THE EIGHTH OFFICER'S STORY
by Unknown · from Tales from the Arabic — Volume 02
Adapted Version
Once, a shop owner had a scary trip. A pretty woman came to his shop. She smiled and talked sweetly. "Come with me," she said. "I have a nice thing to show you."
The shop owner followed her. She took him to a big, scary house. Inside, it was dark and dirty. All at once, some bad men came out. They took his money and his clothes. They scared him very much. He did not know what to do. He felt very alone in the dark room.
Then, a friend came in. It was his friend who borrowed money. "Stop!" the friend said to the bad men. "This is my friend!" He helped the shop owner. He gave back his things. "Please keep this a secret," the friend said. The shop owner promised. He was very happy to be safe.
The shop owner went home. He was sick and scared for a while. He stayed in bed for many days. Later, he went back to his shop. He tried to forget the scary house. One day, he saw the bad woman again. She was talking to a new man. "Be safe!" the shop owner shouted. The woman got very angry. She scared the shop owner. He ran away fast. His heart beat very quickly.
After some time, he came back. He felt a little brave again. One day, a friend said, "I almost got tricked too!" The shop owner then told his friend what happened. He decided to tell a grown-up. He knew he needed help. He could not keep the secret anymore.
A friend invited him to a fun place. But the shop owner saw the scary house. "This is a bad place!" he said. They went inside slowly. They found stolen toys in a room. The toys were shiny and new. The bad men came and chased them. The friend tried to stop them. He found a hidden door and ran out. He ran very fast down the street.
He told some grown-ups on the street. They called the police. The police came fast. They had big cars and bright lights. He and his men went into the house. They found the friend hurt and tied up. They saved him and a new scared person. The police caught all the bad people. They took them to jail. They gave back the stolen things. Everyone was happy the bad people were gone.
The shop owner was safe. He learned to be safe. Keep in mind, don't go with strangers who offer nice things. Always tell a grown-up if a scary thing happens. A grown-up can help you. It is good to ask for help.
Original Story
THE EIGHTH OFFICER'S STORY.
A friend of mine once invited me to an entertainment; so I went with him, and when we came into his house and sat down on his couch, he said to me, "This is a blessed day and a day of gladness, and [blessed is] he who liveth to [see] the like of this day. I desire that thou practise with us and deny[FN#124] us not, for that thou hast been used to hearken unto those who occupy themselves with this."[FN#125] I fell in with this and their talk happened upon the like of this subject.[FN#126] Presently, my friend, who had invited me, arose from among them and said to them, "Hearken to me and I will tell you of an adventure that happened to me. There was a certain man who used to visit me in my shop, and I knew him not nor he me, nor ever in his life had he seen me; but he was wont, whenever he had need of a dirhem or two, by way of loan, to come to me and ask me, without acquaintance or intermediary between me and him, [and I would give him what he sought]. I told none of him, and matters abode thus between us a long while, till he fell to borrowing ten at twenty dirhems [at a time], more or less.
One day, as I stood in my shop, there came up to me a woman and stopped before me; and she as she were the full moon rising from among the stars, and the place was illumined by her light. When I saw her, I fixed my eyes on her and stared in her face; and she bespoke me with soft speech. When I heard her words and the sweetness of her speech, I lusted after her; and when she saw that I lusted after her, she did her occasion and promising me [to come again], went away, leaving my mind occupied with her and fire kindled in my heart. Then I abode, perplexed and pondering my affair, whilst fire flamed in my heart, till the third day, when she came again and I scarce credited her coming. When I saw her, I talked with her and cajoled her and courted her and strove to win her favour with speech and invited her [to my house]; but she answered, saying, 'I will not go up into any one's house.' Quoth I, 'I will go with thee;' and she said, 'Arise and come with me.'
So I arose and putting in my sleeve a handkerchief, wherein was a good sum of money, followed the woman, who went on before me and gave not over walking till she brought me to a by-street and to a door, which she bade me open. I refused and she opened it and brought me into the vestibule. As soon as I had entered, she locked the door of entrance from within and said to me, 'Sit [here] till I go in to the slave-girls and cause them enter a place where they shall not see me.' 'It is well,' answered I and sat down; whereupon she entered and was absent from me a moment, after which she returned to me, without a veil, and said, 'Arise, [enter,] in the name of God.'[FN#127] So I arose and went in after her and we gave not over going till we entered a saloon. When I examined the place, I found it neither handsome nor agreeable, but unseemly and desolate, without symmetry or cleanliness; nay, it was loathly to look upon and there was a foul smell in it.
I seated myself amiddleward the saloon, misdoubting, and as I sat, there came down on me from the estrade seven naked men, without other clothing than leather girdles about their waists. One of them came up to me and took my turban, whilst another took my handkerchief, that was in my sleeve, with my money, and a third stripped me of my clothes; after which a fourth came and bound my hands behind me with his girdle. Then they all took me up, pinioned as I was, and casting me down, fell a-dragging me towards a sink-hole that was there and were about to cut my throat, when, behold, there came a violent knocking at the door. When they heard this, they were afraid and their minds were diverted from me by fear; so the woman went out and presently returning, said to them, 'Fear not; no harm shall betide you this day. It is only your comrade who hath brought you your noon-meal.' With this the new-comer entered, bringing with him a roasted lamb; and when he came in to them, he said to them, 'What is to do with you, that ye have tucked up [your sleeves and trousers]?' Quoth they, '[This is] a piece of game we have caught.'
