and determined to give him his dismissal immediately.

"We do not suit one another," said he to him; "let us part. But, as it
is not just that I should bear the loss of that which you improperly
set apart, restore me the money which I gave you, and seek the reward
of your labour in the sale of the grain which you took from me. I
abandon you."

The unfortunate Kaskas acknowledged the justice of this order: he
submitted to it without murmuring, and left the house of his
benefactor somewhat less naked than he entered it, but without a
single piece of money, and plunged into a deep melancholy.

This sorrowful sport of fortune was thoughtfully walking along the
sea-shore, when he perceived a tent, which he approached. He found in
it four persons, who, discovering in his countenance, which was
otherwise engaging, the traces of deep sorrow, eagerly asked him the
cause of it. He gratified their curiosity by the recital of his
misfortunes. As he spoke he drew a very marked attention from one of
the four, who seemed to have a kind of authority over the other three.
This man soon recognized him as one of his correspondents at Bagdad,
with whom he had formerly had important and lucrative concerns. The
merchant was moved with compassion. At that time he was engaged in an
adventure of pearl-fishing, and was the chief of the three divers who
were with him.

"Throw yourselves into the sea," said he to them, "and the first take
of pearls which you have shall be for this unfortunate traveller."

The three divers, affected as well as their master with the misfortune
of Kaskas, threw themselves into the sea, and brought up, in shells
which they carried with them, ten pearls of an inestimable value for
their size and beauty. The merchant was delighted with the little
fortune he had been able to procure for his former correspondent.

"Take these pearls," said he to him; "sell two of them when you arrive
in the capital, and their price will be sufficient for any adventure
in which you may be inclined to engage; but take particular care of
the other eight, that they may serve you in the time of need, and sell
them where you can do it to the greatest advantage."

Kaskas, after thanking his benefactor, departed, and took the road
which he was directed to follow in his way to the capital. He had been
three days on his journey, when he perceived at a distance some people
on horseback. Afraid lest they should be robbers, he hid eight of the