount one of
the horses and driving on his asses to return townwards, when suddenly
the portal flew open. The robber-chief was first to issue forth; then,
standing at the entrance, he saw and counted his men as they came out,
and lastly he spake the magical words, “Shut, O Simsim!” whereat the
door closed of itself. When all had passed muster and review, each slung
on his saddle-bags and bridled his own horse and as soon as ready they
rode off, led by the leader, in the direction whence they came. Ali Baba
remained still perched on the tree and watched their departure; nor
would he descend until what time they were clean gone out of sight, lest
perchance one of them return and look around and descry him. Then he
thought within himself, “I too will try the virtue of those magical
words and see if at my bidding the door will open and close.” So he
called out aloud, “Open, O Simsim!” And no sooner had he spoken than
straightway the portal flew open and he entered within. He saw a large
cavern and a vaulted, in height equalling the stature of a full-grown
man and it was hewn in the live stone and lighted up with light that
came through air-holes and bullseyes in the upper surface of the rock
which formed the roof. He had expected to find naught save outer gloom
in this robbers’ den, and he was surprised to see the whole room filled
with bales of all manner stuffs, and heaped up from sole to ceiling with
camel-loads of silks and brocades and embroidered cloths and mounds on
mounds of vari-coloured carpetings; besides which he espied coins golden
and silvern without measure or account, some piled upon the ground and
others bound in leathern bags and sacks. Seeing these goods and moneys
in such abundance, Ali Baba determined in his mind that not during a few
years only but for many generations thieves must have stored their gains
and spoils in this place. When he stood within the cave, its door had
closed upon him, yet he was not dismayed since he had kept in memory the
magical words; and he took no heed of the precious stuffs around him,
but applied himself only and wholly to the sacks of Ashrafis. Of these
he carried out as many as he judged sufficient burthen for the beasts;
then he loaded them upon his animals, and covered this plunder with
sticks and fuel, so none might discern the bags, but might think that he
was carrying home his usual ware. Lastly he called out, “Shut, O
Simsim!” and forthwith the door closed, for the spell so wrought that
whensoever any entered the cave, its portal shut of itself behind him;
and, as he issued therefrom, the same would neither open nor close again
till he had pronounced the words, “Shut, O Simsim!” Presently, having
laden his asses Ali Baba urged them before him with all speed to the
city and reaching home he drove them into the yard; and, shutting close
the outer door, took down first the sticks and fuel and after the bags
of gold which he carried in to his wife. She felt them and finding them
full of coin suspected that Ali Baba had been robbing and fell to
berating and blaming him for that he should do so ill a thing.——And as
the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Twenty-seventh Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that quoth Ali Baba to
his wife:—“Indeed I am no robber and rather do thou rejoice with me at
our good fortune.” Hereupon he told her of his adventure and began to
pour the gold from the bags in heaps before her, and her sight was
dazzled by the sheen and her heart delighted at his recital and
adventures. Then she began counting the gold, whereat quoth Ali Baba, “O
silly woman, how long wilt thou continue turning over the coin? now let
me dig a hole wherein to hide this treasure that none may know its
secret.” Quoth she, “Right is thy rede! still would I weigh the moneys
and have some inkling of their amount;” and he replied, “As thou
pleasest, but see thou tell no man.” So she went off in haste to Kasim’s
home to borrow weights and scales wherewith she might balance the
Ashrafis and make some reckoning of their value; and when she could not
find Kasim she said to his wife, “Lend me, I pray thee, thy scales for a
moment.” Replied her sister-in-law,[41] “Hast thou need of the bigger
balance or the smaller?” and the other rejoined, “I need not the large
scales, give me the little;” and her sister-in-law cried, “Stay here a
moment whilst I look about and find thy want.” With this pretext Kasim’s
wife went aside and secretly smeared wax and suet over the pan of the
balance, that she might know what thing it was Ali Baba’s wife would
weigh, for she made sure that whatso it be some bit thereof would stick
to the wax and fat. So the woman took this opportunity to satisfy her
curiosity, and Ali Baba’s wife suspecting naught thereof carried home
the scales and began to weigh the gold, whilst Ali Baba ceased not
digging; and, when the money was weighed, they twain stowed it into the
hole which they carefully filled up with earth. Then the good wife took
back the scales to her kinswoman, all unknowing that an Ashrafi had
adhered to the cup of the scales; but when Kasim’s wife espied the gold
coin she fumed with envy and wrath, saying to herself, “So ho! they
borrowed my balance to weigh out Ashrafis?” and she marvelled greatly
whence so poor a man as Ali Baba had gotten such store of wealth that he
should be obliged to weigh it with a pair of scales. Now after long
pondering the matter, when her husband returned home at eventide, she
said to him, “O man, thou deemest thyself a wight of wealth and
substance, but lo, thy brother Ali Baba is an Emir by the side of thee
and richer far than thou art. He hath such heaps of gold that he must
needs weigh his moneys with scales, whilst thou, forsooth, art satisfied
to count thy coin.” “Whence knowest thou this?” asked Kasim, and in
answer his wife related all anent the pair of scales and how she found
an Ashrafi stuck to them, and shewed him the gold coin which bore the
mark and superscription of some ancient king. No sleep had Kasim all
that night by reason of his envy and jealousy and covetise; and next
morning he rose betimes and going to Ali Baba said, “O my brother, to
all appearance thou art poor and needy; but in effect thou hast a store
of wealth so abundant that perforce thou must weigh thy gold with
scales.” Quoth Ali Baba, “What is this thou sayest? I understand thee
not; make clear thy purport;” and quoth Kasim with ready rage, “Feign
not that thou art ignorant of what I say and think not to deceive me.”
