what the blockhead of a caliph has been
about?" Haroun and the vizier could with difficulty restrain their
laughter, as they shook their heads. "Yes," continued Yussuf, "that
vicegerent of a tattered beard, and more tattered understanding, has
issued a decree for closing the baths for three days, by which cruel
ordinance, I was again cast adrift upon the sea of necessity. However,
Providence stood my friend, and threw a few dirhems in my way, and I
have made my customary provision in spite of the wretch of a caliph, who
I fully believe is an atheist, and no true believer."

"Inshallah," said the caliph to himself, "but I'll be even with you some
day, at least."

Yussuf then filled his cup several times, and was in high glee, as he
narrated the events of the day, concluding with, "I am Yussuf--I put my
trust in God. As an officer of the law I intend to live and die, and
to-morrow I shall attend the ball of the cadi."

"But," said Giaffar, "suppose--"

"Suppose! by the beard of the Prophet, if you dare to suppose again in
my presence, I will pound your fat stomach into a jelly," cried Yussuf,
seizing his cudgel.

"No, no, my friend, I merely wished to say--"

"Say nothing," roared Yussuf, "or you never speak again."

"Then we will only think, my friend."

"That I will allow, and I also think as well as you. My thoughts are,
that it will be wise for you to quit as fast as you can, for I have the
cudgel in my hand, and am not in the very best of humours." The caliph
and his attendants were of the same opinion, and took their leave of
their irritated host.

At the next morning's levee, Giaffar entered the divan at the head of
the chief officers of the law, and viziers of the different departments,
and prostrating himself before the throne, he called down increase of
years, and prosperity on the caliph. "Giaffar," replied Haroun, "issue
immediate orders, under the imperial firmaum, that strict inquiries be
made into those officers of justice who attend the halls of the cadis.
All those who have been lawfully selected shall be retained, with a
present and increase of salary, while those who have assumed their name
and office, without warranty or permission, shall be dismissed with the
bastinado."

The orders of the caliph were immediately obeyed. In the meantime,
Yussuf, who had fallen asleep over his wine, did not awaken till long
after the sun was up. He immediately rose, dressed himself with care,
and