Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - Double Bedtime Story: Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves and Alice in Wonderland Chapter 6

Episode Date: April 26, 2020

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please go to sleepcove.com slash support. That's sleepcove.com slash support. If you can't support the show right now, please subscribe with a bell to get alerts on all new free content Thank you Have you ever gazed in wonder at the Great Pyramid Have you marvelled at the golden face of Tudankhamun

Or admired the delicate features of Queen Nefertiti If you have, you'll probably like the History of Egypt podcast Every week we explore tales of this ancient culture The history of Egypt is available wherever you get your podcasting fix. Come, let me introduce you to the world of ancient Egypt. Hi, and welcome to Sleep Cove, the podcast and YouTube channel, to get a great night's sleep. I want to give a big thank you to all my fans who've been listening over the last few weeks and who have been leaving amazing reviews.

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This podcast episode is a double sleep story episode. Starting off with Alison Wonderland, Chapter 6, where she meets the Cheshire Cat. And thanks to all the feedback I've had from my podcast. patrons on Patreon who requested more Alice and Wonderland, so I hope you enjoy it. And after Alice and Wonderland, there is the classic tale from Arabian Knights, Alibaba and the 40 Thieves. Currently on the podcast, I have an experiment running where dynamic ads are inserted at the beginning of some episodes. If you like to listen to the podcast through an autoplay system where each episode runs into the other.

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Please listen in a place where you can safely go to sleep. And let's begin. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Chapter 6 Pig and Pepper For a minute or two she stood looking at the house and wondering what to do next when suddenly a footman in livery came running out of the wood

She considered him to be a footman because he was in livery Otherwise judging by his face only She would have called him a fish He wrapped loudly at the door with his knuckles It was opened by another footman in livery With a round face and large eyes like a frog And both footmen Alice noticed Had powdered hair that curled all over their heads

She felt very curious to know what it was all about and crept a little way out of the wood to listen. The fish footman began by producing from under his arm a great letter, nearly as large as himself, and this he handed over to the other, saying in a solemn tone, for the Duchess, an invitation from the Queen to play croquet. The frog footman repeated in the same solemn tone, only changing the order of the words a little,

from the Queen, an invitation for the Duchess to play croquet. Then they both bowed low and their curls got entangled together. Alice laughed so much at this that she had to run back into the wood for fear of their hearing her. And when she next peeped out, the fish footmen were gone and the other was sitting on the ground near the door staring stupidly up into the sky. Alice went timidly up to the door and knocked.

There's no sort of use in knocking, said the footman. And that for two reasons. First, because I'm on the same side of the door as you are. Secondly, because they're making such a noise inside, no one could possibly hear you. And certainly there was a most extraordinary noise going on within, a constant howling and sneezing, and every now and then a great crash, as if a dish or kettle had been broken to pieces. Please then, said Alice, how am I going to get in? There might be some sense in you knocking, the footman went on without attending to her, if we had,

the door between us. For instance, if you were inside, you might knock, and I could let you out, you know. He was looking up into the sky all the time he was speaking, and this Alice thought decidedly uncivil. But perhaps he can't help it, she said to herself, his eyes are so very nearly at the top of his head. But at any rate, he might answer questions. How am I to get in? she repeated. I shall sit here, the footman remarked, till tomorrow. At this moment, the door of the house opened and a large plate came skimming out, straight at the footman's head. It just grazed his nose and broke to pieces against one of the trees behind him. Or next day maybe, the footman continued in the same tone,

exactly as if nothing had happened. How am I to get in? asked Alice again, in a louder tone. Are you to get in at all? said the footman. That's the first question, you know. It was, no doubt. Only Alice did not like to be told so. It's really dreadful, she muttered to herself. The way all the creatures argue, it's enough to drive one crazy. The footman seemed to think there's a good opportunity for repeating his remark with variations.

I shall sit here, he said, on and off for days and days. But what am I to do, said Alice. Anything you like, said the footman. And he began whistling. Oh, there's no use in talking to him, said Alice, desperately. He's perfectly idiotic, and she opened the door and went in. The door led right into a large kitchen, which was full of smoke from one end to the other. The Duchess was sitting on a three-legged stool in the middle, nursing a baby.

The cook was leaning over the fire. stirring a large cauldron, which seemed to be full of soup. There's certainly too much pepper in that soup, Alice said to herself, as well as she could for sneezing. There were certainly too much of it in the air. Even the touches sneezed occasionally, and, as for the baby, it was sneezing and howling, alternatively, without a moment's pause.

The only things in the kitchen that did not sneeze were the cook and a large cat which was sitting on the hearth, grinning from ear to ear. Please would you tell me, said Alice, a little timidly, for she was not quite sure whether it was good manners for her to speak first. Why your cat grins like that? It's a Cheshire cat, said the Duchess, and that's why, Pig.

She said the last word with such, such a cat. and violence, that Alice quite jumped, but she saw in another moment that it was addressed to the baby, and not to her, so she took courage and went on again. I didn't know that Cheshire Cats always grinned, in fact. I didn't know that cats could grin. They all can, said the Duchess, and most of them do. I don't know of any that do, said Alice, very politely, feeling. quite pleased to have got into a conversation. You don't know much, said the Duchess, and that's a fact.

