hey approached like shadows in
the dark, and perceived the sleeping Mezrimbi with the cloak of Acota
and the mandolin, which Acota, after striking it, had laid by his side.
It was sufficient. Mezrimbi's face was covered with the burning acid
before even he was awakened; his screams were smothered in a shawl, and
satisfied with having obeyed the injunctions of their master, the mutes
hastened back to report their success, taking, however, the precaution
of tying the hands and feet of Mezrimbi, that he might not go home to
receive any help in his distress. They escaped out of the gardens, and
reported to the chief brahmin the success of the operations, and how
they had left him, Acota, in the woods. The old Mezrimbi, upon
reflection, thought it advisable that the person of Acota should be in
his power, that he might be able to produce him when required upon the
ensuing day. He therefore desired the mutes to go back and bring Acota
to the house, keeping a strict guard that he might not escape.

When the mutes had quitted Mezrimbi, Acota rose from his hiding-place,
and went towards the unfortunate wretch, who still groaned with pain,
but his face was muffled up in the shawl, so that his features were
hidden. At first Acota had intended to have reviled and scoffed at his
treacherous enemy, but his good heart forbade it. Another idea then
came into his head. He took off the cloak of Mezrimbi, and substituted
his own; he exchanged turbans and scymitars, and then left him and went
home. Shortly after Acota had quitted the wood, the mutes returned,
lifted the miserable Mezrimbi on their shoulders and carried him to the
house of the chief brahmin, who having ordered him to be guarded in an
out-house, said his prayers, and went to bed.

The sun rose and poured his beaming rays upon the land of Souffraria,
and thousands and thousands of the inhabitants had risen before him, to
prepare for the day of delight, the day on which they were to be blessed
with a king--the day on which the beauteous Princess Babe-bi-bobu, the
cream tart of delight, was no longer to remain unmarried. Silks and
satins from China, shawls and scarfs from Cashmere, jewels, and gold,
and diamonds--horses and camels, and elephants, were to be seen spread
over the plains, and the city of Souffra. All was joy, and jubilee, and
feasting, and talking, for the beautiful Princess Babe-bi-bobu was that
day to be married.

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