THE FORTY THIEVES 1gt’

Ali Baba, who expected a dark, dismal cavern,
was surprised to see it well lighted and spacious,
in form of a vault, which received the light from
an opening at the top of the rock. He saw all
sorts of provisions, rich bales of silk, stuff, brocade,
and valuable carpeting, piled upon one another ;
gold and silver ingots in great heaps, and money
in bags. The sight of all these riches made him
suppose that this cave must have been occupied
for ages by robbers, who had succeeded one
another.

Ali Baba did not stand long to consider what
he should do, but went immediately into the
cave, and, as soon as he had entered, the door
shut of itself. But this did not disturb him,
because he knew- the secret to open it again.
He never regarded the silver, but made the
best use of his time in carrying out as much
of the gold coin, which was in bags, at several
times, as he thought his three asses could carry.
He collected his asses, which were dispersed,
and when he had loaded them with the bags,
laid wood over in such a manner that they
could not be seen. When he had done he
stood before the door, and pronouncing the
words, ‘Shut, Sesame,” the door closed after
him; for it had shut of itself while he saw