CALIPH. Perhaps we may hear some talk of this affair of Ali Cogia and the merchant, as we go through the city to-night.
VIZIER. It is possible, O Commander of the true Believers! The affair has made a great noise in Bagdad.
CALIPH. Ali Cogia carried the merchant before the Cauzee, I believe.
VIZIER. Yes; he claimed that the merchant had taken from him one thousand pieces of gold.
CALIPH. Proceed; I would know all.
VIZIER. Ali Cogia left with this merchant, so he says, a jar in which he had placed this money. Upon his return, which was but yesterday, he went to the merchant, and, having received the jar, opened it. To his surprise he found that the gold, which he had hidden below a layer of olives, was no longer there.
CALIPH. Ah, that is what Ali Cogia says. What says the merchant?
VIZIER. The merchant made oath before the Cauzee that he did not know there was money in the jar, and so of course could not have taken it.
CALIPH. And the Cauzee dismissed the merchant, I believe.
VIZIER. Yes, Commander of the Faithful, the merchant was acquitted.