When he heard this, he came up to me and looking in my face, cried out and said, 'By Allah, this is my brother, the son of my mother and father! Allah! Allah!' Then he loosed me from my bonds and kissed my head, and behold it was my friend who used to borrow money of me. When I kissed his head, he kissed mine and said, 'O my brother, be not affrighted.' Then he called for my clothes [and money and restored to me all that had been taken from me] nor was aught missing to me. Moreover, he brought me a bowl full of [sherbet of] sugar, with lemons therein, and gave me to drink thereof; and the company came and seated me at a table. So I ate with them and he said to me, 'O my lord and my brother, now have bread and salt passed between us and thou hast discovered our secret and [become acquainted with] our case; but secrets [are safe] with the noble.' Quoth I, 'As I am a lawfully-begotten child, I will not name aught [of this] neither denounce [you!*]' And they assured themselves of me by an oath. Then they brought me out and I went my way, scarce crediting but that I was of the dead.
I abode in my house, ill, a whole month; after which I went to the bath and coming out, opened my shop [and sat selling and buying as usual], but saw no more of the man or the woman, till, one day, there stopped before my shop a young man, [a Turcoman], as he were the full moon; and he was a sheep-merchant and had with him a bag, wherein was money, the price of sheep that he had sold. He was followed by the woman, and when he stopped at my shop, she stood by his side and cajoled him, and indeed he inclined to her with a great inclination. As for me, I was consumed with solicitude for him and fell to casting furtive glances at him and winked at him, till he chanced to look round and saw me winking at him; whereupon the woman looked at me and made a sign with her hand and went away. The Turcoman followed her and I counted him dead, without recourse; wherefore I feared with an exceeding fear and shut my shop. Then I journeyed for a year's space and returning, opened my shop; whereupon, behold, the woman came up to me and said, 'This is none other than a great absence.' Quoth I, 'I have been on a journey;' and she said, 'Why didst thou wink at the Turcoman?' 'God forbid!' answered I. 'I did not wink at him.' Quoth she, 'Beware lest thou cross me;' and went away.
Awhile after this a friend of mine invited me to his house and when I came to him, we ate and drank and talked. Then said he to me, 'O my friend, hath there befallen thee in thy life aught of calamity?' 'Nay,' answered I; 'but tell me [first], hath there befallen thee aught?' ['Yes,'] answered he. 'Know that one day I espied a fair woman; so I followed her and invited her [to come home with me]. Quoth she, "I will not enter any one's house; but come thou to my house, if thou wilt, and be it on such a day." Accordingly, on the appointed day, her messenger came to me, purposing to carry me to her; so I arose and went with him, till we came to a handsome house and a great door. He opened the door and I entered, whereupon he locked the door [behind me] and would have gone in, but I feared with an exceeding fear and foregoing him to the second door, whereby he would have had me enter, locked it and cried out at him, saying, "By Allah, an thou open not to me, I will kill thee; for I am none of those whom thou canst cozen!" Quoth he, "What deemest thou of cozenage?" And I said, "Verily, I am affrighted at the loneliness of the house and the lack of any at the door thereof; for I see none appear." "O my lord," answered he, "this is a privy door." "Privy or public," answered I, "open to me."
So he opened to me and I went out and had not gone far from the house when I met a woman, who said to me, "Methinks a long life was fore-ordained to thee; else hadst thou not come forth of yonder house." "How so?" asked I, and she answered, "Ask thy friend [such an one," naming thee,] "and he will acquaint thee with strange things." So, God on thee, O my friend, tell me what befell thee of wonders and rarities, for I have told thee what befell me.' 'O my brother,' answered I, 'I am bound by a solemn oath.' And he said, 'O my friend, break thine oath and tell me.' Quoth I, 'Indeed, I fear the issue of this.' [But he importuned me] till I told him all, whereat he marvelled. Then I went away from him and abode a long while, [without farther news].
One day, another of my friends came to me and said 'A neighbour of mine hath invited me to hear [music]. [And he would have me go with him;] but I said, 'I will not foregather with any one.' However, he prevailed upon me [to accompany him]; so we repaired to the place and found there a man, who came to meet us and said, '[Enter,] in the name of God!' Then he pulled out a key and opened the door, whereupon we entered and he locked the door after us. Quoth I, 'We are the first of the folk; but where are their voices?'[FN#128] '[They are] within the house,' answered he. 'This is but a privy door; so be not amazed at the absence of the folk.' And my friend said to me, 'Behold, we are two, and what can they avail to do with us?' [Then he brought us into the house,] and when we entered the saloon, we found it exceeding desolate and repulsive of aspect Quoth my friend, 'We are fallen [into a trap]; but there is no power and no virtue save in God the Most High, the Supreme!' And I said, 'May God not requite thee for me with good!'