Alice did not like the tone of this remark, and thought it would be as well to introduce some other subject of conversation. While she was trying to fix on one, the cook took the cauldron of soup off the fire, and at once set to work throwing everything within her reach at the Duchess and the baby. The fire irons came first, then followed a shower of saucepins, plates and dishes. The Duchess took no notice of them, even when they hit her. And the baby was howling so much already that it was quite impossible to say whether the blows hurt it or not. Oh, please mind what you're doing, cried Alice, jumping up and down in an agony of terror.

Oh, there goes his precious nose. An unusual large saucepan flew close. by it and very nearly carried it off. If everybody minded their own business, the Duchess said, in a hoarse growl, the world would go round a deal faster than it does. Which would not be an advantage, said Alice, who felt very glad to get an opportunity of showing off a little of her knowledge. Just think of what work it would make with the day and the night. You see, the earth takes 24 hours to turn round on its axis. Talking of axis, said the Duchess,

chop off her head. Alice glanced rather anxiously at the cook to see if she meant to take the hint, but the cook was busily steering the soup and seemed not to be listening, so she went on again. 24 hours, I think, or is it 12, I... Oh, don't bother me, said the Duchess.

I never could abide figures. and with that she began nursing her child again, seeing a sort of lullaby to it as she did so and giving it a violent shake at the end of every line. Speak roughly to your little boy and beat him when he sneezes. He only does it to annoy because he know it teases. Wow, wow, wow, in which the cook and the baby joined in. While the Duchess sound the second verse of the song

she kept tossing the baby violently up and down and the poor little thing howled so that Alice could hardly hear the words I speak severely to my boy I beat him when he sneezes for he can thoroughly enjoy the pepper when he pleases wow wow wow

here you may nurse it a bit if you like the Duchess said to Alice flinging the baby at her as she spoke I must go and get ready to play croquet with the queen, and she hurried out of the door. The cook threw a frying pan after her as she went out, but it just missed her. Alice caught the baby with some difficulty, as it was a queer-shaped little creature, and held out its arms and legs in all directions, just like a starfish, thought Alice. The poor little thing was snorting like a steam engine.

when she caught it and kept doubling itself up and straightening itself out again, so that altogether, for the first minute or two, it was as much as she could do to hold it, as soon as she had made out the proper way of nursing it, which was to twist it up into a sort of knot and then keep tight hold of its right ear and left foot as to prevent its undoing itself. She carried it out into the open air. If I don't take the child away with me, thought Alice, they're sure to kill it in a day or two. Wouldn't it be murder to leave it behind? She said the last words out loud, and the little thing grunted in reply.

It had left off sneezing by this time. Don't grunt, said Alice. That's not at all a proper way of expressing yourself. The baby grunted again, and Alice looked very, anxiously into its face to see what was the matter with it. There could be no doubt that it had a very turned-up nose, much more like a snout than a real baby, although Alice did not like the look or the thing at all, but perhaps it was only sobbing, she thought, and looked into its eyes again to see if there were any real tears. No, there were no tears. If you're going to turn

into a pig, my dear, said Alice seriously. I've have nothing more to do with you. Mind now, the poor little thing sobbed again or grunted. It was impossible to say which, and they went on for some while in silence. Alice was just beginning to think to herself, now what am I to do with this creature when I get at home? When it grunted again so violently, she looked down into its face in some alarm. This time there could be no mistake about it. It was neither more nor less than a pig, and she felt that it would be quite absurd for her to carry it any further. So she set the little creature down and felt quite relieved to see it trot away, quite lean to the wood. If it had grown up, she said to herself, it would have made a dreadfully ugly child,

but it makes rather a handsome pig, I think. And she began thinking over other children she knew who might do very well as pigs and was just saying to herself, if one only knew the right way to change them. When she became a little startled by seeing the Cheshire Cat sitting on a bow of a tree

a few yards off. The cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she thought. still it had a very long claws and a great many teeth, so she felt that it ought to be treated with respect. Just a puss, she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know, whether it would like the name, however, it only grinned a little wider.

Come, it's pleased so far, thought Alice, and she went on. Would you tell me please, which way I ought to give, go from here. That depends a good deal on where you want to get to, said the cat. I don't much care where, said Alice. Then it doesn't matter which way you go, said the cat. So long as I get somewhere, Alice added, as an explanation. Oh, you're sure to do that, said the cat. If you only walk long enough, Alice felt this could not be denied. So she tried another question. What sort of people live around here?

In that direction, the cat said, waving its right paw round, lives a hatter. And in that direction, waving the other pole, lives a march hare. Visit either you like. They're both mad. But I don't want to go among mad people, Alice remarked. Oh, you can't help that. said the cat. We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad. How do you know I'm mad? said Alice. You must be, said the cat. Or you wouldn't have come here. Alice didn't think that proved it at all.

