Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 2.djvu/168

148 strange woman and I am in fear of the lieutenant of police who standeth at the door; and we beseech God the Most High to screen us and you from the trouble of this world. Amen.”

So the notary went up to the lieutenant, who was among the witnesses, and said “It is well. Is she not such an one whose marriage contract we drew up in such a place?” Then he betook himself to the woman’s house and cried out upon her; whereupon she brought him the [forged] contract and he took it and returned with it to the lieutenant of police. When the latter had taken cognizance [of the document and professed himself satisfied, the assessor] said [to the notary,] “Go to our lord and master, the Cadi of the Cadis, and acquaint him with that which befalleth his assessors.” The notary rose to go, but the lieutenant of police feared [for himself] and was profuse in beseeching the assessor and kissing his hands, till he forgave him; whereupon the lieutenant went away in the utterest of concern and affright. On this wise the assessor ordered the case and carried out the forgery and feigned marriage with the woman; [and thus was calamity warded off from him] by the excellence of his contrivance.’