The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-11


 upon donkeys with their faces to the tails and parade them through the streets with crier going before who shall cry with a loud voice. This is what happens to people who do not with other peoples affairs Tell them, also, to leave the district and never set foot in it more. Hasten and return to tell me of the carrying out of my orders."
 The Grand Vizier was about to begin again his tedious report when Abou stopped him with: Never mind that now. Go at once to the treasurer and get from him purse of a thousand pieces of gold. Carry it immediately to the mother of one Abou Hassen-a wor- thy man who lives in the same quarter to which I sent the Cadi. Say to the mother of this worthy young man: The Caliph sends you this present. Go and return speedily"
 Both the Cadi and the Vizier performed their missions with promptitude, and re- turned to the Hall of Justice. When they had returned and reported Abou declared scending from his divan, intimated that he would like breakfast right speedily.
 They conducted him with great cere- mony into a spacious hall, splendid with marbles and precious stones and enameled arabesques. There was a table laid with a service of solid gold, richly chased and beautifully designed. All sorts of delic- ious meats and other foods were set forth there to tempt the appetite, and seven beautiful young women, dressed in the richest manner, stood around the table, each with a fan of jeweled feathers in her hand to fan Abou while he ate. Abou was charmed-being Caliph was not so bad, even if one did have to get out of bed rather early.
 It gave Haround Alraschid who was watching Abou from a place of conceal ment, much enjoyment to see the aston shment with which the young man viewed the wonders of the hall, pausing at every step to admire some new thing. At length About sat down at the table and made an excellent and most sub stantial meal. He did not say word to the odalisques who were flaming him all the while-his mouth was too full for ut terance.
 Having stuffed himself to his stomach's s content a slave conducted him into a sec Jnd hall where a dessert of fruits and wines and dried swea tmeats was set forth and seven other young women, more beau- tiful if possible than the first seven, stood by with fans to cool his brow. The musicians of the Caliph began to play as soon as Abou entered the gorgeous hall. The delights of being Caliph grew upon Abou-as he felt that he had been born to the position. Ladies'" said he Fit is not so hot that I need your ministrations with your fans Sit down. I pray you, and eat with me, and, the while, we will converse together The young women, however, declared that they could not think of sit ting in the presence of the Commander of the Faithful. Well, stand up then '' said Abou. "put stand near me so that we can talk together"
 The musicians made such noise that conversation with the bevy of fair ones was difficult and clapping his hands Abou bid the music cease, say ing gallantly, that he wanted no music but the music of the voices of his fair attendants. Abou was particularly cap tivated by the young woman who stood next to him and, taking her by the hand he forced her to sit beside him, handed her a sweet cake and inquired; :; What may your name be, my dear?" q am called Cluster of Pearls,' re- pliec she coyly. How appropriated! cried Hassan, your teeth exceed the finest pearls"
 lAbou gave her langushing look and Cluster of Pearls. suppressing her laughter with difficulty, said: Com your regard in a cup of wine" She arose, went to a great sideboard and filed two crystal glasses with fine wine which she poured from silver fagon. But into Abou's glass she se- cretly dropped a powder-.the same sort of sleeping potion which the Caliph had the night before placed in Abou's glass at his own house.
 When Abou awoke the next morning he was in his own bed at home. His brain was still confused from the eff fleets of the drug which had been ad- ministered to him, but he felt that something was wrong and began to call loudly for his' attandants. His mother came running in in alarm. Cluster of Pearls said Abou, where are you?'' "Oh, my son. cried his mother, what ails your Why. nothing, except that am Commander of the Faithful and