u have jewels in your heart more precious than all the treasures of
the earth. For love of your brothers you gave up the stones, and for
love of your father you have preserved this seemingly worthless
casket. But Allah has blessed you for your virtues and has, by means
of this humble iron casket, raised you to power and wealth. I dare not
refuse to assist you. I will give you the most priceless gift at my
disposal--the hand of my only daughter."

He called the chief overseer of the harem and bade him lead Fatma to
the throne-room. The maiden had passed the night in weeping, for she
had heard that she was to be given in marriage to a strange man. She
shuddered at the thought, for as only child of the Caliph she had been
thoroughly spoiled, and hated the idea of leaving her father's roof.

Abdul Kassim, who until now had been struck utterly dumb with
astonishment, could not refrain from a cry of admiration at the sight
of the lovely Fatma. She seemed to him a hundred times more beautiful
than any description he had heard of her in Bagdad.

In the midst of her grief Fatma retained her woman's curiosity, and on
hearing the youth's voice, cast one glance at him over her father's
shoulder. The first impression seemed not unfavourable. She eyed his
slender form as he stood leaning on his sword, and gradually ceased
her sobbing. She even raised herself and took hold of the Caliph's
arm. "Father," she said, "do with me what you will; not without cause
do the people call you 'The Wise One'."

So Fatma was married to Abdul. But neither she nor any other ever knew
that the iron casket connected with her young lord's rise and power
was empty. The Caliph advised his son-in-law to maintain the deepest
silence as to the absence of the magic jewels.

In the fifth year of their wedded life the Caliph, feeling the weight
of advancing years, abdicated in Abdul Kassim's favour, so the verse
on the casket was fulfilled, and Abdul Kassim reigned many, many years
over Bagdad, the best and wisest ruler who had ever ascended the
throne. Allah's name be praised!

_The Knights of the Fish_

Once upon a time there was a poor cobbler, who, being unable to live
by mending shoes, determined to buy a net and turn fisherman. He went
a-fishing for several days, but could draw up nothing in his net but
old boots and shoes, though few enough of them could he get hold of
when he was a cobbler. At last he thought:

"This is the very last day