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"I wish to ascertain," said the caliph to the vizier, "if the unlucky Yussuf has managed to provide for his bacchanalian revels to-night?" "There can be no doubt, O vice-gerent of the Prophet," replied Giaffar, "that the young man is seated in the dark, in a most dismal mood, without either wine or kabob, or aught to comfort him."
"Allah forbid," replied Giaffar; "I will myself encounter the wrath of this least of dogs may his grave he defiled." During this parley, their host, who had become more good-humoured in his cups, cast his eyes upon them. "What in the name of Shitan, are you chaps prating and chatting about?" inquired he. Giaffar, perceiving him in a more favourable mood, seized the occasion to speak.
"Truly, charitable sir," replied Giaffar in a humble tone, "We are distressed merchants, strangers in this city, who have lost our way, and fear to be seized by the watch perhaps carried before the cadi. We beseech thee, therefore, to admit us within thy doors, and Allah will reward thy humanity." "Admit you within my doors! not I, indeed.
"Father of true believers! descendant of the Prophet!" said the minister, with a profound obeisance, "thy slave waits but to hear, and hears but to obey." "Giaffar," replied the caliph, "I am overwhelmed with distressing inquietude, and would fain have thee devise some means for my relief. Speak what sayest thou?"
"Oh! it is you, then; now take my advice; go in peace. I am now in good humour, and peaceably disposed, but had I fallen in with you to-day, I would have twisted off your necks." "Nay, good Yussuf," replied Giaffar, "we have heard of the unaccountable and mad decree of the caliph, and have called to know how thou hast fared, and if we can be of service to one so hospitable and kind?"
Yussuf then filled his cup several times, and was in high glee, as he narrated the events of the day, concluding with, "I am Yussuf I put my trust in God. As an officer of the law I intend to live and die, and to-morrow I shall attend the ball of the cadi." "But," said Giaffar, "suppose "
While the three beeldars stood thus in readiness, Yussuf was in a dreadful state of confusion. "To escape now is impossible," said he to himself. "Confound these Moussul merchants. They did well to say they would come no more, for in a few minutes I shall be no more myself." "You fellow there! you are one of the appointed beeldars, and do not know your duty," cried Giaffar.
"Mustapha," said the pacha, "I feel as the caliph Haroun Alraschid, in the tale of Yussuf, related by Menouni, full of care; my soul is weary my heart is burnt as roast meat." Mustapha, who had wit enough to perceive that he was to act the part of Giaffar, the vizier, immediately replied, "O pacha! great and manifold are the cares of state.
The caliph soon afterwards made his appearance at the divan, and immediately recognised Yussuf in his partial disguise. He observed to Giaffar, "Do you see there our friend Yussuf? I have him at last, and now I will perplex him not a little before he escapes me." The chief of the beeldars being called, stepped forward and made his obeisance. "What is the number of your corps?" inquired the caliph.
When the decree of the caliph came to my ears this morning, I became as one deprived of sense, but wandering near the hummaum of Giaffar Bermuki, a friendly servant of the baths accosted me." Yussuf then stated how he had gained his money, much to their amusement. "Now," continued he, "I will no longer be a water-carrier, but an attendant at the bath will I live and die.
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