t satisfaction with the supply.

"Ah," continued the dealer, "thou must now again give me a commission;
for I have at present a much better supply, and I can let thee have it
at a very moderate price, although it is of a superior quality."

Jussuf was ashamed to confess that he had entirely neglected his
magazine and warehouse, and could not think of his business. He
therefore left him in his error, and gave him a considerable order for
oil of roses. But, as he thought of travelling farther, and the time
of his return was not decided, he ordered him to wait for further
instructions for sending the oil. Still, he paid the amount
beforehand. In this manner he went to all his friends in trade in
Shiraz. Hassan conducted him, announcing that his appearance in Persia
was to give orders; and so he was seduced into fresh commissions and
fresh purchases. At the silk-weavers' he ordered many hundred pieces
of silk stuffs; at others, a quantity of gold and silver stuffs; at
the jewellers' costly trinkets, and gold and silver vessels, and
implements. His companion not only led him to such dealers and
workers as he was already acquainted with in business, but introduced
him to many others. They induced him, partly by the beauty of their
goods, partly by their moderate prices, to make extensive purchases,
and to take himself large orders for goods which he promised to send
them from Balsora. It could not fail that a merchant of such fame as
Jussuf, who gave so many orders in the same town, should attract
attention. They sought after him with a friendly spirit in every
place; they asked him to all the feasts which were given in those days
in the families where he was known. Now he was to appear at a banquet
in the town; then at a rural feast in one of the largest and most
splendid gardens in the suburbs. People exerted themselves on all
sides to show him honour and to give him pleasure.

The new moon had arrived in the meantime, and Jussuf had still so many
invitations that he would have been obliged to remain till after the
full moon to fulfil them all. But the third evening after the new moon
had been named to him as the decisive moment, and he would not neglect
it. Hassan persuaded him strongly to stay a few more days, and those
who had invited him pressed him very much; but he continued steadfast
against longer delay, and he set out early on the third day after the
new moon for the little town where he had left his slaves and c