400 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS,

tne four hundred pieces have made the wonderful change in
your fortune which I see with so much satisfaction. One thing
only gives me concern, which is, that I cannot understand what
reason you could have had for twice concealing the truth from
me, in alleging the losses you met with by accident, which then
appeared, and still appear to me incredible.”

Saad listened to this conversation with great impatience, he
suffered him, however, to finish his speech ; when he had done,
“ Saadi,” said he, “pardon me, if before Cogia: Hassan answers
you, I speak first, to tell you that 1 am surprised at your pre-
possession against his sincerity, and that you persist in not
giving credit to the assurances he formerly gave you.”

After the two friends had spoken, I told them of the diamond
in the fish, and again assured them of the truth of the loss of
the turban and jar of bran.

My protestations made not the least impression on the mind
of Saadi, nor did they tend to lessen his prejudices. When I
had ceased speaking, “Cogia Hassan,” replied he, “the adven-
ture of the fish, and of the diamond found in it, appears to be as
incredible as the turban’s being carried off by the kite, and the
jar of bran being exchanged for the fuller’s earth. But be that
jas 1t may, I am not less convinced that you are no longer poor,
but rich ; and as my sole intention was that you should become
so by my means, I am most sincerely rejoiced at it.” s

As it grew late, they rose to take leave ; I got up also, and
stopping them, “Gentlemen,” said I to them, “suffer me to re-
quest a favour of you, and I entreat you not to refuse me; it is,
that you will permit me to have the honour of giving you a frugai
supper, and afterwards each a bed, that I may carry you to-
morrow, by water, toa small house that I have purchased in
the country to enjoy the air occasionally, from whence I will
bring you back by land the same day, furnishing you both with
horses from my stable.”

They accepted my offer, and whilst supper was preparing, |
shewed every part of my house to my benefactors, who found it
very large, and well adapted to my situation. I call them both
my benefactors, without distinction; for without Saadi, Saad
had never given me the piece of lead ; and but for Saad, Saadi
would not have addressed himself to me, to give me the four hun-
dred pieces of gold, whicn | consideras the source of my happiness.