about to proceed, when Ziffa in alarm advanced with the ring and confessed her guilt.
Upon this the cadi was still further perplexed, for he could not now undo the injustice of the blows given to the negro. After a few minutes' severe thought he awarded the diamond ring to the old servant, and the two hundred blows to the master as being a false accuser.
The award having been given, the case was dismissed, and Hadji Baba went home with smarting soles, resolved to punish Ziffa severely.
"Spare me!" said Ziffa, whimpering, when her father, seizing a rod, was about to begin.
"Nay, thou deservest it," cried Baba, grasping her arm.
"Spare me!" repeated Ziffa, "and I will tell you a great secret, which will bring you money and credit."
The curiosity of the story-teller was awakened.
"What is it thou hast to tell?"
"Promise me, father, that you won't punish me if I tell you the secret."
"I promise," said Baba, "but see that it is really something worth knowing, else will I give thee a severer flogging."
Hereupon the false Ziffa related all she knew about the hiding-place of the Rimini family. Her father immediately went to the palace, related it to the Dey, and claimed and received the reward.
