that he would be despatched by the chief on a
similar message as that of the day before. The caliph soon afterwards
made his appearance at the divan, and immediately recognised Yussuf in
his partial disguise. He observed to Giaffar, "Do you see there our
friend Yussuf? I have him at last, and now I will perplex him not a
little before he escapes me." The chief of the beeldars being called,
stepped forward and made his obeisance. "What is the number of your
corps?" inquired the caliph.

"Thirty in all, Most High, of which ten are every day on duty."

"I will review those who are present," replied the caliph, "and examine
each man particularly."

The chief of the beeldars bowing low, retired, and turning to his men,
with a loud voice, said, "Beeldars, it is the pleasure of the Commander
of the Faithful, that you appear before him."

This order was instantly obeyed, and Yussuf was compelled to walk with
the rest into the immediate presence of the caliph; not, however,
without alarm, and saying to himself, "What can all this be for? My
usual luck. Yesterday, I cast up my reckoning with the cadi, and paid
the balance with my heels. If I have to account with the caliph, I am
lucky if I come off clear with my head."

In the meantime the caliph asked a few questions of each beeldar, until
he came to Yussuf, who had taken care to stand last. His manoeuvres and
embarrassment afforded much pleasure to the caliph and Giaffar, so much,
that they scarce could refrain from laughing outright. The last of the
beeldars had now been examined, and had passed over to the right after
the others, and Yussuf remained standing by himself. He shuffled from
side to side, casting an eye now at the door, and then at the caliph,
considering whether he should take to his heels; but he felt that it was
useless. The caliph asked him who he was three times before Yussuf's
confusion would allow him to answer; and the chief of the beeldars gave
him a push in the ribs, and looking in his face, did not recognize him;
he however supposed that he had been lately substituted by one of the
other chiefs. "Answer the caliph, you great brute," said he to Yussuf,
giving him another dig in the ribs with the handle of his poniard; but
Yussuf's tongue was glued to his mouth with fear, and he stood trembling
without giving any answer. The caliph again repeated, "What is your
name, your father's name, and the amount of your salary as a beeldar?
and how did you get