or
evil."

No sooner had I pronounced these words, than I was transported in an
instant from the island, where we were, to the top of my own house. I
descended, opened the doors, and dug up the three thousand sequins
which I had hidden. I afterward repaired to my shop, opened it, and
received the congratulations of the merchants in the neighborhood on
my arrival. When I returned home I perceived these two black dogs,
which came toward me with a submissive air. I could not imagine what
this meant, but the fairy, who soon appeared, satisfied my curiosity.

"My dear husband," said she, "be not surprised at seeing these two
dogs in your house; they are your brothers."

My blood ran cold on hearing this, and I inquired by what power they
had been transformed into that state.

"It is I," replied the fairy, "who have done it, and I have sunk their
ship; for the loss of the merchandise it contained I shall recompense
you. As to your brothers, I have condemned them to remain under this
form for ten years, as a punishment for their perfidy."

Then informing me where I might hear of her, she disappeared.

The ten years are now completed, and I am traveling in search of her.
This, O Lord Genie, is my history; does it not appear to you of a
most extraordinary nature?

"Yes," replied the genie, "I confess it is most wonderful, and
therefore I grant you the other half of this merchant's blood," and
having said this, the genie disappeared, to the great joy of the
merchant and of the two old men.

The merchant did not omit to bestow many thanks upon his liberators,
who, bidding him adieu, proceeded on their travels. He remounted his
horse, returned home to his wife and children, and spent the remainder
of his days with them in tranquillity.

[Illustration]

THE THREE CALENDERS, SONS OF KINGS, AND THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD

In the reign of Caliph Haroun al Raschid there was at Bagdad a porter,
who was a fellow of infinite wit and humor. One morning as he was at
the place where he usually waited for employment, with a great basket
before him, a handsome lady, covered with a great muslin veil,
accosted him, and said with a pleasant air, "Hark you, porter, take
your basket[9] and follow me."

[Footnote 9: Baskets, panniers made of leaves of palm, used in
conveying fruits and bread, while heavier articles are carried in bags
of leather or skin.]

The delighted porter took his basket immediately, set it on his head,