"It is indeed," said the genius, "and because of it I grant to you
the third part of the punishment of this merchant."

When the first old man had finished his story, the second,
who was leading the two black dogs, said to the genius, "I am
going to tell you what happened to me, and I am sure that you
will find my story even more astonishing than the one to which you
have just been listening. But when I have related it, will you
grant me also the third part of the merchant's punishment?"

"Yes," replied the genius, "provided that your story surpasses
that of the hind."

With this agreement the second old man began in this way.



The Story of the Second Old Man, and of the Two Black Dogs


Great prince of the genii, you must know that we are three brothers--
these two black dogs and myself. Our father died, leaving us
each a thousand sequins. With this sum we all three took up
the same profession, and became merchants. A short time after we
had opened our shops, my eldest brother, one of these two dogs,
resolved to travel in foreign countries for the sake of merchandise.
With this intention he sold all he had and bought merchandise suitable
to the voyages he was about to make. He set out, and was away
a whole year. At the end of this time a beggar came to my shop.