Then showing him the Ashrafi he cried, “Thousands of gold coins such as
these thou hast put by; and meanwhile my wife found this one stuck to
the cup of the scales.” Then Ali Baba understood how both Kasim and his
wife knew that he had store of Ashrafis, and said in his mind that it
would not avail him to keep the matter hidden, but would rather cause
ill-will and mischief; and thus he was induced to tell his brother every
whit concerning the bandits[42] and also of the treasure trove in the
cave. When he had heard the story, Kasim exclaimed, “I would fain learn
of thee the certainty of the place where thou foundest the moneys; also
the magical words whereby the door opened and closed; and I forewarn
thee an thou tell me not the whole truth, I will give notice of those
Ashrafis to the Wálí;[43] then shalt thou forfeit all thy wealth and be
disgraced and thrown into gaol.” Thereupon Ali Baba told him his tale
not forgetting the magical words; and Kasim who kept careful heed of all
these matters next day set out, driving ten mules he had hired, and
readily found the place which Ali Baba had described to him. And when he
came to the aforesaid rock and to the tree whereon Ali Baba had hidden
himself, and he had made sure of the door he cried in great joy, “Open,
O Simsim!” The portal yawned wide at once and Kasim went within and saw
the piles of jewels and treasures lying ranged all around; and, as soon
as he stood amongst them the door shut after him as wont to do. He
walked about in ecstasy marvelling at the treasures, and when weary of
admiration he gathered together bags of Ashrafis, a sufficient load for
his ten mules, and placed them by the entrance in readiness to be
carried outside and set upon the beasts. But by the will of Allah
Almighty he had clean forgotten the cabalistic words and cried out,
“Open, O Barley!” whereat the door refused to move. Astonished and
confused beyond measure he named the names of all manner of grains save
sesame, which had slipped from his memory as though he had never heard
the word; whereat in his dire distress he heeded not the Ashrafis that
lay heaped at the entrance and paced to and fro, backwards and forwards,
within the cave sorely puzzled and perplexed. The wealth whose sight had
erewhile filled his heart with joy and gladness was now the cause of
bitter grief and sadness.——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held
her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Twenty-eighth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Kasim gave up all
hope of the life which he by his greed and envy had so sore imperilled.
It came to pass that at noontide the robbers, returning by that way, saw
from afar some mules standing beside the entrance and much they
marvelled at what had brought the beasts to that place; for, inasmuch as
Kasim by mischance had failed to tether or hobble them, they had strayed
about the jungle and were browsing hither and thither. However, the
thieves paid scant regard to the estrays nor cared they to secure them,
but only wondered by what means they had wandered so far from the town.
Then, reaching the cave the Captain and his troop dismounted and going
up to the door repeated the formula and at once it flew open. Now Kasim
had heard from within the cave the horse-hooves drawing nigh and yet
nigher; and he fell down to the ground in a fit of fear never doubting
that it was the clatter of the banditti who would slaughter him without
fail. Howbeit he presently took heart of grace and at the moment when
the door flew open he rushed out hoping to make good his escape. But the
unhappy ran full tilt against the Captain who stood in front of the
band, and felled him to the ground; whereupon a robber standing near his
chief at once bared his brand and with one cut clave Kasim clean in
twain. Thereupon the robbers rushed into the cavern, and put back as
they were before the bags of Ashrafis which Kasim had heaped up at the
doorway ready for taking away; nor recked they aught of those which Ali
Baba had removed, so dazed and amazed were they to discover by what
means the strange man had effected an entrance. All knew that it was not
possible for any to drop through the skylights so tall and steep was the
rock’s face, withal slippery of ascent; and also that none could enter
by the portal unless he knew the magical words whereby to open it.
However they presently quartered the dead body of Kasim and hung it to
the door within the cavern, two parts to the right jamb and as many to
the left[44] that the sight might be a warning of approaching doom for
all who dared enter the cave. Then coming out they closed the hoard door
and rode away upon their wonted work. Now when night fell and Kasim came
not home, his wife waxed uneasy in mind and running round to Ali Baba
said, “O my brother, Kasim hath not returned: thou knowest whither he
went, and sore I fear me some misfortune hath betided him.” Ali Baba
also divined that a mishap had happened to prevent his return; not the
less, however, he strove to comfort his sister-in-law with words of
cheer and said, “O wife of my brother, Kasim haply exerciseth discretion
and, avoiding the city, cometh by a roundabout road and will be here
anon. This, I do believe, is the reason why he tarrieth.” Thereupon
comforted in spirit Kasim’s wife fared homewards and sat awaiting her
husband’s return; but when half the night was spent and still he came
not, she was as one distraught. She feared to cry aloud for her grief,
lest haply the neighbours hearing her should come and learn the secret;
so she wept in silence and upbraiding herself fell to thinking,
“Wherefore did I disclose this secret to him and beget envy and jealousy
of Ali Baba? this be the fruit thereof and hence the disaster that hath
come down upon me.” She spent the rest of the night in bitter tears and
early on the morrow hied in hottest hurry to Ali Baba and prayed that he
would go forth in quest of his brother; so he strove to console her and
straightway set out with his asses for the forest. Presently, reaching
the rock he wondered to see stains of blood freshly shed and not finding
his brother or the ten mules he forefelt a calamity from so evil a sign.
He then went to the door and saving, “Open, O Simsim!” he pushed in and
saw the dead body of Kasim, two parts hanging to the right, and the rest
to the left of the entrance. Albeit he was affrighted beyond measure of
affright he wrapped the quarters in two cloths and laid them upon one of
his asses, hiding them carefully with sticks and fuel that none might
see them. Then he placed the bags of gold upon the two other animals and
likewise covered them most carefully; and, when all was made ready he
closed the cave-door with the magical words, and set him forth wending
homewards with all ward and watchfulness. The asses with the load of
Ashrafis he made over to his wife and bade her bury the bags with
diligence; but he told her not the condition in which he had come upon
his brother Kasim. Then he went with the other ass, to wit, the beast
whereon was laid the corpse to the widow’s house and knocked gently at
the door. Now Kasim had a slave-girl shrewd and sharp-witted,
Morgiana[45] hight. She as softly undid the bolt and admitted Ali Baba
and the ass into the courtyard of the house, when he let down the body
from the beast’s back and said, “O Morgiana, haste thee and make thee
ready to perform the rites for the burial of thy lord: I now go to tell
the tidings to thy mistress and I will quickly return to help thee in
this matter.” At that instant Kasim’s widow seeing her brother-in-law,
exclaimed, “O Ali Baba, what news bringest thou of my spouse? Alas, I
see grief tokens written upon thy countenance. Say quickly what hath
happened.” Then he recounted to her how it had fared with her husband
and how he had been slain by the robbers and in what wise he had brought
home the dead body.——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her
peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Twenty-ninth Night,
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Ali Baba
pursued:—“O my lady, what was to happen hath happened, but it behoveth
us to keep this matter secret, for that our lives depend upon privacy.”
