Now, even supposing your account of this affair to be correct--which I much doubt, for, on the one hand, I behold a wooden ladle of no weight; while, on the other, there are two fine walking-sticks with silver heads'-- one of the Christian youths let fall his stick in trepidation--'and you are two, while this poor cook is one.

Even supposing what you say is true, are you certain that nothing in your appearance, conversation, or behaviour gave him cause for anger?
I incline to conjecture that you must have flouted him, or uttered, it may be, some insult to his creed.' 'He beat us for no reason, and most grievously,' moaned one of the assailed.

Such language from a Muslim judge in a court filled with Muslims made the two Christians tremble in their shoes.
'We did not even see him till he started beating us.

By Allah, my poor head is sore, my back is broken with that awful beating.

He was like a madman!' The speaker and his fellow-plaintiff wept aloud.
'Didst thou beat these youths, as he describes ?' inquired the judge, turning towards the cook with like severity.
'No, O Excellency!' came the bitter cry.