to find out who he was, and where he lived. This is a matter of the first importance for us to know, that we may do nothing which we may have reason to repent of, by revealing ourselves in a country where we have lived so long unknown, and where we have so much reason to remain: but to warn the man who shall take upon himself this commission, and to prevent our being deceived by his giving us a false report, which might be the cause of our ruin, I ask you all, whether you do not think it fit that if he does he shall suffer death?'
Without waiting for his companions, one of the robbers started up, and said, 'I submit to this law, and think it an honour to expose my life by taking such a commission upon me; but remember, at least, if I do not succeed, that I wanted neither courage nor good-will to serve the troop.'
After this robber had received great commendation from the captain and his comrades, he disguised himself so that nobody would take him for what he was; and taking leave of the troop that night, went into the town just at daybreak; and walked up and down till he came to Baba Mustapha's stall, which was always open before any of the shops of the town.
Baba Mustapha was sitting on his seat with an awl in his hand, just going to work. The robber saluted him, and perceiving that he was very old, he said, 'Honest man, you begin to work very early: is it possible that any one of your age can see so well? I question whether you can see to stitch.'
'Certainly,' replied Baba Mustapha, 'you must be a stranger, and not know me; for, old as I am, I have extraordinary good eyes; and you will not doubt it when I tell you that I sewed the pieces of a dead man together in a place where I had not so much light as I have now.'
The robber was overjoyed to think that he had addressed himself, at his first coming into the town, to a man who gave him the information he wanted, without being asked. 'A dead man!' replied he with amazement. 'What could you sew up a dead man for? You mean you sewed up his winding sheet.'
'No, no,' answered Baba Mustapha, 'I know what I say; you want to have me speak out, but you shall know no more.'