She wept with sore weeping and made answer, “It hath fared with my
husband according to the fiat of Fate; and now for thy safety’s sake I
give thee my word to keep the affair concealed.” He replied, “Naught can
avail when Allah hath decreed. Rest thee in patience; until the days of
thy widowhood[46] be accomplisht; after which time I will take thee to
wife, and thou shalt live in comfort and happiness; and fear not lest my
first spouse vex thee or show aught of jealousy, for that she is kindly
and tender of heart.” The widow lamenting her loss noisily, cried, “Be
it as e’en thou please.” Then Ali Baba farewelled her, weeping and
wailing for her husband; and joining Morgiana took counsel with her how
to manage the burial of his brother. So, after much consultation and
many warnings, he left the slave-girl and departed home driving his ass
before him. As soon as Ali Baba had fared forth Morgiana went quickly to
a druggist’s shop; and, that she might the better dissemble with him and
not make known the matter, she asked of him a drug often administered to
men when diseased with dangerous distemper. He gave it saying, “Who is
there in thy house that lieth so ill as to require this medicine?” and
said she, “My Master Kasim is sick well-nigh unto death: for many days
he hath nor spoken nor tasted aught of food, so that almost we despair
of his life.” Next day Morgiana went again and asked the druggist for
more of medicine and essences such as are adhibited to the sick when at
door of death, that the moribund may haply rally before the last breath.
The man gave the potion and she taking it sighed aloud and wept, saying,
“I fear me he may not have strength to drink this draught: methinks all
will be over with him ere I return to the house.” Meanwhile Ali Baba was
anxiously awaiting to hear sounds of wailing and lamentation in Kasim’s
home that he might at such signal hasten thither and take part in the
ceremonies of the funeral. Early on the second day Morgiana went with
veiled face to one Bábá Mustafá,[47] a tailor well shotten in years
whose craft was to make shrouds and cerecloths; and as soon as she saw
him open his shop she gave him a gold piece and said, “Do thou bind a
bandage over thine eyes and come along with me.” Mustafa made as though
he would not go, whereat Morgiana placed a second gold coin in his palm
and entreated him to accompany her. The tailor presently consented for
greed of gain, so tying a kerchief tightly over his eyes she led him by
the hand to the house wherein lay the dead body of her master. Then,
taking off the bandage in the darkened room she bade him sew together
the quarters of the corpse, limb to its limb; and, casting a cloth upon
the body, said to the tailor, “Make haste and sew a shroud according to
the size of this dead man and I will give thee therefor yet another
ducat.” Baba Mustafa quickly made the cere cloth of fitting length and
breadth, and Morgiana paid him the promised Ashrafi; then once more
bandaging his eyes led him back to the place whence she had brought him.
After this she returned hurriedly home and with the help of Ali Baba
washed the body in warm water and donning the shroud lay the corpse upon
a clean place ready for burial. This done Morgiana went to the mosque
and gave notice to an Imám[48] that a funeral was awaiting the mourners
in a certain household, and prayed that he would come to read the
prayers for the dead; and the Imám went back with her. Then four
neighbours took up the bier[49] and bore it on their shoulders and fared
forth with the Imam and others who were wont to give assistance at such
obsequies. After the funeral prayers were ended four other men carried
off the coffin; and Morgiana walked before it bare of head, striking her
breast and weeping and wailing with exceeding loud lament, whilst Ali
Baba and the neighbours came behind. In such order they entered the
cemetery and buried him; then, leaving him to Munkar and Nakir[50]—the
Questioners of the Dead—all wended their ways. Presently the women of
the quarter, according to the custom of the city, gathered together in
the house of mourning and sat an hour with Kasim’s widow comforting and
condoling, presently leaving her somewhat resigned and cheered. Ali Baba
stayed forty days at home in ceremonial lamentation for the loss of his
brother; so none within the town save himself and his wife (Kasim’s
widow) and Morgiana knew aught about the secret. And when the forty days
of mourning were ended Ali Baba removed to his own quarters all the
property belonging to the deceased and openly married the widow; then he
appointed his nephew, his brother’s eldest son, who had lived a long
time with a wealthy merchant and was perfect of knowledge in all matters
of trade, such as selling and buying, to take charge of the defunct’s
shop and to carry on the business.——And as the morn began to dawn
Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirtieth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, it so chanced one day
when the robbers, as was their wont, came to the treasure-cave that they
marvelled exceedingly to find nor sign nor trace of Kasim’s body whilst
they observed that much of gold had been carried off. Quoth the Captain,
“Now it behoveth us to make enquiry in this matter; else shall we suffer
much of loss and this our treasure, which we and our forefathers have
amassed during the course of many years, will little by little be wasted
and spoiled.” Hereto all assented and with single mind agreed that he
whom they had slain had knowledge of the magical words whereby the door
was made to open; moreover that some one beside him had cognizance of
the spell and had carried off the body, and also much of gold; wherefore
they needs must make diligent research and find out who the man ever
might be. They then took counsel and determined that one amongst them,
who should be sagacious and deft of wit, must don the dress of some
merchant from foreign parts; then, repairing to the city he must go
about from quarter to quarter and from street to street, and learn if
any townsman had lately died and if so where he wont to dwell, that with
this clue they might be enabled to find the wight they sought. Hereat
said one of the robbers, “Grant me leave that I fare and find out such
tidings in the town and bring thee word anon; and if I fail of my
purpose I hold my life in forfeit.” Accordingly that bandit, after
disguising himself by dress, pushed at night into the town and next
morning early he repaired to the market-square and saw that none of the
shops had yet been opened, save only that of Baba Mustafa the tailor,
who thread and needle in hand sat upon his working-stool. The thief bade
him good day and said, “’Tis yet dark: how canst thou see to sew?” Said
the tailor, “I perceive thou art a stranger. Despite my years my
eyesight is so keen that only yesterday I sewed together a dead body
whilst sitting in a room quite darkened.” Quoth the bandit thereupon to
himself, “I shall get somewhat of my want from this snip;” and to secure
a further clue he asked, “Meseemeth thou wouldst jest with me and thou
meanest that a cerecloth for a corpse was stitched by thee and that thy
business is to sew shrouds.” Answered the tailor, “It mattereth not to
thee: question me no more questions.” Thereupon the robber placed an
Ashrafi in his hand and continued, “I desire not to discover aught thou
hidest, albeit my breast like every honest man’s is the grave of
secrets; and this only would I learn of thee, in what house didst thou
do that job? Canst thou direct me thither, or thyself conduct me
thereto?” The tailor took the gold with greed and cried, “I have not
seen with my own eyes the way to that house. A certain bondswoman led me
to a place which I know right well and there she bandaged my eyes and
guided me to some tenement and lastly carried me into a darkened room
where lay the dead body dismembered. Then she unbound the kerchief and
bade me sew together first the corpse and then the shroud, which having
done she again blindfolded me and led me back to the stead whence she
had brought me and left me there. Thou seest then I am not able to tell
thee where thou shalt find the house.” Quoth the robber, “Albeit thou
knowest not the dwelling whereof thou speakest, still canst thou take me
to the place where thou wast blindfolded; then I will bind a kerchief
over thine eyes and lead thee as thou wast led: on this wise perchance
thou mayest hit upon the site. An thou wilt do this favour by me, see
here another golden ducat is thine.” Thereupon the bandit slipped a
second Ashrafi into the tailor’s palm, and Baba Mustafa thrust it with
the first into his pocket; then, leaving his shop as it was, he walked
to the place where Morgiana had tied the kerchief around his eyes, and
with him went the robber who, after binding on the bandage, led him by
the hand. Baba Mustafa, who was clever and keen-witted, presently
striking the street whereby he had fared with the handmaid, walked on
counting step by step; then, halting suddenly, he said, “Thus far I came
with her;” and the twain stopped in front of Kasim’s house wherein now
dwelt his brother Ali Baba.——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad
held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-First Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that the robber then
made marks with white chalk upon the door to the end that he might
readily find it at some future time, and removing the bandage from the
tailor’s eyes said, “O Baba Mustafa, I thank thee for this favour: and
Almighty Allah guerdon thee for thy goodness. Tell me now, I pray thee,
who dwelleth in yonder house?” Quoth he, “In very sooth I wot not, for I
have little knowledge concerning this quarter of the city;” and the
bandit, understanding that he could find no further clue from the
tailor, dismissed him to his shop with abundant thanks, and hastened
back to the tryst-place in the jungle where the band awaited his coming.
