Though naturally much surprised at finding a man in the jar instead of the oil she wanted, she immediately felt the importance of keeping silence, as Ali Baba, his family, and herself were in great danger; and collecting herself, without showing the least emotion, she answered, “Not yet, but presently.” She went quietly in this manner to all the jars, giving the same answer, till she came to the jar of oil. She went home again, and waited patiently till midnight. Cogia Houssain, who did not expect this diversion after supper, began to fear he should not be able to take advantage of the opportunity he thought he had found; but hoped, if he now missed his aim, to secure it another time, by keeping up a friendly correspondence with the father and son; therefore, though he could have wished Ali Baba would have declined the dance, he pretended to be obliged to him for it, and had the complaisance to express his satisfaction at what he saw, which pleased his host. This speech and plan was approved of by all, and they were soon ready. I was taken to a certain place, whence I was led blindfold to the house, and afterward brought back in the same manner. He observed it with attention, and distinguished soon after a body of horsemen, who he suspected might be robbers. Ali Baba, who expected a dark, dismal cavern, was surprised to see a well-lighted and spacious chamber, which received the light from an opening at the top of the rock, and in which were all sorts of provisions, rich bales of silk, stuff, brocade, and valuable carpeting, piled upon one another, gold and silver ingots in great heaps, and money in bags. You pretend to be miserably poor, and yet you measure gold. My wife found this at the bottom of the measure you borrowed yesterday.”. “Moderate your astonishment, and do not excite the curiosity of your neighbours; for it is of great importance to keep this affair secret. “Unhappy woman!” exclaimed Ali Baba, “what have you done to ruin me and my family?”, “It was to preserve, not to ruin you,” answered Morgiana; “for see here,” continued she, opening the pretended Cogia Houssain’s garment, and showing the dagger, “what an enemy you had entertained? I leave the matter to your wit and skillful devices.". Four neighbours carried the corpse to the burying-ground, following the imaun, who recited some prayers. Away the wife ran to her brother-in-law Cassim, who lived just by, and addressing herself to his wife, desired that she lend her a measure for a little while. The only thing I desire of you is to show me the house where you stitched up the dead body. The next day Ali Baba's son and Cogia Houssain met by appointment, took their walk, and as they returned, Ali Baba's son led Cogia Houssain through the street where his father lived, and when they came to the house, stopped and knocked at the door. But as the safety of the troop required the discovery of the second intruder into the cave, another of the gang, who promised himself that he should succeed better, presented himself, and his offer being accepted he went and corrupted Baba Mustapha as the other had done; and being shown the house, marked it in a place more remote from sight, with red chalk. Ali Baba received Cogia Houssain with a smiling countenance, and in the most obliging manner he could wish. Your supper will be spoiled, if I keep it back so long.”, “Do not be angry, Morgiana,” replied Ali Baba; “he is an honest man, therefore do as I bid you.”, Morgiana obeyed, though with no little reluctance, and had a curiosity to see this man who ate no salt. She bade her stay a little, and she would readily fetch one. On hearing of these brave deeds from the lips of Morgiana, Ali Baba said to her—"God, by your means, has delivered me from the snares of these robbers laid for my destruction. He named several sorts of grain, but still the door would not open. "This, sir," said he, "is my father's house, who, from the account I have given him of your friendship, charged me to procure him the honor of your acquaintance; and I desire you to add this pleasure to those for which I am already indebted to you.". “The removal of the body, and the loss of some of our money, plainly shows that the man whom we killed had an accomplice: and for our own lives’ sake we must try and find him. Thus the captain and his troop were forced to retire a second time, and much more dissatisfied; while the robber who had been the author of the mistake underwent the same punishment, to which he willingly submitted. He does not count his money, but measures it.". After Baba Mustapha had finished his task, she blindfolded him again, gave him the third piece of gold as she had promised, and recommending secrecy to him carried him back to the place where she first bound his eyes, pulled off the bandage, and let him go home, but watched him that he returned toward his stall, till he was quite out of sight, for fear he should have the curiosity to return and dodge her; she then went home. The robbers stayed some time within the rock, during which Ali Baba, fearful of being caught, remained in the tree. The troop, who were to the number of forty, all well mounted and armed, came to the foot of the rock on which the tree stood, and there dismounted. Ali Baba, who expected a dark, dismal cavern, was surprised to see a well-lighted and spacious chamber, which received the light from an opening at the top of the rock, and in which were all sorts of provisions, rich bales of silk, stuff, brocade, and valuable carpeting, piled upon one another; gold and silver ingots in great heaps, and money in bags. Upon entering the cave he forgot the words to exit and was found and killed by the thieves. — J. Spurlin. The robber, finding that he could discover no more from Baba Mustapha, thanked him for the trouble he had taken, and left him to go back to his stall, while he returned to the forest, persuaded that he should be very well received.