RAJER'S

that he could make no impressien upon that stony organ, he rose at length, and, muttering something about nceding a breath of fresh air, went out to conceal his intense disappointment and chagrm.

Outside the house, a lean ass was lying in a small shed munching some muserable scraps of straw. Rajeb, who Toved animals, pitied the poor, starved creature ; and, after caressing him, went to a shop and bought some barley, which he gave him, together with a drink of water. After that, he returned to his uncle’s house, in which he pent a most uncomfortable night, lying upon the floor. In the morning, alter another wretched repast, the nephew was about to take his leave when remarked : T have an ass which 15 of no use to me. It is all the property left to me, and if youlike you may-—accompany me to the market, and sce me scll it Rajeb agrced to the proposal, and they went together to the ass's stall. The young man bestowed another caress upon the poor animal, which looked at him with strangely mean- ing-full eyes, and struck the ground with his foot scveral times. e scemed to Rajeb to say, ‘ Buy me. "’

All the way to the market, our hero was de- bating within himsell as to whether or no he should buy the ass, In answer to’ his mute appeal. Some- thing—he knew not what, unless it were a fecling of compassion—strongly im- pelled him to doso. When the little party had rcached their destination, several would-be purchasers pre- sented themsclves, for the animal was young and had no other fault than the skinniness produced by starvation. Once said he would give two hundred plastres, another offcred three hundred, another five hundred. Rajeb, per- ceiving that his uncle was willing to take the last- named sum, offered a few piastres more, making sure that he should now get the ass.

Jousoll

NRIZWARND.

103

“\What on earth do yox want with the heast 7" inquired his avaricious relative.

T am resolved to possess ity replied Rajeb.

“AVell, then,” said the old man, with a arcedy look, “give me a thousand prastres, and it shall be yours.”

And, as by this time the youth felt that at any cost (although he knew not why) he must have the ass, he agreed at length even to this exorbitant demand ; the bargain was concluded.

As nearly all Rajeb’s money was at Cairo, he mvited his uncle to accompany him thither, in order to get his piastres. Since he had changed masters, the ass scemed a different creature, and fairly danced to the city. There Rajeb duly handed over to his uncle the stipulated sum, and entertained him very hospitabiy for a few days, after which Jousoff said farcwell, and departed to his own homec.

PR I A

73 . ) vvvv

“SLAIN BY HIGHWAY ROBBERS.