226 ALI BABA AND

author of the mistake underwent the same punish-
ment; which he willingly submitted to.

The captain, having lost two brave fellows of
his troop, was afraid of diminishing it too much
by pursuing this plan to get information of the
residence of their plunderer. He found by their
example that their heads were not so good as
their hands on such occasions, and therefore
resolved to take upon himself the important
commission.

Accordingly he went and addressed himself to
Baba Mustapha, who did him the same service he
had done to the other robbers. He did not set
any particular mark on the house, but examined
and observed it so carefully, by passing often, by
it, that it was impossible for him to mistake it.

The captain, well satisfied with his attempt,
and informed of what he wanted to know, re-
turned to the forest; and when he came into
the cave, where the troop waited for him, said,
“Now, comrades, nothing can prevent our full
revenge, as I am certain of the house, and in
my way hither I have thought how to put it
into execution; but if any one can form a better
expedient, let him communicate it.” He then
told them his contrivance; and, as they approved
of it, ordered them to go into the villages about,