Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/43

Rh the vengeance of God will sooner or later overtake me, and it is better to suffer a short pain in this world than to be in everlasting torment in the next."

So he cried out, "Slay not the guiltless, for neither of these men has done murder. I only am the criminal; let them go."

The people were filled with amazement, and the three men were at once taken to the judge, who was much astonished at this unusual occurrence. The matter was explained to him, and then, addressing the Egyptian, he said:

"Friend, why did you confess yourself the murderer?"

"My lord," answered he, "I will tell you the reason. In my own land I was, until recently, a man of wealth, and had all that riches could buy, but through no fault of mine I lost all this, and am now destitute. I was ashamed at my condition, and saw, in this confession, an end to my misfortunes. I am willing to die, and beseech you to order my death."

The judge then turned to the merchant of Bagdad and said: "And you, my friend;