given by
the Book of Genesis to the Garden of Eden.

"And the third door," droned on the rhythmic voice, "into an open
hall, hung with cages of sandal-wood and eagle-wood; full of birds
which made sweet music, such as the mocking bird, and the cusha, the
merle, the turtle dove--and the Nubian ring-dove."

A trifle restively Ryder stirred. He liked birds but he wanted to
be getting on to that fortieth door and this was slow progress. Not
a sign of impatience marred the bright, absorbed content of the
other listeners, intent now upon the wonders behind that the fourth
chamber revealed, stores of "pearls and jacinths and beryls, and
emeralds and corals and carbuncles and all manner of precious gems
and jewels such as the tongue of man could not describe."

The story teller proceeded, "Then, quoth Prince Azib, now verily am
I the monarch of the age, since by Allah's grace this enormous
wealth is mine; and I have forty damsels under my hand nor is there
any to claim them save myself."

The handsome Arab beside Ryder inhaled his pipe luxuriously. "By the
grace of Allah!" he said reverently.

"Then I gave not over opening place after place until nine and
thirty days were passed and in that time I had entered every chamber
except that one whose door I was charged not to open. But my
thoughts ever ran upon that forbidden fortieth and Satan urged me to
open it for my own undoing...."

"I see his finish," said Ryder interestedly to himself--and he
thought of the analogy.

"So I stood before the chamber, and after a few moments' hesitation,
opened the door which was plated with red gold and entered. I was
met by a perfume whose like I had never before smelt; and so sharp
and subtle was the odor that it made my senses drunken as with
strong wine, and I fell to the ground in a fainting fit which lasted
a full hour. When I came to myself I strengthened my heart, and
entering found myself in a chamber bespread with saffron and blazing
with light.... Presently, I spied a noble steed, black as the murks
of night when murkiest, standing ready saddled and bridled (and his
saddle was of red gold) before two mangers one of clear crystal
wherein was husked sesame, and the other, also of crystal containing
water of the rose scented with musk. When I saw this I marveled and
said to myself, 'Doubtless in this animal must be some wondrous
mystery, and Satan--'"

"Satan the Stoned!" murmured Ryder's neighbor religiously.

"Satan cozen