However, she went on. And how do you know that you're mad? To begin with, said the cat. A dog's not mad. You grant that. I suppose so, said Alice. Well then, the cat went on. You see, a dog growls when it's angry and wags its tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased and wag my tail when I'm angry. Therefore I'm mad. I call it purring, not growling, said Alice. Call it what you like, said the cat. Do you play croquet with the queen today? I should like it very much, said Alice.

Alice, but I haven't been invited yet. You'll see me there, said the cat, and vanished. Alice was not much surprised at this. She was getting so used to queer things happening. While she was looking at the place where it had been, it suddenly appeared again. By the by, what became the baby? said the cat. I nearly forgot to ask. It turned into a pig. Alice quietly said, just as if it had come back in a natural way. I thought it would, said the cat, and vanished again. Alice waited a little, half expecting to see it again, but it did not appear, and after a minute or two she walked in the direction in which the March Hare was said to live.

I've seen Hatters before, she said to herself, the March hair will be much the most interesting and perhaps as this is May it won't be raving mad at least not so mad as it was in March as she said this she looked up and there was the cat again sitting on a branch of a tree

did you say pig or fig said the cat I said pig replied Alice and I wish you wouldn't keep a appearing and vanishing, so suddenly you make one quite giddy, said the cat, and this time it vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end of its tail, and ending with a grin, which remained some time after the rest of it had gone. Well, I have often seen a cat without a grin, thought Alice, but a grin without a cat is the most curious thing I have ever seen in my

life. She had not gone much farther before she came in sight of the March Hare's house. She thought it must be the right house because the chimneys were shaped like ears and the roof was thatched with fur. It was so large a house that she did not like to go nearer till she had nibbled some more of the left-hand bit of mushroom and raised herself about two feet high, even though she walked up towards it rather timidly, saying to herself, suppose it should be raving mad after all. I almost wish I'd gone to see the hatter instead. I'd like to introduce our next sponsor, Gravity Blankets.

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and use code sleep to get 20% off the blanket that everyone's talking about. Arabian Nights Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. In a town in Persia lived two brothers named Qasim and Alibaba, between whom their father at his death had left what little property he possessed equally divided. Qasim, however, having married the heiress of a rich merchant, became, soon after his marriage the owner of a fine shop, together with several pieces of land, and was in consequence through no effort of his own, the most considerable merchant in the town. Alibaba, on the other hand, was married to one as poor as himself, and having no other means of gaining a livelihood. He used to go every

day into the forest to cut wood and lading therewith the three asses which were his sole stock in trade, would then hawk it about the streets for sale. One day when he was at work within the skirts of the forest, Alibaba saw advancing towards him across the open, a large company of horsemen and fearing from their appearance that they might be robbers, he left his asses to their own devices and sought safety for himself in the lower branches of a large tree, which grew in the close, overshadowing. Of, most immediately, it became evident that this very precipitous rock was the goal towards which the troop were bound, for having arrived they alighted. instantly from their horses and took down each man of the masac which seemed by its weight and form

to be filled with gold. No longer be any doubt that they were robbers. Alibaba counted 40 of them. Just as he had done so, the one nearest to him, who seemed to be their chief, advanced towards the rock. Distinct voice uttered the two. words. Open Sesame, immediately the rock opened like a door and as men passed in. For a long while, Alibaba waited. Not daringly, lest they should come out and catch him in the most unbearably. It was rewarded. Shut Sesame, and as he felt sure, the open Sesame suddenly revealed itself and opened when he perceived a spacious and vaulted chamber, lighted from above through a fissure in the rock and there spread out before him lay treasures in profusion, bales of merchandise,

silks, carpets, brocades and above all, in loose heaps or in sacks. He did not take long to consider what he should do. Disregarding the silver and the gold that lay loose, he brought. He was brought many sacks of gold as he thought his three asses might carry, and having loaded them and covered them with wood so they might not be seen. He closed the rock by the utterance of the magic words, which he had learned. A more satisfied man. When he got home, he drove his asses into a small court, and shutting the gates, carefully he took off the wood that covered the bags. She, discovering them. began sorrowfully to reproach him. He sat down at her side to consider how well it looked.

Soon his wife, Paul, careful body began counting it over piece by piece. Ali Baba let her go on for a while. The sight set him laughing. He said, He was dig a hole and bury it. We can be sure that it is not slipping through our fingers. That will do well enough, said that. his wife, but it would be better first to have the measure of it. So while you did the whole, I will go around to Cassim's house and borrow a measure, small enough to give us an exact

reckoning. Do as you will, answered her husband, but see that you keep the thing secret the Baba's wife to her brother-in-law's house. Cassim was from home, so she'd begged of his wife the loan of a small measure, naming for choice the smallest. This set the sister-in-law wondering, knowing Alibaba's poverty, she was all the more curious to find out what kind of grain so small a measure could be needed. So before bringing it and with lard and giving it to Alibaba's wife told her to be sure and be quick in returning it. The other promised to restore it punctually

and made haste to get home for its reception. She started to measure the money into it. First she set the measure. Upon she filled it, measure was counted. To her sister-in-law, returning, thanks for the loan. No sooner was her back turned. Then Cassine's wife looked at the bottom of the measure

and there to an astonishment she saw sticking to the lard. A gold cornedaba so rich that he needs a measure for his gold, and miserable re-weighted with impatience, for her husband's return, and as soon as he came in, she began to jeer at him. You think yourself rich, she said, but Alibaba is richer. You count your gold by comparison to Alibaba,

we are but grubs and groundling thus riddled him to the top of her bent in order to provoke his curiosity. She told him the story of the borrowed measure, of our own stratagem and of its results. Qasim, instead of being pleased at Alibaba's sudden prosperity, grew furiously jealous. he went to his brother's house. Alibaba, said he, what do you mean by pretending to be poor? When all the time you are scooping up gold by the court? Brother, said Alibaba, explain your meaning.

