THE FORTY THIEVES 199

against you, and then you will not only get no
more, but will lose all you have, and I shall
have a share for my information.”

Ali Baba, more out of his natural good-temper,
than frightened by the insulting menaces of his
unnatural brother, told him all he desired, and
even the very words he was to use to gain ad-
mission into the cave.

Cassim, who wanted no more of Ali Baba,
left him, resolving to be beforehand with him,
and hoping to get all the treasure to himself.
He rose the next morning, long before the sun,
and set out for the forest with ten mules bear-
ing great chests, which he designed to fill; and
followed the road which Ali Baba had pointed
out to him. He was not long before he reached
the rock, and found out the place by the tree,
and other marks which his brother had given
him. When he reached the entrance of the
cavern he pronounced the words, “Open, Se-
same;” the door immediately opened, and, when
he was in, closed upon him. In examining the
cave, he was in great admiration to find much
more riches than he had apprehended from Ali
Baba’s relation. He was so covetous, and greedy
of wealth, that he could have spent the whole
day in feasting his eyes with so much treasure,