Not long after it so fortuned that Morgiana, going out upon some errand,
marvelled exceedingly at seeing the chalk-marks showing white in the
door; she stood awhile deep in thought and presently divined that some
enemy had made the signs that he might recognize the house and play some
sleight upon her lord. She therefore chalked the doors of all her
neighbours in like manner and kept the matter secret, never entrusting
it or to master or to mistress. Meanwhile the robber told his comrades
his tale of adventure and how he had found the clue; so the Captain and
with him all the band went one after other by different ways till they
entered the city; and he who had placed the mark on Ali Baba’s door
accompanied the Chief to point out the place. He conducted him
straightway to the house and shewing the sign exclaimed, “Here dwelleth
he of whom we are in search!” But when the Captain looked around him he
saw that all the dwellings bore chalk-marks after like fashion and he
wondered saying, “By what manner of means knowest thou which house of
all these houses that bear similar signs is that whereof thou spakest?”
Hereat the robber-guide was confounded beyond measure of confusion, and
could make no answer; then with an oath he cried, “I did assuredly set a
sign upon a door, but I know not whence came all the marks upon the
other entrances; nor can I say for a surety which it was I chalked.”
Thereupon the Captain returned to the market-place and said to his men,
“We have toiled and laboured in vain, nor have we found the house we
went forth to seek. Return we now to the forest our rendezvous: I also
will fare thither.” Then all trooped off and assembled together within
the treasure-cave; and, when the robbers had all met, the Captain judged
him worthy of punishment who had spoken falsely and had led them through
the city to no purpose. So he imprisoned him in presence of them
all;[51] and then said he, “To him amongst you will I show special
favour who shall go to town and bring me intelligence whereby we may lay
hands upon the plunderer of our property.” Hereat another of the company
came forward and said, “I am ready to go and enquire into the case, and
’tis I who will bring thee to thy wish.” The Captain after giving him
presents and promises despatched him upon his errand; and by the decree
of Destiny which none may gainsay, this second robber went first to the
house of Baba Mustafa the tailor, as had done the thief who had foregone
him. In like manner he also persuaded the snip with gifts of golden coin
that he be led hoodwinked and thus too he was guided to Ali Baba’s door.
Here noting the work of his predecessor, he affixed to the jamb a mark
with red chalk the better to distinguish it from the others whereon
still showed the white. Then hied he back in stealth to his company; but
Morgiana on her part also descried the red sign on the entrance and with
subtle forethought marked all the others after the same fashion; nor
told she any what she had done. Meanwhile the bandit rejoined his band
and vauntingly said, “O our Captain, I have found the house and thereon
put a mark whereby I shall distinguish it clearly from all its
neighbours.”——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace
till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-second Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that the Captain
despatched another of his men to the city and he found the place, but,
as aforetime, when the troop repaired thither they saw each and every
house marked with signs of red chalk. So they returned disappointed and
the Captain, waxing displeased exceedingly and distraught, clapped also
this spy into gaol. Then said the chief to himself, “Two men have failed
in their endeavour and have met their rightful meed of punishment; and I
trow that none other of my band will essay to follow up their research;
so I myself will go and find the house of this wight,” Accordingly he
fared along and aided by the tailor Baba Mustafa, who had gained much
gain of golden pieces in this matter, he hit upon the house of Ali Baba;
and here he made no outward show or sign, but marked it on the
tablet[52] of his heart and impressed the picture upon the page of his
memory. Then returning to the jungle he said to his men, “I have full
cognizance of the place and have limned it clearly in my mind; so now
there will be no difficulty in finding it. Go forth straightways and buy
me and bring hither nineteen mules together with one large leathern jar
of mustard oil and seven and thirty vessels of the same kind clean
empty. Without me and the two locked up in gaol ye number thirty-seven
souls; so I will stow you away armed and accoutred each within his jar
and will load two upon each mule, and upon the nineteenth mule there
shall be a man in an empty jar on one side, and on the other the jar
full of oil. I for my part, in guise of an oil-merchant, will drive the
mules into the town, arriving at the house by night, and will ask
permission of its master to tarry there until morning. After this we
shall seek occasion during the dark hours to rise up and fall upon him
and slay him.” Furthermore the Captain spake saying, “When we have made
an end of him we shall recover the gold and treasure whereof he robbed
us and bring it back upon the mules.” This counsel pleased the robbers
who went forthwith and purchased mules and huge leathern jars, and did
as the Captain had bidden them. And after a delay of three days shortly
before nightfall they arose; and over-smearing all the jars with oil of
mustard, each hid him inside an empty vessel. The Chief then disguised
himself in trader’s gear and placed the jars upon the nineteen mules; to
wit, the thirty-seven vessels in each of which lay a robber armed and
accoutred, and the one that was full of oil. This done, he drove the
beasts before him and presently he reached Ali Baba’s place at
nightfall; when it chanced that the house-master was strolling after
supper to and fro in front of his home. The Captain saluted him with the
salam and said, “I come from such and such a village with oil; and
ofttimes have I been here a-selling oil, but now to my grief I have
arrived too late and I am sore troubled and perplexed as to where I
shall spend the night. An thou have pity on me I pray thee grant that I
tarry here in thy courtyard and ease the mules by taking down the jars
and giving the beasts somewhat of fodder.” Albeit Ali Baba had heard the
Captain’s voice when perched upon the tree and had seen him enter the
cave, yet by reason of the disguise he knew him not for the leader of
the thieves, and granted his request with hearty welcome and gave him
full license to halt there for the night. He then pointed out an empty
shed wherein to tether the mules, and bade one of the slave-boys go
fetch grain and water. He also gave orders to the slave-girl Morgiana
saying, “A guest hath come hither and tarrieth here to-night. Do thou
busy thyself with all speed about his supper and make ready the
guest-bed for him.” Presently, when the Captain had let down all the
jars and had fed and watered his mules, Ali Baba received him with all
courtesy and kindness, and summoning Morgiana said in his presence, “See
thou fail not in service of this our stranger nor suffer him to lack for
aught. To-morrow early I would fare to the Hammam and bathe; so do thou
give my slave-boy Abdullah a suit of clean white clothes which I may put
on after washing; moreover make thee ready a somewhat of broth overnight
that I may drink it after my return home.” Replied she, “I will have all
in readiness as thou hast bidden.” So Ali Baba retired to his rest, and
the Captain, having supped, repaired to the shed and saw that all the
mules had their food and drink for the night.——And as the morn began to
dawn Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-third Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that the Captain, after
seeing to the mules and the jars which Ali Baba and his household held
to be full of oil, finding utter privacy, whispered to his men who were
in ambush, “This night at midnight when ye hear my voice, do you quickly
open with your sharp knives the leathern jars from top to bottom and
issue forth without delay.” Then passing through the kitchen he reached
the chamber wherein a bed had been dispread for him, Morgiana showing
the way with a lamp. Quoth she, “An thou need aught beside I pray thee
command this thy slave who is ever ready to obey thy say!” He made
answer, “Naught else need I;” then, putting out the light, he lay him
down on the bed to sleep awhile ere the time came to rouse his men and
finish off the work. Meanwhile Morgiana did as her master had bidden
her: she first took out a suit of clean white clothes and made it over
to Abdullah who had not yet gone to rest; then she placed the pipkin
upon the hearth to boil the broth and blew the fire till it burnt
briskly. After a short delay she needs must see an the broth be boiling,
but by that time all the lamps had gone out and she found that the oil
was spent and that nowhere could she get a light. The slave-boy Abdullah
observed that she was troubled and perplexed hereat, and quoth he to
her, “Why make so much ado? In yonder shed are many jars of oil: go now