My meaning shall be plain, cried Kassim, displaying the tell-tale coin. How many more pieces? have you like this that my wife found sticking to the bottom of the measure yesterday? Ali Baba, perceiving that the intervention of wives had made further concealment useless, told his brother the true facts of the case, and offered him as an inducement for keeping the secret an equal share of the treasure. That is the least that I have the right to expect?

answered Kasim haughtily. It is further necessary that you should tell me exactly where the treasure lies, that I may, if need be, test the truth of your story. Otherwise I shall find it my duty to denounce you to the authorities. Alibaba having a clear conscience had little fear of Qasim's threats, but out of pure good nature, he gave him all the information he desired, not forgetting to instruct him. instruct him. In the words which would give him a free passing into the cave and out again, Qasim, who had thus secured all he had come for, lost no time in putting his project into execution. Intent on possessing himself all the treasures, which he actually remained, he set off the next morning before daybreak, taking with him ten mules laden with empty crates.

arrived before the cave he recalled the words which his brother had taught him. No sooner was open sesame said them the door in the rock lay wide for him to pass through and when he had entered it shut again. If the simple soul of Alibaba had found a light in the riches of the cavern greater still was the exultation of a greedier. nature like his seems. Intoxicated with the wealth that lay before his eyes, he had no thought but to gather together with all speed as much treasure as the ten wheels could

carry. And so, having exhausted himself with heavy labour and excitement, he suddenly found on returning to the door, they had forgotten the key which opened it, up and down, in and out through the mazes of his brain, he chased the missing word. Barley and maize and rice, he thought of them all, but of sesame never once, because his mind had become dark to the revealing light of heaven, and so the door stayed fast, holding him prisoner in the cave, where to his fate, undeserving of pity, we leave him. Towards noon the robbers returned and saw standing about the rock ten mules laden with crates. At this they were greatly surprised and began to search with suspicion amongst the surrounding crannies

and a finding no one there they drew their swords and advanced cautiously towards the cave. Where, upon the captain's pronouncement of the magic, word, the door immediately fell open. Qasim, who from within had heard the trampling of horses, had no doubt that the robbers were arrived and that his hour was come. Resolved however to make one last effort to escape, he stood ready by the door, and no sooner had the opening word been uttered, and he sprang forth with such violence that he threw the captain to the ground, but his attempt was vain. Before he could break through, he was mercilessly

hacked down by the soles of the robber band. With their fears thus verified, the robbers anxiously entered the cave to view the traces of its late visitant. There they saw piled by the door the treasure which Kasim had sought to carry away. But while restoring this to its place, they failed altogether to detect the earlier loss which Alibaba had caused them. Reckoning, however, that as one had discovered the secret of entry, others might know of it, they determined to leave an example for any who might venture thither on a similar errand, and having quartered the body of Qasim, they disposed it at the entrance in a manner most calculated to strike horror into the heart of the beholder. Then, closing the door of the cave, they rode away in search of fresh exploits and plunder.

Meanwhile, Qasim's wife had grown very uneasy at her husband's prolonged absence, and at nightfall, and able to endure further suspense, she ran to Alibaba and telling him of his brother's secret expedition and treated him to go out instantly in search of him. Alibaba had too kind of a heart to refuse or to lay comfort to her affliction. Taking with him his three asses, he set out immediately for the forest,

And, as the road was familiar to him, he soon found his way to the door of the cave. When he saw there were traces of blood, he became filled with misgiving. But no sooner than he had entered than his worst fears were realised, nonetheless brotherly peyatee gave him courage. Gathering together the severed remains, and wrappered them about with all possible decency, he laid them upon one of the asses, then bethinking him that he deserved some payment for his pains.

He loaded two remaining asses with sacks of gold, and covering them with wood, as his first occasion, made his way back to the town, where it was yet early. Leaving his wife to dispose of the treasure-born by the two asses, he led the third to his sisters-in-law's house, knocking quietly so that none of the neighbours might hear

was presently admitted by Morgana, a female slave, whose intelligence and discretion had long been known to him. Morgiana, he said, there's trouble on the back of that ass. Can you keep a secret? And Morgiana's nod satisfied him better than any oath. Well, he said, your master's body lies there, waiting to be pierced, and our own business now is to bury him honourably, as though he had died a natural death. Go and tell your mistress that I want to speak to her.

