248 ALI BABA AND

such obligation to Khaujeh Houssain, without
making the like return; but was so much strait-
ened for want of room in his house, that he
could not entertain him so well as he wished.
He therefore acquainted his father, Ali Baba,
with his intention, and told him that it did
not look well for him to receive such favours
from Khaujeh Houssain, without inviting him
in return.

‘Ali Baba, with great pleasure, took the treat
upon himself. ‘Son,’ said he, “ to-morrow
being Friday, which is a day that the shops
of such great merchants as Khaujeh Houssain
and yourself are shut, get him to take a walk
with you, and, as you come back, pass by my
door, and call in. It will look better to have
it happen accidentally, than if you gave him a
formal invitation. I will go and order Morgiana
to provide a supper.”

The next day Ali Baba’s son and Khaujeh
Houssain met by appointment, took their walk,
and, as they returned, Ali Baba’s son led Khaujeh
Houssain through the street where his father
lived, and when they came to the house, stopped
and knocked at the door. ‘This, sir,” said
he, “is my father’s house; who, from the ac-
count I have given him of your friendship,