and take as much soever as thou listest.” Morgiana gave thanks to him
for his suggestion; and Abdullah, who was lying at his ease in the hall,
went off to sleep so that he might wake betimes and serve Ali Baba in
the bath. So the handmaiden rose[53] and with oil-can in hand walked to
the shed where stood the leathern jars all ranged in rows. Now, as she
drew nigh unto one of the vessels, the thief who was hidden therein
hearing the tread of footsteps bethought him that it was of his Captain
whose summons he awaited; so he whispered, “Is it now time for us to
sally forth?” Morgiana started back affrighted at the sound of human
accents; but, inasmuch as she was bold and ready of wit, she replied,
“The time is not yet come,” and said to herself, “These jars are not
full of oil and herein I perceive a manner of mystery. Haply the oil
merchant hatcheth some treacherous plot against my lord; so Allah, the
Compassionating, the Compassionate, protect us from his snares!”
Wherefore she answered in a voice made like to the Captain’s, “Not yet,
the time is not come.” Then she went to the next jar and returned the
same reply to him who was within, and so on to all the vessels one by
one. Then said she in herself, “Laud to the Lord! my master took this
fellow in believing him to be an oil-merchant, but lo, he hath admitted
a band of robbers, who only await the signal to fall upon him and
plunder the place and do him die.” Then passed she on to the furthest
jar and finding it brimming with oil, filled her can, and returning to
the kitchen, trimmed the lamp and lit the wicks; then, bringing forth a
large cauldron, she set it upon the fire, and filling it with oil from
out the jar heaped wood upon the hearth and fanned it to a fierce flame
the readier to boil its contents. When this was done she baled it out in
potfuls and poured it seething hot into the leathern vessels one by one
while the thieves unable to escape were scalded to death and every jar
contained a corpse.[54] Thus did this slave-girl by her subtle wit make
a clean end of all noiselessly and unknown even to the dwellers in the
house. Now when she had satisfied herself that each and every of the men
had been slain, she went back to the kitchen and shutting to the door
sat brewing Ali Baba’s broth. Scarce had an hour passed before the
Captain woke from sleep; and, opening wide his window, saw that all was
dark and silent; so he clapped his hands as a signal for his men to come
forth but not a sound was heard in return. After awhile he clapped again
and called aloud but got no answer; and when he cried out a third time
without reply he was perplexed and went out to the shed wherein stood
the jars. He thought to himself, “Perchance all are fallen asleep whenas
the time for action is now at hand, so I must e’en awaken them without
stay or delay.” Then approaching the nearest jar he was startled by a
smell of oil and seething flesh; and touching it outside he felt it
reeking hot; then going to the others one by one, he found all in like
condition. Hereat he knew for a surety the fate which had betided his
band and, fearing for his own safety, he clomb on to the wall, and
thence dropping into a garden made his escape in high dudgeon and sore
disappointment. Morgiana awaited awhile to see the Captain return from
the shed but he came not; whereat she knew that he had scaled the wall
and had taken to flight, for that the street-door was double-locked; and
the thieves being all disposed of on this wise Morgiana laid her down to
sleep in perfect solace and ease of mind. When two hours of darkness yet
remained, Ali Baba awoke and went to the Hammam knowing naught of the
night adventure, for the gallant slave-girl had not aroused him, nor
indeed had she deemed such action expedient, because had she sought an
opportunity of reporting to him her plan, she might haply have lost her
chance and spoiled the project. The sun was high over the horizon when
Ali Baba walked back from the Baths; and he marvelled exceedingly to see
the jars still standing under the shed and said, “How cometh it that he,
the oil-merchant my guest, hath not carried to the market his mules and
jars of oil?”——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace
till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-fourth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Ali Baba presently
asked Morgiana what had befallen the oil-merchant his guest whom he had
placed under her charge; and she answered, “Allah Almighty vouchsafe to
thee six score years and ten of safety! I will tell thee in privacy of
this merchant.” So Ali Baba went apart with his slave-girl, who taking
him without the house first locked the court-door; then showing him a
jar she said, “Prithee look into this and see if within there be oil or
aught else.” Thereupon peering inside it he perceived a man at which
sight he cried aloud and fain would have fled in his fright. Quoth
Morgiana, “Fear him not, this man hath no longer the force to work thee
harm, he lieth dead and stone-dead.” Hearing such words of comfort and
reassurance Ali Baba asked, “O Morgiana, what evils have we escaped and
by what means hath this wretch become the quarry of Fate?” She answered
“Alhamdolillah—Praise be to Almighty Allah!—I will inform thee fully of
the case; but hush thee, speak not aloud, lest haply the neighbours
learn the secret and it end in our confusion. Look now into all the
jars, one by one from first to last.” So Ali Baba examined them
severally and found in each a man fully armed and accoutred and all lay
scalded to death. Hereat speechless for sheer amazement he stared at the
jars, but presently recovering himself he asked, “And where is he, the
oil-merchant?” Answered she, “Of him also I will inform thee. The
villain was no trader but a traitorous assassin whose honied words would
have ensnared thee to thy doom; and now I will tell thee what he was and
what hath happened; but, meanwhile thou art fresh from the Hammam and
thou shouldst first drink somewhat of this broth for thy stomach’s and
thy health’s sake.” So Ali Baba went within and Morgiana served up the
mess; after which quoth her master, “I fain would hear this wondrous
story: prithee tell it to me and set my heart at ease.” Hereat the
handmaid fell to relating whatso had betided in these words, “O my
master, when thou badest me boil the broth and retiredst to rest, thy
slave in obedience to thy command took out a suit of clean white clothes
and gave it to the boy Abdullah; then kindled the fire and set on the
broth. As soon as it was ready I had need to light a lamp so that I
might see to skim it, but all the oil was spent, and, learning this I
told my want to the slave-boy Abdullah, who advised me to draw somewhat
from the jars which stood under the shed. Accordingly, I took a can and
went to the first vessel when suddenly I heard a voice within whisper
with all caution, ‘Is it now time for us to sally forth?’ I was amazed
thereat and judged that the pretended merchant had laid some plot to
slay thee; so I replied, ‘The time is not yet come.’ Then I went to the
second jar and heard another voice to which I made the like answer, and
so on with all of them. I now was certified that these men awaited only
some signal from their Chief whom thou didst take to guest within thy
walls supposing him to be a merchant in oil; and that after thou
receivedst him hospitably the miscreant had brought these men to murther
thee and to plunder thy good and spoil thy house. But I gave him no
opportunity to win his wish. The last jar I found full of oil and taking
somewhat therefrom I lit the lamp; then, putting a large cauldron upon
the fire, I filled it up with oil which I brought from the jar and made
a fierce blaze under it; and, when the contents were seething hot, I
took out sundry cansful with intent to scald them all to death, and
going to each jar in due order, I poured within them one by one boiling
oil. On this wise having destroyed them utterly, I returned to the
kitchen and having extinguished the lamps stood by the window watching
what might happen, and how that false merchant would act next. Not long
after I had taken my station, the robber-captain awoke and ofttimes
signalled to his thieves. Then getting no reply he came downstairs and
went out to the jars, and finding that all his men were slain he fled
through the darkness I know not whither. So when he had clean
disappeared I was assured that, the door being double-locked, he had
scaled the wall and dropped into the garden and made his escape. Then
with my heart at rest I slept.” And Morgiana, after telling her story to
her master, presently added, “This is the whole truth I have related to
thee. For some days indeed have I had inkling of such matter, but
withheld it from thee deeming it inexpedient to risk the chance of its
meeting the neighbours’ ears; now, however, there is no help but to tell
thee thereof. One day as I came to the house-door I espied thereon a
white chalk-mark, and on the next day a red sign beside the white. I
knew not the intent wherewith the marks were made, nevertheless I set
others upon the entrances of sundry neighbours, judging that some enemy
had done this deed whereby to encompass my master’s destruction.
