a mechanic from the suburb of
Julfa broke through the crowd; he prostrated himself at the feet of the
Abbas, and prayed for justice; he accused the kazi of corruption, and of
having condemned him wrongfully. "My adversary and I," said he, "at
first appealed to Bebut the Honest, who decided in my favour." Being
informed who this Bebut was whose name for honesty stood so high in the
suburb of Julfa, the Schah ordered the kazi into his presence. The
monarch heard both sides and weighed the affair maturely. He then
pronounced for the decision of Bebut the Honest, whom he ordered the
kalantar, or governor of the city, immediately to bring before him.

When Bebut saw the officer and his escort halt before the shop where he
worked, a sudden tremor ran through his frame; but it was much worse
when, in the name of the Schah, the officer commanded him to follow. He
was on the point of offering his head at once, in order to save the
trouble of a superfluous ceremony which could not, he thought, but end
with the scimitar. However, he composed himself, and followed the
kalantar.

Arrived before Abbas, he did not dare lift his eyes, lest he should see
the fatal aigrette, and the false diamond rise up in judgment against
him. Half dead with fright, he thought he already beheld the fierce
rikas advancing with their horrid hatchets.

"Bebut, and you, Ismael-kazi," said Abbas to them, "listen. Since, of
the two, it is the jeweller who best administers justice, let the
jeweller be a judge, and the judge be a jeweller. Ismael, take Bebut's
place in the workshop of his master: may you acquit yourself as well in
his office, as he is sure to do in yours."

The sentence was punctually executed; and I am told that Ismael turned
out an excellent jeweller.

Bebut-kazi, on his side, took possession of his place. He was quite
determined to limit his ambition to becoming the husband of Tamira, and
living holily. He immediately asked her in marriage, and was immediately
accepted. Bebut thought himself at the summit of his wishes. He was
forming the most delightful projects, when again the kalantar of Ispahan
appeared at his door. Still, full of the fright into which this worthy
person's first visit had thrown him, he received him with more flurry
than politeness. He inquired, confusedly, to what he was indebted for
the honour of this second visit. The kalantar replied, "When I went to
the house of your patron to transmit to you the mandate of t