Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 2.djvu/203

 THE FOURTEENTH OFFICER’S STORY.

Before I entered this corporation, I had a draper’s shop and there used to come to me a man whom I knew not, save by his face, and I would give him what he sought and have patience with him, till he could pay me. One day, I foregathered with certain of my friends and we sat down to drink. So we drank and made merry and played at Tab; and we made one of us Vizier and another Sultan and a third headsman.

Presently, there came in upon us a spunger, without leave, and we went on playing, whilst he played with us. Then quoth the Sultan to the Vizier, “Bring the spunger who cometh in to the folk, without leave or bidding, that we may enquire into his case. Then will I cut off his head.” So the headsman arose and dragged the spunger before the Sultan, who bade cut off his head. Now there was with them a sword, that would