Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (11)

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (11)

The fake merchant put his jars in the courtyard under the window of the room where he would be staying.

While Ali Baba was out of earshot the leader went to each jar and gave his orders.

" Can you hear me ? " When I throw little stones out of my window, split the vases from top to bottom with your knives and get out ! I will then tell you what to do. "

He went to bed early, keeping all his clothes on, ready for action.

Meanwhile, Morgiane was working in the kitchen when her oil lamp suddenly went out.

" Oh ! What a time to run out of oil ! " sha cried.

" Well, go into the courtyard, " said Abdalla, another servant.
" There is plenty of oil as lomg as the merchant is here ! "

So Morgiane took a jugand went outside.

When she approached the first jar, she heard,

" Hey ! Is it time ? "

That voice certainly came from the jar !

Morgiane, who was a quick thinker, realized the danger immediately and answered in a whisper,
" Not yet, but soon ! "    

(11/16)