ned some pints, to the amazement of the confectioner, at one
long draught he swallowed it all down. The kabob now made its
appearance, wrapped up in thin cakes of fine wheaten flour. Yussuf
swallowed this also with a rapidity which was astonishing to behold, nor
did he cease eating till the whole table cleared. The confectioner was
amazed. "This fellow," thought he, "breakfasted upon ten dishes, each
containing three fowls. How fortunate for me! What would he have done
had he come here fainting? Nothing less than an ox stuffed with
pistachio-nuts would have satisfied him. Would to Heaven that I were
well rid of him!"

In the meantime Yussuf stirred not, but resumed his consequence. The
confectioner requested to know if his highness would wait till a dinner
was prepared for him. "Indeed, friend, that is a subject of small
concern. My object here is, that you hasten with me to the treasury to
pay in the five thousand dirhems which are due."

"Your indulgence, my aga," replied the confectioner; "I will return in
one minute." Mallem Osman then filled a large bag with the choicest of
his sweetmeats, and putting thirty dirhems in a paper, he approached
Yussuf, saying, "My prince, I humbly beg your acceptance of this
trifling present of sweetmeats, and these thirty dirhems for the
expenses of the bath after your fatiguing journey hither. Deign also to
favour me with your protection. Trade is scarce, and money does not come
in. In a short time I will pay all."

Yussuf, who was aware that the order had only been given that he might
squeeze a few dirhems out of the confectioner, then spoke with much
civility. "My advice to you, Mallem," said he, "is, that you stir not
out of your door to-day--there is no such hurry--nor to-morrow, nay,
even a week, or a month, or a year. I may say, stir not at all, for you
have my protection; and therefore be under no trouble of going to the
palace at all."

It was near sunset when this affair was settled. Yussuf walked home with
his hands full of presents, exclaiming as he went, "I am Yussuf, my
provision is from God!" He reached his home, full of pleasing
anticipations, and changing his dress, took out his basket and pitcher,
returning loaded more than usual; for having gained forty-two dirhems,
he resolved to indulge himself. "By Allah!" cried he, "I will double my
allowance, to the confusion of those rascally Moussul merchants, who are
such birds of ill omen." He accordingly expended doub