Morgiana went to her mistress and returning presently, bade Alibaba enter, leaving him to break to his sister and all the news and the satsur circumstances of his brother's death, she, with her plan already formed, hastened forth and knocked at the door of the nearest apothecary. With tears in her eyes, besought him to supply her in haste with a certain drug that is given to sick people only in the last extremity. Meanwhile, the rumour of Kasim's sickness had got abroad. Alibaba and his wife had been seen coming and going, while Morgiana, by her ceaseless activity, had made the day's pretending illness seem like a fortnight.

So, when a sound of wailing arose within the house, all the neighbours concluded without further question that Qasim had died, and natural and honourable death. Morgiana had now a still more difficult task to perform, it being necessary for the obsequences that the body should be made in some way presentable. So, at a very early hour, the next morning, she went to the shop of a certain merry old cobbler, Baba Mustafa by name, who lived on the early early, other side of the town, showing him a piece of gold, she inquired whether he was ready to earn it

by exercising his craft in implicit obedience to her instruction. And when Baba Mustafa sought to know the terms, first, said she, you must come with your eyes bandaged. Secondly, you must so that I put before you without asking questions, and thirdly, when you return, you must tell nobody. Mustafa, who had a lively curiosity into other folks' affairs, boggled for a time at the bandaging, and doubted much of his ability to refrain from question, but having on these considerations secured the doubling of his fee,

he promised secrecy, readily enough, and taking his cobbler's tackle in hand, submitted himself to Mugianna's guidance and set forth, this way that she led him blindfold, till she had brought him to the house of her to see his master. Then, uncovering his eyes in the presence of the dismembered corpse, she bade him get out thread and wax, and join the pieces together. A Mustafa applied his task according to the compact, asking no question.

When he was done, Morgiana again bandaged his eyes and led him home, and giving him a third piece of gold. The moral to satisfy him, she bade him good day and departed. So in seemliness and without scandal of any kind were the obsequiesis of the murdered Qasim performed. And when all was ended, seeing that his widow was desolate and his house in need of a protector, Ali Baba with brotherly piety took both the one and the other into care, marrying his sister-in-law according to Muslim law

and removing with all the goods and newly acquired treasure to the house which had been his brothers and having also acquired the shop where Qasim had done his business he put it to his own son who had already served an apprenticeship to the trade

so with this fortune well established let us now leave Alibaba and return to the robber's cave. Bither, at the appointed time, came the forty robbers, bearing in hand fresh booty, and great was their consternation to discover, but not only had the body of Kassim been removed, but a good many sacks of gold as well.

It was no wonder that this should triple them. For so long as anyone could command secret access, the cave was useless as a depository for their wealth. The question was, what could they do to put an end to their present insecurity? A long debate, it was agreed that one of their number should go into the town disguised as a traveller, and there, mixing with the common people, learn from their report whether they had been one of their report whether they had been one. recently any case in their midst of a sudden prosperity or sudden death. It was such a thing could be discovered, then they would make sure of tracking the evil to its source and imposing.

Although the penalty for failure was death, one of the robbers at once boldly offered himself for the venture, and having transformed himself by disguise and received the wise. and received the wise counsels and commendations of his fellows. He set out for the town, arriving at dawn. He began to walk up and down the streets and watch the early stirring of the inhabitants. So, before long, he drew up at the door of Baba Mustafa, who, though old, was already seated at work upon his cobbler's bench. The robber accosted him.

I wonder, said he, to see a man of your age at work so early. Does not so dull a light strain your eyes? Not so much as you might think, answered Baba Mustafa. Why, it was just but the other day that at the same hour I saw well enough to stitch up a dead body in a place where it was certainly no light. lighter. Stitch up a dead body, cried the robber, in pretended amazement, concealing his joy at the sudden intelligence.

Surely you mean, in its whining sheet, for how else can a dead body be stitched? No, no, said Mustaffa, what I say I mean. But as it is a secret, I can tell you no more. The robber drew out a piece of gold. Kermi said, Tell me nothing you do not care to. Only shame in the house, where lay the body that you stitched?

Baba Mustafa eyed the gold longingly. Word that I could, he replied, but alas, I went to it blindfold. Well, said the robber, I've heard that a blind man remembers his road perhaps though seeing you might lose it, blindfold you might find it again. Tempted by the offer of a second piece of gold,

Baba Mustafa was soon persuaded to make the attempt. It was here that I started, said he, showing the spot. I turned as you see me now. The robber then put a bandage over his eyes and walked beside him through the streets, partly guiding and partly being led, till of his own accord, Baba Mustafa stopped. It was here, said he, the door by which I went in should now lie to the right, had in fact come exactly opposite to the house, which had once been cassim's, where Alibaba now dwelt.

The robber, having marked the door with a piece of chalk, which had been provided, did for the purpose, removed the bandage from Mustafa's eyes, and, leaving him to his own devices, returned with all possible speed to the cave where his comrades were awaiting him. Soon after, the robber and cobbler had parted, Mugiana happened to go out upon an errand, and as she returned, she noticed the mark upon the door. This, she thought, is not as it should be. Either some trick is intended, or there is evil brewing for my master's house. Taking a piece of chalk, she put a similar mark upon five or six doorways to the right and left.

