250 ALI BABA AND

“Where are you going, sit, in so much haste?
I beg you would do me the honour to sup
with me, though what I have to give you is
not worth your acceptance; but, such as it is,
I hope you will accept it as heartily as I give
it.” “Sir,” replied Khaujeh Houssain, “I am
thoroughly persuaded of your goodwill; and if
I ask the favour of you not to take it ill that
I do not accept your obliging invitation, I beg
of you to believe that it does not proceed from
any slight or intention to affront, but from a
reason which you would approve if you knew it.”

“And what may that reason be, sir,” replied
Ali Baba, “if I may be so bold as to ask you?”
“Tt is,” answered Khaujeh Houssain, “that I
can eat no victuals that have any salt in them;
therefore judge how I should feel at your table.”
“Tf that is the only reason,” said Ali Baba, ‘it
ought not to deprive me of the honour of your
company at supper; for, in the first place,
there is no salt ever put into my bread, and as
to the meat we shall have to-night, I promise
you there shall be none in that. Therefore you
must do me the favour to stay. I will return
immediately.”

Ali Baba went into the kitchen, and ordered
Morgiana to put no salt to the meat that was