196 ALI BABA AND

not sleep all that night, and went to him in
the morning before sunrise. Cassim, after he
had married the rich widow, had never treated
Ali Baba as a brother, but neglected him. ‘“ Ali
Baba,” said he, accosting him, “you are very
reserved in your affairs; you pretend to be
miserably poor, and yet you measure gold.”
“How, brother?” replied Ali Baba; “I do not
know what you mean: explain yourself.” ‘Do
not pretend ignorance,” replied Cassim, show-
ing him the piece of gold his wife had given
him. ‘How many of these pieces,’ added he,
‘have you? My wife found this at the bottom
of the measure you borrowed yesterday.”

By this discourse Ali Baba perceived that
Cassim and his wife, through his own wife’s
folly, knew what they had so much reason to
conceal. But what was done could not be re-
called; therefore, without showing the least
surprise or trouble, he confessed all, told his
brother by what chance he had discovered this
retreat of the thieves, in what place it was, and
offered him part of his treasure to keep the
secret. ‘I expect as much,” replied Cassim
haughtily; ‘but I must know exactly where
this treasure is, and how I may visit. it myself
when I choose; otherwise I will go and inform