prophecy
that a stork would bring me happiness would be fulfilled."

The Caliph and the Vizier withdrew and consulted over the situation.
"It is unfortunate," said the Caliph, "but if we are to meet again, I
think you will have to ask the screech owl to marry you."

"Not so, your Highness, I already have a wife, and would rather remain
a stork forever than take another; besides, I am an old man, while
you are young and unmarried, and much better suited to a beautiful
Princess."

"That is it," said the Caliph. "How do I know that she will not prove
to be some old fright?" As the Vizier was firm, the Caliph at last
said he would take the chances and do as the screech owl required.

That very night it so happened that the magicians met at the ruined
castle. The screech owl led the two storks through difficult passages
till they came to a hole in the wall, through which they could plainly
see all that transpired in the lighted hall. Handsomely carved pillars
adorned the room, and a table was spread with many dishes. About the
table sat eight men, among whom was their enemy, the magician. He
entertained the company with many stories, and at last came to his
latest--that of turning the Caliph and Vizier into storks--in relating
which he pronounced the magic word. The storks did not wait to hear
more, but ran to the door of the castle. The screech owl followed as
fast as she could, and when the Caliph saw her he exclaimed:

"To prove my gratitude, O our deliverer! I beg you to take me for your
husband."

Then the two storks faced the rising sun, and bowed their long necks
three times. "Matabor!" they solemnly cried, together; and in an
instant they were no longer storks, but stood before each other in
their natural forms. In their joy they fell on each other's necks
and forgot all about the screech owl, until they heard a sweet voice
beside them, and turning beheld a beautiful Princess. When the Caliph
recovered from his astonishment he said that he was now, indeed,
enchanted and hoped to remain so always.

They then started at once for the gate of Bagdad; and when they
arrived, the people were overjoyed, for they had believed their ruler
dead. The magician was taken to the ruined castle and hanged, and his
son was given the choice of the black powder or death. Choosing
the powder, he was changed into a stork, and was kept in the palace
gardens.

Caliph Charid and the Princess were married; and when their children