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"Is it to me you speak, O hadji caliph?" at last stammered out Yussuf. "Yes," replied the caliph, gravely. Giaffar, who stood near his master, then cried out, "Yes, you cowardly shred of a beeldar; and reply quickly, or a sword will be applied to your neck." Yussuf, as if talking to himself, replied, "I hope it will be my own then."
The next morning Yussuf awoke, and finding it late, hastened to dress himself in his best clothes, saying to himself, "I am a beeldar, and I will die a beeldar."
"Now," said the caliph to Yussuf, "you, my beeldar, cut off the criminal's head, and receive the like reward for your dexterity." Yussuf had by this time, to a certain degree, recovered his presence of mind; he had not exactly arranged his ideas, but they floated indistinctly in his brain. "Will, your highness, allow me to say a few words to the criminal," demanded Yussuf, to gain time.
The other beeldars agreeing with him, the chief went to the secretary of the treasury and procured an order of notice upon a rich confectioner, to pay into the treasury the sum of five thousand dirhems, due by him upon several accounts therein specified. The vizier's seal having been attached to it, he went with it to where Yussuf was standing. "What ho! brother beeldar," said the chief.
"O caliph! vicegerent of the Prophet! deign to listen to your faithful beeldar, while he narrates a strange adventure which hath befallen him within these few days." "Speak, beeldar, we are all attention; remember that thy words be those of truth."
He then replied to the question, "Yes, yes, it's all right my father was a beeldar, and my mother also before him." At this extravagant answer the caliph and whole court could no longer restrain their mirth, which gave Yussuf a little more courage. "So," replied Haroun, "it appears that you are a beeldar, and that your allowance is ten dinars yearly, and five pounds of mutton daily."
A great crowd followed, with many prayers for the release of the prisoners; but Yussuf turned a deaf ear, until another six dirhems were dropped into his vest, with a prayer for mercy. Upon this Yussuf consented to release them, and walked away, hardly able to contain his exultation. "I am Yussuf," cried he, "and I trust in God. As a beeldar will I live and die. By Allah!
"I am Yussuf, and my trust is in God; I am ready to obey your commands," said the water-carrier, advancing with great humility. "May I request, brother beeldar, that you will do us of the palace the very great favour to carry this paper, bearing the vizier's seal, to Mallem Osman, the great confectioner, and request the immediate payment of five thousand dirhems.
"You beeldar!" cried he, "why do you not unsheath your sword?" "My sword," replied Yussuf, "is of that temper, that it must not too long glance in the eyes of the Commander of the Faithful." The caliph appeared satisfied, and turning to the first beeldar, commanded him to strike. In a moment the head of the robber was lying on the ground.
In the mean time the caliph asked a few questions of each beeldar, until he came to Yussuf, who had taken care to stand last. His manoeuvres and embarrassment afforded much pleasure to the caliph and Giaffar, so much, that they scarce could refrain from laughing outright.
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