filled the pipes of their masters afresh, and brought glowing coals
for a light. Selim cleared his voice with a hearty draught of sherbet,
smoothed back the long beard from his mouth, and said, "Listen then to
THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK."

[Illustration]

THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK.

CHAPTER I.

Once upon a time, on a fine afternoon, the Caliph Chasid was seated on
his sofa in Bagdad: he had slept a little, (for it was a hot day,) and
now, after his nap, looked quite happy. He smoked a long pipe of
rosewood, sipped, now and then, a little coffee which a slave poured
out for him, and stroked his beard, well-satisfied, for the flavor
pleased him. In a word, it was evident that the Caliph was in a good
humor. At this season one could easily speak with him, for he was
always very mild and affable; on which account did his Grand-Vizier,
Mansor, seek him at this hour, every day.

On the afternoon in question he also came, but looked very serious,
quite contrary to his usual custom. The Caliph removed the pipe, a
moment, from his mouth, and said, "Wherefore, Grand-Vizier, wearest
thou so thoughtful a visage?"

The Grand-Vizier folded his arms crosswise over his breast, made
reverence to his lord, and answered: "Sir, whether I wear a thoughtful
look, I know not, but there, below the palace, stands a trader who has
such fine goods, that it vexes me not to have abundant money."

The Caliph, who had often before this gladly indulged his Vizier, sent
down his black slave to bring up the merchant, and in a moment they
entered together. He was a short, fat man, of swarthy countenance and
tattered dress. He carried a chest in which were all kinds of
wares--pearls and rings, richly-wrought pistols, goblets, and combs.
The Caliph and his Vizier examined them all, and the former at length
purchased fine pistols for himself and Mansor, and a comb for the
Vizier's wife. When the pedler was about to close his chest, the
Caliph espied a little drawer, and inquired whether there were wares
in that also. The trader drew forth the drawer, and pointed out
therein a box of black powder, and a paper with strange characters,
which neither the Caliph nor Mansor could read.

"I obtained these two articles, some time ago, from a merchant, who
found them in the street at Mecca," said the trader. "I know not what
they contain. They are at your service for a moderate price; I can do
nothing with them." The Caliph, who gladly kept old