Therefore I made the marks on all the other doors in such perfect
conformity with those I found, that it would be hard to distinguish
amongst them.”——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace
till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-fifth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Morgiana continued
to Ali Baba:—“Judge now and see if these signs and all this villainy be
not the work of the bandits of the forest, who marked our house that on
such wise they might know it again. Of these forty thieves there yet
remain two others concerning whose case I know naught; so beware of
them, but chiefly of the third remaining robber, their Captain, who fled
hence alive. Take good heed and be thou cautious of him, for, shouldst
thou fall into his hands, he will in no wise spare thee but will surely
murther thee. I will do all that lieth in me to save from hurt and harm
thy life and property, nor shall thy slave be found wanting in any
service to my lord.” Hearing these words Ali Baba rejoiced with
exceeding joyance and said to her, “I am well pleased with thee for this
thy conduct; and say me what wouldst thou have me do in thy behalf; I
shall not fail to remember thy brave deed so long as breath in me
remaineth.” Quoth she, “It behoveth us before all things forthright to
bury these bodies in the ground, that so the secret be not known to any
one.” Hereupon Ali Baba took with him his slave-boy Abdullah into the
garden and there under a tree they dug for the corpses of the thieves a
deep pit in size proportionate to its contents, and they dragged the
bodies (having carried off their weapons) to the fosse and threw them
in; then, covering up the remains of the seven and thirty robbers they
made the ground appear level and clean as it wont to be. They also hid
the leathern jars and the gear and arms and presently Ali Baba sent the
mules by ones and twos to the Bazar and sold them all with the able aid
of his slave-boy Abdullah. Thus the matter was hushed up nor did it
reach the ears of any; however, Ali Baba ceased not to be ill at ease
lest haply the Captain or the surviving two robbers should wreak their
vengeance on his head. He kept himself private with all caution and took
heed that none learn a word of what had happened and of the wealth which
he had carried off from the bandits’ cave. Meanwhile the Captain of the
thieves having escaped with his life, fled to the forest in hot wrath
and sore irk of mind; and his senses were scattered and the colour of
his visage vanished like ascending smoke. Then he thought the matter
over again and again, and at last he firmly resolved that he needs must
take the life of Ali Baba, else he would lose all the treasure which his
enemy, by knowledge of the magical words, would take away and turn to
his own use. Furthermore, he determined that he would undertake the
business single-handed; and, that after getting rid of Ali Baba, he
would gather together another band of banditti and would pursue his
career of brigandage, as indeed his forbears had done for many
generations. So he lay down to rest that night, and rising early in the
morning donned a dress of suitable appearance; then going to the city
alighted at a caravanserai, thinking to himself, “Doubtless the murther
of so many men hath reached the Wali’s ears, and Ali Baba hath been
seized and brought to justice, and his house is levelled and his good is
confiscated. The townsfolk must surely have heard tidings of these
matters.” So he straightway asked of the keeper of the khán, “What
strange things have happened in the city during the last few days?” and
the other told him all that he had seen and heard, but the Captain could
not learn a whit of that which most concerned him. Hereby he understood
that Ali Baba was ware and wise, and that he had not only carried away
such store of treasure but he had also destroyed so many lives and
withal had come off scatheless; furthermore, that he himself must needs
have all his wits alert not to fall into the hands of his foe and
perish. With this resolve the Captain hired a shop in the Bazar, whither
he bore whole bales of the finest stuffs and goodly merchandise from his
forest treasure-house; and presently he took his seat within the store
and fell to doing merchant’s business. By chance his place fronted the
booth of the defunct Kasim where his son, Ali Baba’s nephew, now traded;
and the Captain, who called himself Khwajah Hasan, soon formed
acquaintance and friendship with the shopkeepers around about him and
treated all with profuse civilities, but he was especially gracious and
cordial to the son of Kasim, a handsome youth and a well-dressed, and
ofttimes he would sit and chat with him for a long while. A few days
after it chanced that Ali Baba, as he was sometime wont to do, came to
see his nephew, whom he found sitting in his shop. The Captain saw and
recognised him at sight and one morning he asked the young man, saying,
“Prithee tell me, who is he that ever and anon cometh to thee at thy
place of sale?” whereto the youth made answer, “He is my uncle, the
brother of my father.” Whereupon the Captain showed him yet greater
favour and affection the better to deceive him for his own devices, and
gave him presents and made him sit at meat with him and fed him with the
daintiest of dishes. Presently Ali Baba’s nephew bethought him it was
only right and proper that he also should invite the merchant to supper,
but whereas his own house was small, and he was straitened for room and
could not make a show of splendour, as did Khwajah Hasan, he took
counsel with his uncle on the matter.——And as the morn began to dawn
Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-sixth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Ali Baba replied
to his nephew:—“Thou sayest well: it behoveth thee to entreat thy friend
