as to say that you would be very glad to create a rebellion."

"Holy Prophet! May the soul of your slave never enter the first heaven,"
replied the man, "if he meant anything more than what he said; and if
your highness had been as often without a mouthful of bread as your
slave has been, you would agree with him in the justice of the remark."

"It is of little consequence whether I agree with you or not," replied
the vizier; "I have only to tell you that his sublime highness the pacha
will not be satisfied, unless you explain away the remark, by relating
to him some story connected with the observation."

"Min Allah! God forbid that your slave should tell a story to deceive
his highness."

"The Lord have mercy upon you if you do not," replied the vizier; "but,
to be brief, if you can invent a good and interesting story, you will
remove the suspicions of the pacha, and probably be rewarded with a few
pieces of gold; if you cannot, you must prepare for the bastinado, if
not for death. You will not be required to appear in the sublime
presence before to-morrow afternoon, and will therefore have plenty of
time to invent one."

"Will your highness permit your slave to go home and consult his wife?
Women have a great talent for storytelling. With her assistance he may
be able to comply with your injunctions."

"No," replied Mustapha, "you must remain in custody; but, as on this
occasion she may be of the greatest assistance to you, you may send for
her. They have indeed a talent! As the young crocodile, from instinct,