hastened to the hall of the cadi, and took his station among the
officers of the law, who looked at him with surprise and displeasure.
At this moment the caliph's firmaum was delivered to the cadi, who,
lifting it up to his forehead, in token of respect and obedience, caused
it to be read to him. He then cried with a loud voice, "Bring in purses
of gold, and let also the fellah and rods for the bastinado be brought
in. Close up the gates of the cutchery, that none escape; and ye
officers of justice, be ready to answer as your names are called."
Yussuf, whose eyes were wide open, as well as his ears, said to himself,
"My God! what new event is now to come to pass?"

The orders of the cadi having been obeyed, the officers were severally
called forward, and having proved themselves regularly appointed,
received their rewards, and were dismissed. Yussuf's ideas were so
confused by what appeared to him such an unmitigated destiny, that he
did not perceive that he was left standing alone. It was not until the
second time that the cadi called to him, that Yussuf moved towards him.

"Who are you?" inquired the cadi.

"I am Yussuf, and my trust is in God," replied he.

"What is your profession?"

"I am a water-carrier."

"Such being the case, why did you join the officers of the law?"

"I only entered upon the calling yesterday, O cadi; but nothing is
difficult to me. Provided I gain but my six dirhems a day, I have no
objection to become a mollah."

The cadi and bystanders were unable to restrain their mirth,
nevertheless, his feet were secured to the pole; and when hoisted up,
they commenced the bastinado, taking care, however, to strike the pole
much oftener than his toes. Having finished, he was released, and
turned out of the hall of justice, very much mortified and melancholy,
but little hurt by the gentle infliction. "Well," thought Yussuf, "fate
appears determined that I shall change my mode of gaining my livelihood
every day. Had I not allowed those Moussul rascals to enter my house,
this never would have happened."

As he said this, he perceived one of the _beeldars_, or officers of the
caliph's household, pass by him. "That would be a nice office," thought
Yussuf, "and the caliph does not count his people like the cadi. It
requires but an impudent swagger, and you are taken upon your own
representation." Accordingly, nowise disheartened, and determined to
earn his six dirhems, he returned home, sq