them by the Jinni for two full told days till they were finished;
but when he learned that nothing of food remained for them, he
arose and took a platter of the platters which the Slave had
brought upon the tray. Now they were all of the finest gold but
the lad knew naught thereof; so he bore it to the Bazar and
there, seeing a man which was a Jew, a viler than the
Satans,[FN#115] offered it to him for sale. When the Jew espied
it he took the lad aside that none might see him, and he looked
at the platter and considered it till he was certified that it
was of gold refined. But he knew not whether Alaeddin was
acquainted with its value or he was in such matters a raw
laddie,[FN#116] so he asked him, "For how much, O my lord, this
platter?" and the other answered, "Thou wottest what be its
worth." The Jew debated with himself as to how much he should
offer, because Alaeddin had returned him a craftsman-like reply;
and he thought of the smallest valuation; at the same time he
feared lest the lad, haply knowing its worth, should expect a
considerable sum. So he said in his mind, "Belike the fellow is
an ignoramous in such matters nor is ware of the price of the
platter." Whereupon he pulled out of his pocket a diner, and
Alaeddin eyed the gold piece lying in his palm and hastily taking
it went his way; whereby the Jew was certified of his customer's
innocence of all such knowledge, and repented with entire
repentance that he had given him a golden diner in lieu of a
copper carat,[FN#117] a bright-polished groat. However, Alaeddin
made no delay but went at once to the baker's where he bought him
bread and changed the ducat; then, going to his mother, he gave
her the scones and the remaining small coin and said, "O my
mother, hie thee and buy thee all we require." So she arose and
walked to the Bazar and laid in the necessary stock; after which