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From a nail he took down a lantern of heavy, fretted brass and lighted it, not without some difficulty, for his hands were still trembling. Then he took from the black a cumbersome key which he fitted into the lock and turned heavily. Drawing back the door he motioned Yussuf ahead, and followed, drawing the door shut.
"Now, then," observed Yussuf, who was more than half drunk, "you know my conditions; there is my meat, there is my wine, there is my fruit; not a drop or a taste shall you have. Keep your confounded sharp eyes off my sweetmeats, you black-bearded rascal," continued Yussuf, addressing the caliph. "You have your share of them."
"'But does it bear his signature? a man asked. "'How could it, since he never saw the letter? Yussuf Dakmar answered. "'Then few will pay heed to it, said the other. "'Perhaps if we were all such fools as you that might be so, Yussuf Dakmar retorted. 'However, fortunately the rest of us have readier wits!
Wise folk who live in glass-houses don't throw stones. What I think has been accomplished is to reduce our probable risk down to Yussuf Dakmar, who's a mean squib at best; and I think we've drawn suspicion clear away from Mabel Ticknor. All that remains is for me to go to that room where you see the light burning and discuss matters with the chief."
You rail at us as if we harmed you; whereas, you must acknowledge that everything, however unfortunate at first appearance, has turned only to thy advantage." "That is true," replied Yussuf; "but still it is through your pernicious omens that I am made to change my trade every day. What am I to be next?" "Is not your trust in God?" replied Giaffar.
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 hall of the cadi." "But," said Giaffar, "suppose "
I resolved to become one, but instead of going backwards and forwards with a goat-skin on my shoulders, I went down to the curriers, and selected the soft skin of the young ox which hangs above me, fitted it to my shoulders, and filling it at the river, marched up to the bazaar. No sooner did I appear than all the water-carriers called out, `That villain, Yussuf, is about to take away our bread.
Here's Yussuf Dakmar, wanted for murder in the city and known to be plotting a massacre, seen climbing a wall when the sentry's back was turned, and caught in conference with Mr. Charkian, confidential clerk to the Administration. I'm sorry I didn't hear all that was said at your conference, for that might have made it easier to guess what Major Grim would do."
"Hold hold, brother!" replied Yussuf; "rather than that the innocent should suffer, I will comply with your request; although, to say the truth, I have no appetite, having taken my breakfast from the caliph's table in ten dishes, each dish containing three fowls dressed in a different fashion. I am so full that I can scarce draw my breath."
"Indeed, most hospitable sir, we covet not your delicacies: all we wish to know is, the reason of this unheard-of decree, and how you have contrived to supply your usual merry table." "You shall hear," replied the water-carrier. "My name is Yussuf, and my trust is in God.
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