-regent of the Prophet."

"The caliph was in disguise, and Yussuf knew him not," replied
Mustapha.

"Those who threaten me in disguise, will find that no excuse, we swear
by our beard," replied the pacha. "Proceed Menouni."

* * * * *

It was daylight before the great Haroun re-entered the secret gate of
the seraglio, and retired to his couch. After a short slumber he arose,
performed his ablutions, and proceeded to the divan, where he found the
principal officers of his court, the viziers, omras, and grandees,
assembled to receive him; his imagination, however, still dwelt upon the
events of the preceding night, and after the ordinary business of the
day had been transacted, and the petitioners who attended had been
dismissed, he called for his grand vizier, who presented himself with
the customary obeisances.

"Giaffar," said the caliph, "issue a decree to the governor of the city
that it be proclaimed throughout the streets of Bagdad, that no person
whatever, shall, for the space of three days, carry water from the river
to the bazaars for sale, and that whoever trespasses shall be hanged."

The governor, Khalid ben Talid, immediately that he received the fetva,
took the proper measures to have it promulgated. Heralds were despatched
throughout the various quarters of the city, who proclaimed the will of
the caliph. The people wondered, but submitted.

Yussuf, who had performed his morning devotions, had reached the banks
of the Tigris, and just filled, and hoisted on his shoulders, his
ox-skin of water, when the appearance of one of the heralds attracted
his attention; he listened to the legal proclamation, and let down his
ox-skin with a curse upon all merchants of Moussul.

"Confusion to the scoundrels, who last night prophesied such an unlucky
event! If I could but lay hands upon them!" exclaimed Yussuf. "They did
but hint it, and behold, it is done."

Whilst Yussuf was thus lamenting over his empty water-skin, some of the
other water-carriers came up, and began to console him after the fashion
of Job's comforters.

"Surely," said one, "you need not be troubled at this edict, you gain
more than any five of us every day, and you have no wife nor child to
provide for. But I, wretched man that I am, will have the misery of
beholding my wife and children starving before the expiration of the
three days."

Another said, "Be comforted, Yussuf, three days will soon pass away,