AUI BABA AND THE FORTY ROBBERS. 415

of conversation, who he was, and where he lived. But in order
to inspire him with ardour who shall undertake this commission,
and to prevent his bringing us a false report, which might occa-
sion our total ruin, I propose that he should submit to the
penalty of death in case of failure.”

Without waiting for the rest to give their opinions, one of the
robbers said, “I willingly submit my life for the execution of
such a commission. If I should fail in the attempt, you will at
least remember that neither courage nor good-will has been
deficient in my offer to serve the whole troop.”

This robber disguised himself in such a way that no one
could have suspected him to be what he in reality was. He set
off at night, and entered the city just as day was beginning
to appear. He went towards the square, where he saw only one
shop open, which was that of Baba Mustapha.

Baba Mustapha was seated on his stool, with his awl in his
hand, ready to begin his work. The thief went up to him and
wished him a good morning, and perceiving him to be advanced
in years, “ My good man,” said he, “you rise betimes to your
work ; it is not possible that you can see clearly at this early
hour, so old as you are.”

“Whoever you are,” replied Baba Mustapha, “you do not
know much of me. Notwithstanding my age, I have excellent
eyes ; not long since 1 sewed up a dead body in a place where
there was not more light than we have now.”

“ A dead body,” replied the robber with a feigned astonish-
ment, to induce the other to proceed, “why sew up a dead
body? I suppose you mean that you sewed the shroud in
which he was buried.” “No, no,” said Baba Mustapha, “ I
know what I say ; you want me to tell you more about it, but
you shall not know another syllable.”

The thief wanted no further proof to be fully persuaded that
he was in a good train to discover what he wasin search of. He
drew out a piece of gold, and putting it into Baba Mustapha’s
hand, he said, “I have no desire to become acquainted with
your secret, although, I can assure you, I should not divulge it,
even if you had intrusted me with it. The only thing which I
entreat of you is to have the goodness to direct me, or to come
with me, and shew me the house where you sewed up the dead
body.”