As the affair of Ali Khaujeh and the merchant had made a great noise in Bagdad, it had not escaped the children, who all accepted the proposition with joy, and agreed on the part each was to act:  not one of them refused him who made the proposal to be cauzee:  and when he had taken his seat, which he did with all the seeming gravity of a judge, another, as an officer of the court, presented two boys before him; one as Ali Khaujeh, and the other as the merchant against whom he complained.

The pretended cauzee then directing his discourse to the feigned Ali Khaujeh, asked him what he had to lay to that merchant’s charge?

Ali Khaujeh after a low obeisance, informed the young cauzee of the fact, related every particular, and afterwards begged that he would use his authority, that he might not lose so considerable a sum of money.

The feigned cauzee, turning about to the merchant, then asked him why he did not return the money which Ali Khaujeh demanded of him?

The feigned merchant alleged the same reasons as the real merchant had done before the cauzee himself, and offered to confirm by oath that what he had said was truth.

“Not so fast,” replied the pretended cauzee; “before you come to your oath, I should be glad to see the jar of olives.  Ali Khaujeh,” said he, addressing himself to the boy who acted that part, “have you brought the jar?” “No,” replied he.  “Then go and fetch it immediately,” said the other.

The pretended Ali Khaujeh went immediately, and returning, feigned to set a jar before the cauzee, telling him that it was the same he had left with the accused person, and received from him again.  But to omit no part of the formality, the supposed cauzee asked the merchant if it was the same; and as by his silence he seemed not to deny it, he ordered it to be opened.  He that represented Ali Khaujeh seemed to take off the cover, and the pretended cauzee made as if he looked into it.  “They are fine olives,” said he, “let me taste them;” and then pretending to eat some, added, “They are excellent:  but,” continued he, “I cannot think that olives will keep seven years, and be so good, therefore send for some olive-merchants, and let me hear what is their opinion.”  Two boys, as olive-merchants, then presented themselves.  “Are you olive-merchants?” said the sham cauzee.  “Tell me how long olives will keep fit to eat.”

“Sir,” replied the two merchants, “let us take what care we can, they will hardly be worth any thing the third year; for then they have neither taste nor colour.”  “If it be so,” answered the cauzee, “look into that jar, and tell me how long it is since those olives were put into it?”

The two merchants pretended to examine and to taste the olives, and told the cauzee they were new and good.  “You are mistaken,” said the young cauzee; “Ali Khaujeh says he put them into the jar seven years ago.”

“Sir,” replied the merchants, “we can assure you they are of this year’s growth:  and we will maintain there is not a merchant in Bagdad but will say the same.”