Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/143

Rh they could hold out no longer; a prolonged peal burst from each of their bills, and it was some time before they could recover their composure. The Caliph was the first to collect himself. "That was the best joke," said he, "I've ever seen. It's a pity the stupid creatures were scared away by our laughter, or no doubt they would have sung next!"

Suddenly, however, the Vizier remembered how strictly they had been warned not to laugh during their transformation. He at once communicated his fears to the Caliph, who exclaimed, "By Mecca and Medina! It would indeed prove but a poor joke if I had to remain a stork for the remainder of my days! Do just try and remember the stupid word, for it has slipped my memory."

"We must bow three times eastwards and say 'Mu—mu—mu

They turned to the east and fell to bowing till their bills touched the ground, but, oh, horror—the magic word was quite forgotten, and however often the Caliph bowed and however touchingly his Vizier cried "Mu—mu" they could not recall it, and the