in fairest fashion even as he hath entreated thee. On the morrow, which
is Friday, shut thy shop as do all merchants of repute; then, after the
early meal, take Khwajah Hasan to smell the air,[55] and as thou walkest
lead him hither unawares; meanwhile I will give orders that Morgiana
shall make ready for his coming the best of viands and all necessaries
for a feast. Trouble not thyself on any wise, but leave the matter in my
hands.” Accordingly on the next day, to wit, Friday, the nephew of Ali
Baba took Khwajah Hasan to walk about the garden; and, as they were
returning he led him by the street wherein his uncle dwelt. When they
came to the house, the youth stopped at the door and knocking said, “O
my lord, this is my second home: my uncle hath heard much of thee and of
thy goodness me-wards and desireth with exceeding desire to see thee;
so, shouldst thou consent to enter and visit him, I shall be truly glad
and thankful to thee.” Albeit Khwajah Hasan rejoiced in heart that he
had thus found means whereby he might have access to his enemy’s house
and household, and although he hoped soon to attain his end by
treachery, yet he hesitated to enter in and stood to make his excuses
and walk away. But when the door was opened by the slave-porter, Ali
Baba’s nephew seized his companion’s hand and after abundant persuasion
led him in, whereat he entered with great show of cheerfulness as though
much pleased and honoured. The house-master received him with all favour
and worship and asked him of his welfare, and said to him, “O my lord, I
am obliged and thankful to thee for that thou hast shewn favour to the
son of my brother and I perceive that thou regardest him with an
affection even fonder than my own.” Khwajah Hasan replied with pleasant
words and said, “Thy nephew vastly taketh my fancy and in him I am well
pleased, for that although young in years yet he hath been endued by
Allah with much of wisdom.” Thus they twain conversed with friendly
conversation and presently the guest rose to depart and said, “O my
lord, thy slave must now farewell thee; but on some future
day—Inshallah—he will again wait upon thee.” Ali Baba, however, would
not let him leave and asked, “Whither wendest thou, O my friend? I would
invite thee to my table and I pray thee sit at meat with us and after
hie thee home in peace. Perchance the dishes are not as delicate as
those whereof thou art wont to eat, still deign grant me this request I
pray thee and refresh thyself with my victual.” Quoth Khwajah Hasan, “O
my lord I am beholden to thee for thy gracious invitation, and with
pleasure would I sit at meat with thee, but for a special reason must I
needs excuse myself; suffer me therefore to depart for I may not tarry
longer nor accept thy gracious offer.” Hereto the host made reply, “I
pray thee, O my lord, tell me what may be the reason so urgent and
weighty?” And Khwajah Hasan answered, “The cause is this: I must not, by
order of the physician, who cured me lately of my complaint, eat aught
of food prepared with salt.” Quoth Ali Baba, “An this be all, deprive me
not, I pray thee, of the honour thy company will confer upon me: as the
meats are not yet cooked, I will forbid the kitchener to make use of any
salt. Tarry here awhile and I will return anon to thee.” So saying Ali
Baba went in to Morgiana and bade her not put salt into any one of the
dishes; and she, while busied with her cooking, fell to marvelling
greatly at such order and asked her master, “Who is he that eateth meat
wherein is no salt?” He answered, “What to thee mattereth it who he may
be? only do thou my bidding.” She rejoined, “’Tis well: all shall be as
thou wishest;” but in mind she wondered at the man who made such strange
request and desired much to look upon him. Wherefore, when all the meats
were ready for serving up, she helped the slave-boy Abdullah to spread
the table and set on the meal; and no sooner did she see Khwajah Hasan
than she knew who he was, albeit he had disguised himself in the dress
of a stranger merchant; furthermore, when she eyed him attentively she
espied a dagger hidden under his robe. “So ho!” quoth she to herself,
“this is the cause why the villain eateth not of salt, for that he
seeketh an opportunity to slay my master whose mortal enemy he is;
howbeit I will be beforehand with him and despatch him ere he find a
chance to harm my lord.”——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held
her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-seventh Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Morgiana, having
spread a white cloth upon the table and served up the meal, went back to
the kitchen and thought out her plot against the robber-Captain. Now
when Ali Baba and Khwajah Hasan had eaten their sufficiency, the
slave-boy Abdullah brought Morgiana word to serve the dessert, and she
cleared the table and set on fruit fresh and dried in salvers, then she
placed by the side of Ali Baba a small tripod for three cups with a
flagon of wine, and lastly she went off with the slave-boy Abdullah into
another room, as though she would herself eat supper. Then Khwajah
Hasan, that is, the Captain of the robbers, perceiving that the coast
was clear, exulted mightily saying to himself, “The time hath come for
me to take full vengeance; with one thrust of my dagger I will despatch
this fellow, then escape across the garden and wend my ways. His nephew
will not adventure to stay my hand, for an he do but move a finger or
toe with that intent another stab will settle his earthly account. Still
must I wait awhile until the slave-boy and the cook-maid shall have
eaten and lain down to rest them in the kitchen.” Morgiana, however,
watched him wistfully and divining his purpose said in her mind, “I must
not allow this villain advantage over my lord, but by some means I must
make void his project and at once put an end to the life of him.”
