Page:Three crump twin brothers of Damascus (1).pdf/12

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HISTORY OF THE THREE

ward you for this murder? no. no; I will revenge his death, and go this moment to make my com- plaint to the Cady.

The porter gave very little heed to all her threats; he thought she did this only to avoid paying him the money she had promised him.

Without jesting, said he, give me the two sequins I have so lawfully earned; you have made a fool of me long enough already: I must be gone home. Nohoud refusing to pay him; I swear by my head, replied he in a violent rage, if you do not give me the two sequins this moment. I will send you to keep company with that crooked monster I have thrown into the river. Now, added he, dispute my payment if you dare: I am not such a fool as you take me for; I will have my money presently, or I will make the house too hot to hold you. The more the porter insisted upon his money, the more noise Nohoud made; he grew weary of so much resistance, and taking her by the hair, he gulled her into the street; and was really going to throw her into the Tygris, when the neighbours run to her assistance.

The porter upon this took to his heels, very much in dudgeon at having, as he thought, been so grosly put upon, and was going towards the bridge in his way home, when he met three men, each with a load upon his shoulder, as far as he could descern in the dark. He that went first took him by the arm: Where are yon going at this time of night, said he? What's that to you, said the porter very snappishly; I am going where I please? You are greatly deceived, answered the stranger, for you shall go where I please take this bundle off my head, and walk before me.

The porter surprised at the command, would have resisted; but that man having shook at him