76 ule The Story of Ali Baba

the court, he unloaded the ass, and taking Morgiana aside, said to
her, ‘The first thing I ask of you is inviolable secrecy, which you
will find is necessary both for your mistress’ sake and mine. Your
master’s body is contained in these two bundles, and our business
is to bury him as if he had died a natural death. Go and tell
your mistress I want to speak to her, and mind what I say.’

Morgiana went to her mistress, and Ali Baba followed. ‘ Well,
brother,’ said she, with great impatience, ‘what news do you bring
me of my husband? I perceive no comfort in your face.’

‘Sister, answered Ali Baba, ‘I cannot tell you anything before
you hear my story from the beginning to the end, without speaking
a word; for it is of as great se to you as to me to keep
what has happened secret.’

‘Alas !” said she, ‘ this tells me that my husband is dead; but as I
know the necessity of the secrecy you require of me, I must constrain
myself: say on, I will hear you.’

Then Ali Baba told his sister all about his journey, till he
came to the finding of Cassim’s body. ‘Now,’ said he, ‘sister, I
have something to tell you which will distress you much more,
because it is what you so little expect; but it cannot now be
remedied. We must now think of acting so that my brother may
appear to have died a natural death. I think you may leave
the management of it to Morgiana, and I will contribute all that
lies in my power.’

What could Cassim’s widow do better than accept this
proposal? Ali Baba left the widow, and, recommending Morgiana
to act her part well, then returned home with his ass.

Morgiana went out to an apotlédary, and asked him for some
lozenges which he prepared, and which were very efficacious in
the most dangerous illnesses. The apothecary asked her who
was ill at her master’s. She replied, with a sigh, her good
master Cassim himself: they knew not what his illness was, but