alicious pleasure, wished him joy of his marriage.

"Most sincerely do I congratulate you, Sadik," said he, "on this happy
event."

"Thank you, my good fellow, I am very happy indeed, and rendered more
so by the joy I perceive it gives my friends."

"Do you really mean to say you are happy?" said Merdek, with a smile.

"I really am so," replied Sadik.

"Nonsense!" said his friend; "do we not all know to what a termagant
you are united? and her temper and high rank combined must no doubt
make her a sweet companion." Here he burst into a loud laugh, and the
little man actually strutted with a feeling of superiority over the
bridegroom.

Sadik, who knew his situation and feelings, was amused instead of
being angry. "My friend," said he, "I quite understand the grounds of
your apprehension for my happiness. Before I was married, I had heard
the same reports as you have done of my beloved bride's disposition;
but I am happy to say, I have found it quite otherwise: she is a most
docile and obedient wife."

"But how has this miraculous change been wrought?"

"Why," said Sadik, "I believe I have some merit in effecting it; but
you shall hear. After the ceremonies of our nuptials were over, I went
in my military dress, and with my sword by my side, to the apartment
of Hooseinee. She was sitting in a most dignified posture to receive
me, and her looks were anything but inviting. As I entered the room, a
beautiful cat, evidently a great favourite, came purring up to me. I
deliberately drew my sword, struck its head off, and taking that in
one hand and the body in the other, threw them out of the window. I
then very unconcernedly turned to the lady, who appeared in some
alarm; she, however, made no observations, but was in every way kind
and submissive, and has continued so ever since."

"Thank you, my dear fellow," said little Merdek, with a significant
shake of the head: "a word to the wise." And away he capered,
obviously quite rejoiced.

It was near evening when this conversation took place; soon after,
when the dark cloak of night had enveloped the bright radiance of day,
Merdek entered the chamber of his spouse, with something of a martial
swagger, armed with a scimitar. The unsuspecting cat came forward as
usual, to welcome the husband of her mistress, but in an instant her
head was divided from her body by a blow from the hand which had so
often caressed her. Merdek, having proceeded so far courageously,
stoope