17
Ali Baba's son thought it was necessary to make some return to these civilities, and pressed his father to invite Cogia Hassen to supper. Ali Baba made no objection, and the invitation was accordingly given. The artful Cogia Hassan would not too hastily accept this invitation, but pretended he was not fond of going into company, and that he had business which demanded his presence at home. These excuses only made Ali Baba's son the more eager to take him to his father's house; and after repeat- ed solicitations, the merchant consented to sup at Ali Baba's the next evening. A most excellent supper was provided, which Morgiana cooked in the best man- ner, and, as was her usual custom, slie car- ried in the first dish herself. The moment Om she looked at Cogia Hassan, she knew him to be the pretended oil-merchant. The prudent Morgiana did not say a word to any one of this discovery, but sent the other slave into the kitchen, and waited at table herself; and while Cogia Hassan was drinking, she perceived he had a dagger hid under his coat. When supper was end- ed, and the desert and wine on the table, Morgiana went away and dressed herself in the habit of a dancing girl : she next called Abdalla, a fellow slave, to play on his tabor while she danced. As soon as she appeared at the parlour- door, her master, who was very fond of
