ged him the more to neglect nothing to rid himself of so cautious an
enemy.

The captain now assumed the character of a merchant, and conveyed
gradually a great many sorts of rich stuffs and fine linen to his
lodging from the cavern, but with all the necessary precautions
imaginable to conceal the place whence he brought them. In order to
dispose of the merchandise, when he had amassed them together, he took a
warehouse, which happened to be opposite to Cassim's, which Ali Baba's
son had occupied since the death of his uncle.

He took the name of Khaujeh Houssain, and as a newcomer, was, according
to custom, extremely civil and complaisant to all the merchants his
neighbours. Ali Baba's son was from his vicinity one of the first to
converse with Khaujeh Houssain, who strove to cultivate his friendship
more particularly when, two or three days after he was settled, he
recognised Ali Baba, who came to see his son, and stopped to talk with
him as he was accustomed to do. When he was gone, the impostor learnt
from his son who he was. He increased his assiduities, caressed him in
the most engaging manner, made him some small presents, and often asked
him to dine and sup with him.

Ali Baba's son did not choose to lie under such obligation to Khaujeh
Houssain, without making the like return; but was so much straitened for
want of room in his house, that he could not entertain him so well as he
wished; he therefore acquainted his father Ali Baba with his intention,
and told him that it did not look well for him to receive such favours
from Khaujeh Houssain without inviting him in return.

Ali Baba, with great pleasure, took the treat upon himself. "Son," said
he, "to-morrow being Friday, which is a day that the shops of such great
merchants as Khaujeh Houssain and yourself are shut, get him to take a
walk with you, and as you come back, pass by my door and call in. It
will look better to have it happen accidentally, than if you gave him a
formal invitation. I will go and order Morgiana to provide a supper."

The next day Ali Baba's son and Khaujeh Houssain met by appointment,
took their walk, and as they returned, Ali Baba's son led Khaujeh
Houssain through the street where his father lived; and when they came
to the house, stopped and knocked at the door. "This, sir," said he, "is
my father's house; who, from the account I have given him of your
friendship, charged me to procure him the honour of your acquaintance."

Th