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 well acquainted with the world, and that he might learn much from him.

Cogia Houssain returned the compliment by assuring Ali Baba that, though his son might not have acquired the experience of older men, he had good sense equal to the experience of many others. After a little more conversation on different subjects, he offered again to take his leave; when Ali Baba, stopping him. said, 'Where are you going, sir, in such haste? I beg you will do me the honour to sup with me, though what I have to give you is not worth your acceptance; but such as it is, I hope you will accept it as heartily as I give it.'

'Sir,' replied Cogia Houssain, 'I am thoroughly persuaded of your good-will; and if I ask you not to take it ill that I do not accept your kind invitation, I beg you to believe that it does not proceed from any slight or intention to affront, but from a certain reason which you would approve of if you knew it.'

'And what may that reason be, sir,' replied Ali Baba. 'if I may be so bold as to ask you?'

'It is,' answered Cogia Houssain, 'that I can eat no food that has any salt in it.'

'If that is the only reason,' said Ali Baba, 'it ought not to deprive me of the honour of your company at supper; for, in the first place, there is no salt ever put into my bread, and, as for the meat we shall have to-night, I promise you there shall be none. I will go and take care of that. Therefore, you must do me the favour to stay; I will come back immediately.'

Ali Baba went into the kitchen, and ordered Morgiana to put no salt to the meat that was to be cooked that night; and to make quickly two or three ragouts besides what he had ordered, but to be sure to put no salt in them.

Morgiana, who was always ready to obey her master, could not help, this time, seeming somewhat dissatisfied at his new order. 'Who is this difficult man,' said she, 'who eats no salt with his meat? Your supper will be spoiled, if I keep it back so long.'

'Do not be angry, Morgiana,' replied Ali Baba, 'he is an honest man; therefore do as I bid you.'