e pavilion of blue silk, to which the chief of the
escort conducted the stranger. When they reached the entrance, they
saw the five merchants seated on gold-embroidered cushions; black
slaves were carrying around to them food and drink. "Whom bringest
thou hither to us?" exclaimed the young merchant unto the leader:
before, however, the latter could reply, the stranger spoke.

"I am called Selim Baruch, and am from Bagdad; I was taken captive by
a robber-horde on a ride to Mecca, but three days ago managed to free
myself from confinement. The mighty Prophet permitted me to hear, in
the far distance, the little bells of your Caravan, and so I came to
you. Allow me to ride in your company; you will grant your protection
to no unworthy person; and when we reach Bagdad, I will reward your
kindness richly, for I am the nephew of the Grand Vizier."

The oldest of the merchants took up the discourse: "Selim Baruch,"
said he, "welcome to our protection! It affords us joy to be of
assistance to thee. But first of all, sit down, and eat and drink with
us."

Selim Baruch seated himself among the merchants, and ate and drank
with them. After the meal, the slaves removed the table, and brought
long pipes and Turkish sherbet. The merchants sat for some time in
silence, while they puffed out before them the bluish, smoke-clouds,
watching how they formed circle after circle, and at last were
dissipated in the ambient air. The young merchant finally broke the
silence. "Here sit we for three days," said he, "on horseback, and at
table, without doing any thing to while away the time. I feel this
tediousness much, for I am accustomed after dinner to see dancers, or
to hear singing and music. Know you nothing, my friends, that will
pass away the time for us?"

The four elder merchants smoked away, and seemed to be seriously
reflecting, but the stranger spoke: "If it be allowed me, I will make
a proposition to you. I think one of us, at this resting-place, could
relate something for the amusement of the rest: this, certainly, would
serve to pass the time."

"Selim Baruch, thou hast well spoken," said Achmet, the oldest of the
merchants; "let us accept the proposal."

"I am rejoiced that it pleases you," answered Selim; "and, in order
that you may see that I desire nothing unreasonable, I will myself
begin." The five merchants, overjoyed, drew nearer together, and
placed the stranger in their midst. The slaves replenished their cups,