The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-06-26

the next day going backward and forward between their house and that of Cassim. The rumor had spread that the rich broth CT was i'll and so one was surprised when, toward evening. the walls and la mentations of the widow were heard pro- ceeding from the house. All had arranged an the details of the matter with Morgi- ano. and so just about daybreak the next morning the discreet young woman went to the shop of a cobbler in a neighboring street-a poor man and one who opened his shop very early-and putting a piece of gold into his hand, told him that he must take all that was needful for sewing and follow her. But first said she, you must consent to be blindfolded when then l will lead you the rest of the way. If you do this I will give you another piece of gold as big as that one" The cobbler already had received from her a bigger piece of gold than he had ever held in his hand before in his life and readily consented to do as requested Morgiana assuring him that what she required of him was not unlawful.
 | Thus blindfolded did she bring the cob | bier to the house of the widow Cassim and there did the man sew together the discovered body of the rich brother. He was shocked at the job at first, but more gold overcame his natural feelings of re- pugnance and he put in his best work. | Then Morgiana blindfolded him again and led him back to his shop. They had a | funeral for Cassim that same day-and no one suspected but that he had died a natural death. The widow, according to custom, remained at home to weep and lament with her neighbors while the body was taken to the cemetery. Ali and his wife moved into the house formerly owned by Cassim and agreed to take care of the widow for the rest cf her life.
 But meanwhile the 70 thieves were not idle. They had returned to their cave to lnd that some one had been there dur ing their absence and not only removed the discovered body of Cassim. but had taken away likewise much gold. It was important that this mystery be solved. 'Others." said the captain, besides the one we slew have in some manner become possessed of our secret. The first thing to do Is for one of you to go disguised as traveller to the city and discover who the man was whom we killed and where he lived' One of the robbers volun- teered for the work. and. having disguised himself as a traveller, entered the city just as the day was dawnins.
 The first man he saw stirring was that same early-rising cobbler who had sewn up the body of Cassim. Baba Mustpha- Baba Mustapha was seated on a stool with his awl in his hand, ready to begin work. when the robber went up to him saluted My good man." said Inc. you rise early. One 50 old as you are can hardly see in this dim light" 'Ah, my friend.' replied Baba Mustapha, "who- ever you are, I see that you do not know much of me. My eyes are very good in spite of my age, and you would say so if you knew what did few days ago. l sewed up a dead body in a place where there was no more light than we have now" The thief could hardly refrain from an exclamation of joy at having dis covered so soon clew to the very thing he sought to know. But he only ex- pressed surprise and inoredulity.
 "A body!'' he exclaimed. Why should any one want to sew up dead body?' "Ah." cried the garrulous Baba Musta- pha, T see you want me to tell you ail about it-but you shall not know another word"-and at once proceeded to talk moro about his strange experience until, his tongue being loosened at intervals by