"I know nothing about any
gold. If there was any in the jar, which I very much doubt, it must be
there still, for the jar has never been disturbed since you yourself
placed it in my warehouse."

"The gold certainly was in the jar when I placed it there, and you
must know it, for no one else could have taken it. No one goes into
the warehouse without your permission, as you have often told me and
then only for some express purpose."

Ali Cogia would have said more, but his fellow merchant interrupted
him. "I repeat I know nothing of any gold," he cried angrily. "Go away
and do not trouble me any further, or you will find yourself in
difficulties. Do you not see how your loud talking has gathered a
crowd about my house?"

And indeed a number of people had gathered in front of Abul's house,
drawn thither by the sound of the dispute. They listened with
curiosity to what the merchants were saying and presently became so
interested that they began to discuss the matter among themselves, and
to argue and dispute as to which of the merchants was in the right.

At last Ali Cogia, finding that Abul would confess nothing, said,
"Very well. I see you are determined to keep the money if possible.
But you shall find it is not as easy to rob me as you seem to think."
Then, laying his hand upon Abul's shoulder, he added, "I summon you to
appear with me before the Cadi, that he may decide the matter between
us."

Now this is a summons no true Mussulman can disobey. Abul was
compelled to go before the Cadi with Ali, and a great crowd of people
followed them, eager to know what decision would be given in the
matter by the judge.

The Cadi listened attentively to all the two merchants had to say and
after reflecting upon the matter he asked, "Abul Hassan, are you ready
to swear that you know nothing of the gold Ali Cogia says he left with
you, and that you did not disturb the jar?"

"I am," answered the merchant. "And indeed I wish to swear to it," and
this he did.

"And you, Ali Cogia; have you any witnesses to prove there was gold in
the jar when you left it in Abul Hassan's warehouse?"

"Alas! no; no one knew of it but myself."

"Then it is your word against his. Abul Hassan has sworn that he did
not touch the jar, and unless you can bring witnesses to your truth, I
cannot compel him to pay you a thousand pieces of gold that you may
never have lost."

The case was dismissed. Abul Hassan returned to his home, satisfied
an