His hands were clasped upon a fair round belly.
Suleyman, his dust-cloak billowing, strolled forward coolly, and presented me as 'one of the chief people of the Franks.' The company arose and made us welcome, placing stools for our convenience.
'His Highness comes to thee for justice, O most righteous judge.

He has been wronged,' observed Suleyman, dispassionately.
The judge looked much concerned.

'What is the case ?' he asked.
'Our cook is snatched from us,' was the reply, 'and to-night we have invited friends to dinner.' 'Is he a good cook ?' asked the judge, with feeling.
'If your Excellency will restore him to us, and then join us at the meal----' 'How can I be of service in this matter ?' I motioned to Suleyman to tell the story, which he did so well that all the company were soon in fits of laughter.
The judge looked through the cause list till he found the case, putting a mark against it on the paper.
'How can we dine to-night without a cook ?' I sighed, despairingly.
'Fear nothing,' said the judge.

'He shall be with you in an hour.
Come, O my friends, we must to business! It grows late.' The judge took leave of me with much politeness.
'Now,' said Suleyman, when they were gone, 'let us go into the court and watch the course of justice.' We crossed the narrow street to an imposing portal.

Suleyman whispered to a soldier there on guard, who smiled and bade us enter, with a gracious gesture.
The hall inside was crowded.