And having done this, she went home with a mind satisfied, saying nothing. The robbers had learned from their companion the success of his business. adventure. Greatly elated at the thought of their vengeance, seemed to be theirs, they formed a plan for entering the city in a manner that should arise no suspicion amongst the inhabitants. Passing by twos and threes, and by different routes, they came together to the marketplace at an appointed time, while the captain and the robber who had acted as spy. made their way alone to the street, in which the marked door was to be found. Presently, just as they had expected, they perceived a door with the mark on it. That is it, said the robber. But as they continued walking, so as to avoid suspicion,

they came upon another and another, till before they were done, they had passed six in succession. So alike were the marks that the spy, though he swore he had made but one, could not tell which it was. Seeing that the design had failed, the captain returned to the marketplace, and having passed the word for his troops to go back in the same way they had come, he himself set the example of retreat. When they were all reassembled in the forest, the captain explained how the matter had fallen, and then the spy, acquiescing in his own condemnation, kneeled down and received the stroke of the executioner. But, as it was still necessary for the safety of all, that so great a trespass and theft should not pass an avenged,

another of the band, undeterred by the fate of his comrade, volunteered upon the same conditions to prosecute the quest wherein the other had failed. Coming by the same means in the house of Alibaba, he set upon the door at a spot not likely to be noticed, a mark in red chalk to distinguish it clearly from those which were already marked in white. But even this precaution failed, of its end. Or Yianna whose eye nothing could escape

noticed the red mark at the first time of passing and dealt with it just as she'd done with the previous one. So when the robbers came hoping this time to light upon the door without fail they found not one

but all six similarly marked with red when the second spy had received the due reward of his plunders, the captain considered how by trusting to others he had come to lose two of his bravest followers, said the third attempt he determined to conduct in person. Having found his way to Ali Baba's door, as the two others had done by the aid of Baba Mustafa, he could not set any mark upon it, but examine it so carefully that he could not in future mistake it. He then returned to the forest and communicated to his band the plan which he had formed.

This was to go into the town in the disguise of an oil merchant, bearing with him upon 19 mules 38 large leather jars. One of the jars, as an example, was to be full of oil, but all the others empty. In these he purposed to conceal the 37 robbers to which his band was now reduced, and so to convey his full force to the scene of action in such a manner as to arouse no suspicion till the signal for vengeance should be given. Within a couple of days he had secured all the mules and jars that were requisite, and having disposed off his troop, according to the pre-arranged plan

he drove his train of well-laid and mules to the gates of the city through which he passed just before sunset proceeding thence to Ali Baba's house and arriving as it fell dark he was about to knock

and crave a lodging for the night when he perceived Ali Baba at the door enjoying the fresh air after supper addressing him in tones of respect, sir, said he, I have port my oil at a great distance to sell tomorrow in the market, and, at this late hour, being a stranger, I know not where to seek for a shelter.

If it is not troubling you, too much allow me to stable my beasts here for the night. The captain's voice was now so changed from its accustomed tone of command that Alibaba, though he had heard it before, did not recognise it. Not only did he grant the stranger's request for bare accommodation, but as soon as the unlanding of the stable of the meals had been accomplished, he invited him to stay no longer in the outer court but enter the house as his guest. The captain whose plans this proposal somewhat disarranged, endeavoured to excuse himself from a pretended reluctance to give trouble. But since Annibaba would take no refusal,

he was forced at last to yield, and to submit with apparent complacence to an entertainment which the hospitality of his host extended into the late hour. Went into the kitchen to speak to Morgiana and the captain on the robbers, on the pretext of going to look after his mules, slipped out into the yard where the oil jars were standing in line.

Passing from jar to jar, he whispered into each. When you hear a handful of pebbles fall from the window of the chamber where I am lodged, then cut your way out of the jar and make ready for the time will have come. He then returned to the house, where Morgia, came with a light and conducted him to his chamber. Now, Ali Baba, before going to bed, had said to Morgiana, tomorrow at dawn, I'm going to the paths. Let my bathing linen be put ready,

and see that the cook has some good broth prepared for me against my return. Having therefore led the guest up to his check, chamber, Morgiana returned to the kitchen and ordered Adala the cook to put on the pot for the broth. Suddenly while she was skimming it, the lamp went out on searching. She found there was no more oil in the house. At so late an hour, no shop would be open, yet somehow the broth had to be made, and that could not be done without a light. without a light. As for that, said Abdallah, seeing her perplexity, why trouble yourself?

There is plenty of oil out in the yard. Why to be sure, said Morgiana, and sending Abdallah to bed so you might be up in time to wake his master on the morrow, she took the oil can herself and went out into the court. As she approached the jar which she, she stood nearest, she heard a voice within say, Is it time? To one of Morgiana's intelligence, an oil jar that spoke was an object of even more suspicion than a chalk mark on a war, and, in an instant, she apprehended what danger for her master

and his family might lie concealed around her. Understanding well enough that an oil jar which asked a question required an answer, she replied quick, as thought and without the least sign of perturbation. Not yet, but presently, and thus she passed from jar to jar, 37 and all, giving the same answer, till she came to the one which contained the oil. This situation was now clear to her, aware of the source from which her master, had acquired his wealth, she guessed at once that in extending shelter to the oil merchant, Ali Baba had in fact admitted to his house the robber captain and his band.

