The
Merchant and the Genie
Before he had finished, and while he was yet on his knees, he saw a genie of monstrous bulk advancing to~ ward him with great fury, whirling a scimitar in his hand.
The genie spoke to him in a terrible voice: "Rise, that I may kill thee with this scimitar, as thou hast killed my son"; and accompanied these words with a frightful roar.
The merchant, being as much alarmed by the hideous shape of the monster as by his threats, answered him, trembling, "Alas! how could I kill your son? I never knew, never saw him."
"Did not you, when you came hither," demanded the genie, "take dates out of your wallet, and as you ate them, throw the stones about in different
directions?" "I did all that you say," answered the merchant. "I cannot deny it."