The coiners were seized in the act.

Ali immediately ordered the chief to be hung at his own door and the whole population to be massacred.

Suddenly a young girl of great beauty made her way through the tumult and sought refuge at his feet.

Ali, astonished, asked who she was.

She answered with a look of mingled innocence and terror, kissing his hands, which she bathed with tears, and said: "O my lord! I implore thee to intercede with the terrible vizier Ali for my mother and brothers.