On the instant, her resolution was formed. Having filled the oil can, she returned to the kitchen, where she lighted the lamp, and then, taking a large kettle, went back once more to the day. jar which contained the oil. Filling the kettle, she carried it back to the kitchen and putting it under a great fire of wood, had soon brought it to the boil. Then, taking it in hand once more, she went out into the yard and poured into each jar in turn a sufficient quantity of the boiling oil to scold its occupant to death. She then returned to the kitchen and had to have to be able to having made Alibaba's broth, put out the fire, blew out the lamp and sat down by the window to watch.

Before long, the captain of the robbers awoke from the short sleep, which he had loud himself, and finding that all were silent in the house, he rose softly and opened the window. Below stood the oil jars. gently in their mist he threw the handful of pebbles, agreed on as a signal, but from the oil jars came no answer. He threw a second and a third time. Yes again he could hear the pebbles falling among the jars. There followed only the silence of the dead,

wondering whether his band had fled, leaving him in the lurch, or whether they were all asleep, he grew uneasy, and descending in haste made his way into the court. As he approached, the first jar a smell of burning and hot oil assailed his nostrils, and looking within he beheld in rigid contortion the dead body of his comrade. In every jar the same sight presented itself till he came to one, one which had contained the oil. There, in what was missing, the means and manner of his companion's death were made clear to him. Agassed at the discovery and awaked to the danger that now threatened him, he did not delay an instant,

but forcing the garden gate and thence climbing from wall to wall, he made his escape out of the city. When Morgiana, who had remained all this time on the watch, was assured of his final departure, she put her master's bath linen ready and went to bed well satisfied with her day's work. The next morning, Alibaba, awakened by his slave, went to the baths before daybreak. On his return he was greatly surprised to find that the merchant was gone, leaving his mules and all jars behind him. He inquired of Morgiana the reason. You will find the reason, she said,

if you look into the first jar you come to. Alibaba did so, and seeing a man startled back with a cry. Do not be afraid, says Morgiana. He is dead and harmless, and so are all the others you will find if you look further. As Alibaba went from one. jar to another, finding always the same sight of horror within, his knees trembled under

him, and when he came at last to one empty oil jar, he stood for a time motionless, turning upon Morgiana eyes of wonder and inquiry. And what, he said then, has become of the merchant? To tell you that, said Morgiana, will be to tell you the whole story. You will be better able to hear it. if you have your broth first. But the curiosity of Alibaba was far too great. He would not be kept waiting.

So without further delay, she gave him the whole story. So far as she knew it, from beginning to end. And by her intelligent putting one thing against the other, she left him at last in no possible doubt as to the source and nature. of the conspiracy which her quick wits had so happily defeated. And now, dear master, she said in inclusion, continue to be on your guard, for though all these are dead and one remains alive, and he, if I mistake not, is the captain of the band, and for that reason the more formidable,

and the more likely to cherish the hope of revenge. When Morgiana had done speaking, Ali Baba clearly perceived that he owed to her not merely the protection of his property but life itself his heart was full of gratitude Do not doubt he said that before I die I will reward you As you deserve As an immediate proof in this moment

I give you your liberty This token of approval filled Morgiana's heart with delight She had no intention of leaving her kind of master, even had she been sure that all danger was now over. The immediate question, which now presented itself, was how to dispose of the bodies. Luckily, at the far end of the garden, stood a thick grove of trees, and under these, Alibaba was able to dig a large trench, without attracting the notice of his neighbours. Here the remains of the 37 rovers, The robbers were laid side by side.

The trench was filled again and the ground made level. As for the mules, since Alibaba had no use for them, he sent them one or two at a time to the market to be sold. Meanwhile, the robber captain had fled back to the forest, entering the cave he was overcome by its gloom and loneliness. Alas, he cried, cried, my comrades, partners in my adventures, shareers of my fortune, how shall I endure to live without you? Why did I lead you to a fate where valour was of no avail and where death turned

you into subjects of ridicule? Surely had you died, sword and hand, my sorrow had been less bitter, and now what remains for me is to take vengeance for your death, and to prove by achieving it without aid that I was worthy to be the captain of such a band. Thus resolved as an early hour on the next day, he assumed a disguise suitable to his purpose, and going to the town, took lodging in a carne. Entering into conversation with his host, he inquired whether anything of interest had happened recently in the town,

but the other, though full of gossip, had nothing to tell him concerning the matter in which he was most interested, for Alabama, having to conceal from all the source of his wealth, had also to be silent as to the dangers in which it involved him. The captain then inquired, where there was a shop for hire, and hearing of one that suited him, he came to terms with the owner, and before long had furnished it with all kinds of rich stuffs and carpets and jewellery. which he brought by degrees with great secrecy from the cave.