Accordingly, the trusty slave-girl changed her dress with all haste and
donned such clothes as dancers wear; she veiled her face with a costly
kerchief; around her head she bound a fine turband, and about her middle
she tied a waist-cloth worked with gold and silver wherein she stuck a
dagger, whose hilt was rich in filigree and jewelry. Thus disguised she
said to the slave-boy Abdullah, “Take now thy tambourine that we may
play and sing and dance in honour of our master’s guest.” So he did her
bidding and the twain went into the room, the lad playing and the lass
following. Then, making a low congée, they asked leave to perform and
disport and play; and Ali Baba gave permission, saying, “Dance now and
do your best that this our guest may be mirthful and merry.” Quoth
Khwajah Hasan, “O my lord, thou dost indeed provide much pleasant
entertainment.” Then the slave-boy Abdullah standing by began to strike
the tambourine whilst Morgiana rose up and showed her perfect art and
pleased them vastly with graceful steps and sportive motion; and
suddenly drawing the poniard from her belt she brandished it and paced
from side to side, a spectacle which pleased them most of all. At times
also she stood before them, now clapping the sharp-edged dagger under
her armpit and then setting it against her breast. Lastly she took the
tambourine from the slave-boy Abdullah, and still holding the poniard in
her right she went round for largesse as is the custom amongst
merry-makers. First she stood before Ali Baba who threw a gold coin into
the tambourine, and his nephew likewise put in an Ashrafi; then Khwajah
Hasan, seeing her about to approach him, fell to pulling out his purse,
when she heartened her heart and quick as the blinding leven she plunged
the dagger into his vitals, and forthwith the miscreant fell back
stone-dead. Ali Baba was dismayed and cried in his wrath, “O unhappy,
what is this deed thou hast done to bring about my ruin!” But she
replied, “Nay, O my lord, rather to save thee and not to cause thee harm
have I slain this man: loosen his garments and see what thou wilt
discover thereunder.” So Ali Baba searched the dead man’s dress and
found concealed therein a dagger. Then said Morgiana, “This wretch was
thy deadly enemy. Consider him well: he is none other than the oil
merchant, the Captain of the band of robbers. Whenas he came hither with
intent to take thy life, he would not eat thy salt; and when thou
toldest me that he wished not any in the meat I suspected him and at
first sight I was assured that he would surely do thee die; Almighty
Allah be praised ’tis even as I thought.” Then Ali Baba lavished upon
her thanks and expressions of gratitude, saying, “Lo, these two times
hast thou saved me from his hand,” and falling upon her neck he cried,
“See thou art free, and as reward for this thy fealty I have wedded thee
to my nephew.” Then turning to the youth he said, “Do as I bid thee and
thou shalt prosper. I would that thou marry Morgiana, who is a model of
duty and loyalty: thou seest now yon Khwajah Hasan sought thy friendship
only that he might find opportunity to take my life, but this maiden
with her good sense and her wisdom hath slain him and saved us.”——And as
the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till
The end of the Six Hundred and Thirty-eighth Night.
Then said she:——I have heard, O auspicious King, that Ali Baba’s nephew
straightway consented to marry Morgiana. After which the three, raising
the dead body bore it forth with all heed and vigilance and privily
buried it in the garden, and for many years no one knew aught thereof.
In due time Ali Baba married his brother’s son to Morgiana with great
pomp, and spread a bride-feast in most sumptuous fashion for his friends
and neighbours, and made merry with them and enjoyed singing and all
manner of dancing and amusements. He prospered in every undertaking and
Time smiled upon him and a new source of wealth was opened to him. For
fear of the thieves he had not once visited the jungle-cave wherein lay
the treasure, since the day he had carried forth the corpse of his
brother Kasim. But some time after, he mounted his hackney one morning
and journeyed thither, with all care and caution, till finding no signs
of man or horse, and reassured in his mind he ventured to draw near the
door. Then alighting from his beast he tied it up to a tree, and going
to the entrance pronounced the words which he had not forgotten, “Open,
O Simsim!” Hereat, as was its wont, the door flew open, and entering
thereby he saw the goods and hoard of gold and silver untouched and
lying as he had left them. So he felt assured that not one of all the
thieves remained alive, and, that save himself there was not a soul who
knew the secret of the place. At once he bound in his saddlecloth a load
of Ashrafis such as his horse could bear and brought it home; and in
after days he showed the hoard to his sons and sons’ sons and taught
them how the door could be caused to open and shut. Thus Ali Baba and
his household lived all their lives in wealth and joyance in that city
where erst he had been a pauper, and by the blessing of that secret
treasure he rose to high degree and dignities.——And as the morn began to
dawn Shahrazad held her peace till