"What condition is that?" inquired Abdallah.
"Let us understand each other. Let us become partners, and thus we can win all the money that the other players have."
But Abdallah would not permit the Evil Spirit to conclude his proposition.
"Satan!" cried he, "your elegant disguise has not prevented me from recognizing you, and your cloven foot has betrayed you. The gold you have taken from me is nothing to that which I still possess. Had you won all the money in the world, I would not be less rich. However, the day has arrived when you must expiate all your vile crimes. The hour has struck!"
At these unexpected words the Evil One took on a sinister aspect, and with a frightful laugh he began to mock Abdallah. At this exhibition Abdallah exclaimed:
"Jump into my sack!" and the Old Boy danced into the bag. "Stick! beat on him!" cried the young man, and the stick began to beat on him in fine style, so much so that the Evil One yelled:
"Stop, or I will be dead! Let me out!"
"What a delightful misfortune this would be!" exclaimed Abdallah. "Are you not content with matters as they are?"
There was great rejoicing among the people who were gathered there. At last, after the stick had been beating the Evil One for two hours, Abdallah said:
"Enough! that is sufficient for to-day."