Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 2.djvu/144

124 of the deputies and I came down [into the town,] to do an occasion; but the night overtook me at unawares and the Zuweyleh gate was shut against me and all the gates and I knew not whither I should go this night. Presently I saw this street and noting the goodliness of its ordinance and its cleanness, took shelter therein against break of day.’ When I say this to thee with all assurance the chief of the watch will have no suspicion of me, but will say, ‘Needs must we leave her with one who will take care of her till morning.’ And do thou rejoin, ‘It were most fitting that she pass the night with Amin el Hukm and lie with his family and children till the morning.’ Then do thou straightway knock at the Cadi’s door, and thus shall I have gained admission into his house, without inconvenience, and gotten my desire; and peace be on thee!” And I said to her, “By Allah, this is an easy matter.”

So, when the night darkened, we sallied forth to make our round, attended by men with sharp swords, and went round about the streets and compassed the city, till we came to the by-street where was the woman, and it was the middle of the night. Here we smelt rich scents and heard the clink of earrings; so I said to my comrades, “Methinks I spy an apparition.” And the captain of the watch said, “See what it is.” So I came forward