eep his eyes off their
handsome and stylish dress. Meanwhile, the chief of the beeldars
perceived him, and knowing that he did not belong to the palace,
imagined from his appearance, and his presenting himself among them,
that he must be one in the service of one of the great omrahs who were
at Bagdad, who, having nothing to do at home, had come as a visitor to
the palace. He remarked this to his brother beeldars, saying, "This
fine-built stranger ought to be considered as our guest. Let us show him
all courtesy, for he is of our profession, and therefore we shall not do
ourselves credit, if we do not prove that we have the power to serve
him." The other beeldars agreeing with him, the chief went to the
secretary of the treasury, and procured an order of notice upon a rich
confectioner, to pay into the treasury the sum of five thousand dirhems,
due by him upon several accounts therein specified. The vizier's seal
having been attached to it, he went with it to where Yussuf was
standing. "What, ho! brother beeldar," said the chief.

"I am Yussuf, and my trust is in God; I am ready to obey your commands,"
said the water-carrier, advancing with great humility.

"May I request, brother beeldar, that you will do us of the palace, the
very great favour to carry this paper, bearing the vizier's seal, to
Mallem Osman, the great confectioner, and request the immediate payment
of five thousand dirhems. You know your profession; of course the money
is not expected, but whatever he may offer for your affording him a
respite, put down to the friendship and good will of the beeldars of
the palace, and remember us when you feast in your own dwelling."

Yussuf, highly delighted, put the order into his cap, made a low salaam,
and departed on his message. Deeming it beneath his new-fledged dignity
to walk, he mounted one of the asses ready for hire at the corner of the
streets, ordering the driver to hasten before to clear the way, and
ascertain which was the dwelling of the confectioner. The house of
Mallem Osman was soon discovered, for he was the most celebrated of his
trade, and had an immense business. Yussuf rode up on the beast, which
was not half as large as himself, and stopped at the shop, where the
confectioner was superintending his work-people. "I am Yussuf, and my
trust is in God," said Yussuf, looking at the confectioner. The
confectioner heeded him not, when Yussuf strutted into the shop. "I
merely wait upon you, good Ma