Ali Baba received Cogia Houssain with a smiling countenance, and in
the most obliging manner he could wish. He thanked him for all the
favors he had done his son; adding, withal, the obligation was the
greater as he was a young man, not much acquainted with the world, and
that he might contribute to his information.
Cogia Houssain returned the compliment by assuring Ali Baba that
though his son might not have acquired the experience of older men, he
had good sense equal to the experience of many others. After a little
more conversation on different subjects, he offered again to take his
leave, when Ali Baba, stopping him, said, "Where are you going, sir,
in so much haste? I beg you will do me the honor to sup with me,
though my entertainment may not be worthy your acceptance. Such as it
is, I heartily offer it."
"Sir," replied Cogia Houssain, "I am thoroughly persuaded of your good
will; but the truth is, I can eat no victuals that have any salt in
them; therefore judge how I should feel at your table."
"If that is the only reason," said Ali Baba, "it ought not to deprive
me of the honor of your company; for, in the first place, there is no
salt ever put into my bread, and as to the meat we shall have
to-night, I promise you there shall be none in that. Therefore you
must do me the favor to stay. I will return immediately."
[Illustration: _She drew the poniard, and holding it in her hand,
began a dance Page 242_]
Ali Baba went into the kitchen, and ordered Morgiana to put no salt to
the meat that was to be dressed that night; and to make quickly two or
three ragouts besides what he had ordered, but be sure to put no salt
in them.
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