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some oil a great way, to sell at to-morrow’s market; and it is now so late that I do not know where to lodge. If I should not be troublesome to you, do me the favor to let me pass the night with you, and I shall be very much obliged for your hospitality.”

Though Ali Baba had seen the captain of the robbers in the forest, and had heard him speak, it was impossible to know him in the disguise of an oil merchant. He told him he was welcome, and immediately opened his gates for the mules to go into the yard. At the same time he called to a slave, and ordered him, when the mules were unloaded, to put them into the stable, and to feed them; and then went to Morgiana, to bid her get a supper for his guest. After they had finished supper, Ali Baba, charging Morgiana afresh to take care of his guest, said to her, “To-morrow morning I am going to the bath before day; take care my bathing linen be ready, give it to Abdalla (which was the slave’s name), and make me some good broth against I return.” After this he went to bed.

In the mean time the captain of the robbers went into the yard, lifted the lid of each jar, and gave his men orders what to do. Beginning at the first jar, and so on to the last, he said to each man: “As soon as I throw some stones out of my chamber window, do not fail to come out, and I will immediately join you.” After this he returned to the house, when Morgiana, taking up a light, conducted him to his

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