But I will be avenged before the day is out.' At last Rashid, awakened by the noise of talking, came out of the stable where he always slept, and with a laugh explained the whole occurrence.

Some of the villagers were greatly shocked, and blamed us strongly.

But Rashid stood up for us, declaring that the dog belonged in truth to no man, so that no man living had the right to blame his murderer; whereas the valuable sporting bitch of the Casis (our host) was all his own, and it was his duty therefore to defend her from improper lovers.

He then cut down the body of the dog, which no one up till then had dared to do; and all the people gradually went away.
The coast was clear when we arose towards eight o'clock.

Rashid, with laughter, told the tale to us at breakfast.