Now this shop happened to be opposite to what which had belonged to Qasim, and now occupied by the son of Alibaba. So, before long, the son and the newcomer who had assumed the name of Koghya Hussein became acquainted, and as the youth had good looks, kind manners, and a sociable disposition, It was not long before the acquaintance became intimate. Kogia Hussein did all he could to seal the protected friendship. The more so, as it had not taking him long to discover how the young man and Alibaba were related. So, plying him constantly with small presents, an act of hospitality,

he forced on him the obligation of making some return. Alibaba's son, however, had not at his lodging, sufficient accommodation for entertainment. He therefore told his father of the difficulty in which Kogia Hussein's favours had placed him, an alibaba with great willingness, at once offered to arrange matters. My son, he said, tomorrow being a holiday, all shops will close. Then do you after dinner invite Kogia Hussein to walk with you? And as you return, bring him this way and beg him to come to me. This will be better than a formal invitation, and Morgiana shall have a supper prepared for you. This proposal was exactly what Alibaba's son could have wished,

so on the morrow he brought Kogia Hussein to the door, as by accident, and, stopping, invited him to enter. Kogia Hussein saw his object thus suddenly attained, began by showing pretended reluctance, but Alibaba himself coming to the door, pressed him in the most kindly manner to enter, and before long had conducted him to the table, where food stood prepared. But there an unlookedful difficulty arose, wicked though he might be, the robber captain was not so impious as to eat the salt of the man he intended to kill. He then began with many apologies to excuse himself, and when Alibaba sought to know the reason, Sir, said he, I am sure that if you knew the cause of my resolution, you would approve of it.

Suffice to say that I have made it a rule to eat of no dish that has salt in it. How, then can I sit at your table if I must reject everything that is set for me? If that is your scruple, said Alibaba, it soon shall be satisfied, and he said orders to the kitchen that no salt was to be put in any of the dishes, presently to be served to the newly arrived guest. Thus he said to Koghya Hussein, I shall still have the honour to which I look forward to, of returning to you under my own roof, the hospitality you have shown to my son. Morgiana, who was just about to serve dinner, received the order with some discontent. Who, she said, is this difficult person who refuses to eat salt? He must be a curiosity worth looking at. So when Masaltless course was ready to be set upon the table, she herself helped to carry in the dishes.

No sooner had she set on the eyes of Kogge Hussein than she recognized him in spite of his disguise. and, observing his movements, with great attention, she saw that he had a dagger concealed beneath his robe. Ah, she said to herself, here is reason enough, for who will eat salt with the man he means to murder? But he shall not murder my master, if I can prevent it. Now, Morgiana knew, but the most favourable opportunity for the robber captain to carry out his design would be after the courses had been withdrawn, and when Alibaba and his son and guest were alone together over their wine,

which indeed was the very project that Cogiana Hussein had formed. Going forth, therefore, in haste, she dressed herself up as a dancer, assuming the headdress and mask suitable for the character. Then she fastened a silver girdle about her waist and hung upon it,

a dagger of the same material. Thus equipped, she said to Abdallah the cook, take your table and let us go in and give an entertainment in honour of our master's guest. So Abdallah took his tabooar and played Morgiana into the hall. As soon as she entered, she made a low courtesy and stood awaiting orders. Then, Annibaba, seeing that she wished to perform

in his guest's honour, said kindly, come in Morgiana and show Gagiana Hussein what you can do. Immediately, Abdullah began to beat his debaour and sing an air for Morgiana to dance to, and she, advancing with much grace and propriety of deportment, began to move through several figures, performing them with a case and the facility which none but the most, highly practised can attain to. Then, for the last figure of all, she drew out the dagger and holding it in her hand, dance to dance, which excelled all that had preceded it. In the surprise and change and quickness and dexterity of its movements, she presented the dagger at her own breast, now at one of the onlookers, but always in the act of striking she drew back, at length,

out of breath, she snatched his instrument from O'Dala, and with the left hand, and still holding the dagger in her right, advance the hollow of the debaure towards her master, as is the custom of dancers when claiming their fee. Alibaba threw in a piece of gold, his son did likewise, then advancing in the same manner towards Cogia Hussein, who was feeding for his purse, she struck under it, and before he knew, had plunged her dagger deep into his heart. Alibaba and his son, saying their guessful dad, cried out in horror at the deed. Wretch, claimed Alibaba. What ruin and shame how'st thou brought on us?

Nay, answered Morgiana, it is not your ruin but your life that I was thus secured. Look and convince yourself, what man was this who refused to eat salt with you? So saying she tore off the dead robber's disguise, showing the dagger concealed below, and the face which her master now for the first time recognised. Alibaba's gratitude to Morgiana for thus preserving his life a second time knew no bounds. He took her in his arms and embraced her as a daughter. Now, said he, is the time when I must fulfil my debt, and how better can I do it than by marrying you to my son?

This proposition, far from proving unwelcome to the young man, did but confirm an inclination already formed. A few days later, the nuptials were celebrated with great joy and solemnity, and the union, though auspiciously commenced, was productive of much happiness as lies within the powers of mortals to secure. As for the robber's cave, it remained the secret possession of Alibaba. and his posterity and using their good fortune with equity and moderation they rose to high office in the city and were held in great honour

by all who knew them