'The Magician who has made us both miserable,' said she, 'comes
once a month to these ruins. Not far from this room is a large
hall where he is in the habit of feasting with his companions. I
have often watched them. They tell each other all about their evil
deeds, and possibly the magic word which you have forgotten may be
mentioned.'

'Oh, dearest Princess!' exclaimed the Caliph, 'say, when does he
come, and where is the hall?'

The owl paused a moment and then said: 'Do not think me unkind,
but I can only grant your request on one condition.'

'Speak, speak!' cried Chasid; 'command, I will gladly do whatever
you wish!'

'Well,' replied the owl, 'you see I should like to be free too;
but this can only be if one of you will offer me his hand in
marriage.'

The storks seemed rather taken aback by this suggestion, and the
Caliph beckoned to his Vizier to retire and consult with him.

When they were outside the door the Caliph said: 'Grand Vizier,
this is a tiresome business. However, you can take her.'

'Indeed!' said the Vizier; 'so that when I go home my wife may
scratch my eyes out! Besides, I am an old man, and your Highness
is still young and unmarried, and a far more suitable match for a