218 ALI BABA AND

by his giving us a false report, which may be
the cause of our ruin, I ask you all, if you do
not think that in case of treachery, or even error
of judgment, he should suffer death ?”

Without waiting for the suffrages of his com- -
panions, one of the robbers started up, and said,
“T submit to this condition, and think it an
honour to expose my life, by taking the com-
mission upon me; but remember, at least, if I
do not succeed, that I neither wanted courage
nor goodwill to serve the troop.”

After this robber had received great commenda-
tions from the captain and his comrades, he dis-
guised himself so that nobody would take him for
what he was; and taking his leave of the troop
that night, went into the town just at daybreak,
and walked up and down, till accidentally he
came to Baba Mustapha’s stall, which was always
open before any of the shops.

Baba Mustapha was seated with an awl in his
hand, just going to work. The robber saluted
him, bidding him good-morrow ; and perceiving
that he was old, said, ‘Honest man, you begin
to work very early: is it possible that one of
your age can see so well? I question, even if
it were somewhat lighter, whether you could see
to stitch.”