cr own readers

D1A~IOND CUT DIA~IOND . 21
7. It was now Ali's turn to speak. " Ill ustrious cadi,"
said he, " it is true that we made a bargain, which I
am ready to kcep. The rest of th e young man 's story
is false. What matters it what I ga\'e the slave ?
Did I force the stranger to leave th e caske t in my
hands ? \Vhy does he accuse me of treachery ? Have
I brok en my word, and has he kept his ?"
8. " Young man ," said th e cadi to the Baninn,
"ha\'e you wit ne. es to prov e that Ali deceived you?
If not , I shall put the accused on his oath, as th e
law decrees." A Koran was brought. Ali placed
his hand on it , and declared three tim es that he had
not deceived the stranger, and that he was ready to
carry out his part of the bargain.
9. Omar had listened eagerly to all that was said.
He now approached th e stranger, and asked, " Do
you wish me to help you to gain your suit? " u Yes,"
was th e reply ; "but you are only a child ; you can
do nothing." " Have confidence in me for a few
moments," said Oma r, "Accept Ali's bargain ; th en
let me choose in your stead what you will take in
exchange for your diamonds, and fear nothing."
1O. The stranger having agreed to this, Omar bowed
to th e cadi. " Ali," said he to th e j eweller, "you have
doubtl ess brought the casket with you, and can tell th e
weight th ereof." " Here it is," said Ali ; " it weighs
twenty pound s. Choose what you will. If th e thing
asked for is in Jiddah, you shall have it within two
hours ; oth erwi se th e bargain is null and void."
" What we desire," said Omar, raising his voice, " is
a.nts' wings. You have two hours in which to furnish
he twenty pounds you have promi sed us." " This is
absurd," cried the jeweller; "it is impossible ! I
CIU) 2