Page:Three crump twin brothers of Damascus (1).pdf/10

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HISTORY OF THE THREE

being come to the bridge of Bagdad, opened his sack, shot his load into the river, and running back to Nohoud. Tis done, said he laughing, your man is fish meat by this time give me the two sequins you promised me. Nohoud then went behind her counter, under pretence of fetching him the money; but starting back with a loud cry. she pretended to fall into a swoon. The porter strangely surprised, took her into his arms: after having fetched her to herself, he enquired the cause of her fright: Ah, said the cunning hussy, actin her part to a miracle, go in there, and you will soon know the cause. The porter went in, was struck as mute as a fish when by the glimmering of a lamp he perceived the same body which he thought he had thrown into the ygris. The more narrowly he viewed it, the greater was his surprise. I am sure, said he to Nohoud, I did throw that plaguy crooked rascal over the bridge how then could he come hither ? there must be witchcraft in it: however, continued he, let's try if he will get out again; then having put the second crump into the same sack, he carried him to the bridge, and choosing out the deepest part of the Tygris opened his sack, and threw in poor Syahouk. He was again returning merrily to Nohoud, not doubting that his burden was gone to the bottom, when turning the corner of a street, he saw coming towards him a man with a lanthorn in his hand. He was ready to drop down dead with fear at the sight of Babekan, who was going home a little overtaken with wine. He dogged him, however a little while, and finding that he took the ready way to the house from which he had fetched the two crumps he seized him furiously by the collar: Ah, rogue ! cried he you think to make a fool of me all night, do you? you