"If Aboulcassem," said they, "had all the treasures of the commander of the faithful, he would spend them."
But they were much astonished, when, instead of seeing my affairs in disorder, they, on the contrary, appeared every day to become more flourishing. No one could imagine how my fortune increased, while I was thus squandering it. As the old man predicted, a feeling of envy was excited against me. A rumour prevailed that I had found a treasure. This was sufficient to attract the attention of a number of persons greedy of gain. The lieutenant of police at Basra came to see me.
"I am," said he, "the daroga, and am come to demand where the treasure is which enables you to live in such magnificence."
I trembled at these words, and remained silent. He guessed from my confused air that his suspicions were not without foundation; but instead of compelling me to discover my treasure, "My lord Aboulcassem," continued he, "I exercise my office as a man of sense. Make me some present worthy of my discretion in this affair, and I will retire."
"How much do you ask?" said I.
"I will content myself with ten gold sequins a day."
"That is not enough—I will give you a hundred. You have only to come here every day or every month, and my treasurer will count them out to you."
The lieutenant of police was transported with joy at hearing these words. "My lord," said he, "I wish that you could find a thousand treasures. Enjoy your fortune in peace; I shall never dispute your possession of it." Then taking a large sum of money in advance he went his way.
A short time after the vizir Aboulfatah-Waschi sent for me, and, taking me into his cabinet, said:
"Young man, I hear you have discovered a treasure. You know the fifth part belongs to God; you must give it to the king. Pay the fifth, and you shall remain the quiet possessor of the other four parts."