read the Arabian Nights.

"Yes, vizier," replied the renegade; "many years before I turned Turk."

"Do you recollect the voyages of Sindbad the Sailor?"

"To be sure I do; he is the only man that could ever hold a candle to me
in lying."

"Well, then, his highness the pacha delights in such stories; and it is
my wish that you prepare to recount your own voyages, as Sindbad has
done before you."

"But what am I to get for it?"

"My good-will and protection; besides which, his highness, if pleased,
will not fail to order you a handsome present."

"Well," replied Selim, "any man who can produce gold in this world will
always be able to change it for base metal. I can coin lies in my mint
faster than he can coin sequins in his; and since you wish it, and say
that it will be profitable, why--I am very much at his service."

"Then, Selim, observe my directions, for every thing must appear
accidental."

In pursuance to the orders received from Mustapha, the renegade remained
that evening at the corner of a certain street, through which Mustapha
took care that the pacha should pass in his disguise. When he perceived
their approach, the renegade exclaimed. "Allah, Allah! when is the happy
time to come, promised in my seventh and last voyage?"

"Who are you, and why do you call upon Heaven for happy times?" inquired
the pacha.

"I am Huckaback the Sailor," replied the renegade, "who, after a life of
danger and disaster, am anxiously awaiting the fulfilment of a promise
from the Most High."

"I must see this man to-morrow," observed the pacha:--"Mustapha, as you
value your life, see that he attends."

The vizier bowed, and the pacha returned to the palace without further
adventure.

The next day, as soon as the business of the divan had closed, the
renegade was ordered in. Prostrating himself before the pacha, he then
rose, and, folding his arms over his breast, awaited his commands in
silence.

"I have sent for you, Huckaback, to inquire the meaning of the words you
made use of last night: and to know what was the promise made to you in
your seventh and last voyage; but I will thank you to begin at the
first, as I wish to hear the history of all your voyages."

"May it please you highness, as I live but to obey you, all that has
occurred in my eventful life shall, if you command it, be submitted to
your ear. It will, however, be necessary that I should revert to my
early days to enable your highness more ful