` It was not your fault , ' replied the Cadi , ` you are no magician ; and who could guess that the watch must be wound at such an hour ? But I shall give orders that the merchant is to hand it over to you , and this evening you will certainly not forget . ' ` It is impossible to let you have it to-day , ' answered Izouf , ` for it is already sold . ' ` If that is so , ' said the Cadi , ` you must return the three gold pieces which the young man paid . ' The Jew , delighted to get off so easily , put his hand in his pocket , when Neangir stopped him . ` No , no , ' he exclaimed , ` it is not money I want , but the adorable Argentine ; without her everything is valueless . ' ` My dear Cadi , ' said the Bassa , ` he is right . The treasure that my son has lost is absolutely priceless . ' ` My lord , ' replied the Cadi , ` your wisdom is greater than mine . Give judgment I pray you in the matter . ' So the Bassa desired them all to accompany him to his house , and commanded his slaves not to lose sight of the three Jewish brothers . When they arrived at the door of his dwelling , he noticed two women sitting on a bench close by , thickly veiled and beautifully dressed . Their wide satin trousers were embroidered in silver , and their muslin robes were of the finest texture . In the hand of one was a bag of pink silk tied with green ribbons , containing something that seemed to move . At the approach of the Bassa both ladies rose , and came towards him . Then the one who held the bag addressed him saying , ` Noble lord , buy , I pray you , this bag , without asking to see what it contains . ' ` How much do you want for it ? ' asked the Bassa . ` Three hundred sequins , ' replied the unknown . At these words the Bassa laughed contemptuously , and passed on without speaking .
-LSB- Illustration : The BASSA laughs XXXXX the CIRCASSIANS -RSB- ` You will not repent of your bargain , ' went on the woman .
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