ALI BABA
11
must needs believe, when I tell you I sewed a dead body together the other day, where I had not so good light as I have now.'
'A dead body!' exclaimed the robber, 'you mean, I suppose, that you sewed up the winding sheet for a dead body.'
'I mean no such thing,' replied Mustapha, 'I tell you I sewed the four quarters of a man together.'
This was enough to convince the robber he had luckily met with the very man who could give him the information he was in search of.
However he did not wish to appear eager to learn the particulars, lest he should alarm the old cobler.
He therefore began to laugh: 'Ha! ha! ha! said he, 'I find, good Mr Cobler, that you perceive I am a stranger here, and you wish to make me believe that the people of your city do impossible things.'
'I tell you,' said Mustapha, in a deep and angry tone, I sewed a dead body together with my own hands.'
'Then I suppose you can tell me also where you performed this wonderful business?'
Upon this, Mustapha related every particular of his being led blindfold to the house, &c.
'Well, my friend,' said the robber, 'tis a fine story I confess, but not very easy to believe