Then we sat down on the edge of the estrade and presently I espied a closet beside me; so I looked into it and my friend said to me, 'What seest thou?' Quoth I, 'I see therein good galore and bodies of murdered folk. Look.' So he looked and said, 'By Allah, we are lost men!' And we fell a-weeping, I and he. As we were thus, behold, there came in upon us, by the door at which we had entered, four naked men, with girdles of leather about their middles, and made for my friend. He ran at them and dealing one of them a buffet, overthrew him, whereupon the other three fell all upon him. I seized the opportunity to escape, what while they were occupied with him, and espying a door by my side, slipped into it and found myself in an underground chamber, without window or other issue. So I gave myself up for lost and said, 'There is no power and no virtue save in God the Most High, the Supreme!' Then I looked to the top of the vault and saw in it a range of glazed lunettes; so I clambered up for dear life, till I reached the lunettes, and I distracted [for fear]. I made shift to break the glass and scrambling out through the frames, found a wall behind them. So I bestrode the wall and saw folk walking in the road; whereupon I cast myself down to the ground and God the Most High preserved me, so that I reached the earth, unhurt. The folk flocked round me and I acquainted them with my story.
As fate would have it, the chief of the police was passing through the market; so the people told him [what was to do] and he made for the door and burst it open. We entered with a rush and found the thieves, as they had overthrown my friend and cut his throat; for they occupied not themselves with me, but said, 'Whither shall yonder fellow go? Indeed, he is in our grasp.' So the prefect took them with the hand[FN#129] and questioned them, and they confessed against the woman and against their associates in Cairo. Then he took them and went forth, after he had locked up the house and sealed it; and I accompanied him till he came without the [first] house. He found the door locked from within; so he bade break it open and we entered and found another door. This also he caused burst in, enjoining his men to silence till the doors should be opened, and we entered and found the band occupied with a new victim, whom the woman had just brought in and whose throat they were about to cut.
The prefect released the man and gave him back all that the thieves had taken from him; and he laid hands on the woman and the rest and took forth of the house treasures galore. Amongst the rest, they found the money-bag of the Turcoman sheep-merchant. The thieves they nailed up incontinent against the wall of the house, whilst, as for the woman, they wrapped her in one of her veils and nailing her [to a board, set her] upon a camel and went round about the town with her. Thus God razed their dwelling-places and did away from me that which I feared. All this befell, whilst I looked on, and I saw not my friend who had saved me from them the first time, whereat I marvelled to the utterest of marvel. However, some days afterward, he came up to me, and indeed he had renounced[FN#130] [the world] and donned a fakir's habit; and he saluted me and went away.
Then he again began to pay me frequent visits and I entered into converse with him and questioned him of the band and how he came to escape, he alone of them all. Quoth he, 'I left them from the day on which God the Most High delivered thee from them, for that they would not obey my speech; wherefore I swore that I would no longer consort with them.' And I said, 'By Allah, I marvel at thee, for that thou wast the cause of my preservation!' Quoth he, 'The world is full of this sort [of folk]; and we beseech God the Most High for safety, for that these [wretches] practise upon men with every kind of device.' Then said I to him, 'Tell me the most extraordinary adventure of all that befell thee in this villainy thou wast wont to practise.' And he answered, saying, 'O my brother, I was not present when they did on this wise, for that my part with them was to concern myself with selling and buying and [providing them with] food; but I have heard that the most extraordinary thing that befell them was on this wise.
Story DNA
Moral
Beware of strangers and sudden temptations, for they may lead to ruin and danger.
Plot Summary
A shopkeeper is lured by a beautiful woman into a trap where he is robbed and nearly murdered by a gang, only to be saved by a regular borrower who is part of the gang. Bound by an oath, he later witnesses the woman luring another victim and tries to intervene, leading to a threat. When a friend recounts a similar escape, the shopkeeper breaks his oath. Later, he and another friend fall into the same trap; the friend is killed, but the shopkeeper escapes and alerts the police. The police raid the hideout, capture the gang and the woman, and execute them, bringing an end to the danger.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to relief to continued apprehension to justice
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common fears of banditry and deception in pre-modern urban settings, often found in 'One Thousand and One Nights' style narratives.
Plot Beats (13)
- The narrator attends a gathering where a friend, a shopkeeper, begins to tell a story about a man who frequently borrowed money from him.
- The shopkeeper recounts being lured by a beautiful woman to a desolate house, where he is robbed and nearly murdered by a gang of seven men.
- He is saved by his borrower, who reveals himself to be one of the gang members and claims the shopkeeper as his 'brother', restoring his belongings and releasing him under an oath of secrecy.
- The shopkeeper falls ill for a month, then returns to his shop, where he later sees the woman luring a Turcoman sheep-merchant, whom he tries to warn.
- The woman threatens the shopkeeper for interfering, causing him to flee for a year, but upon his return, she confronts him again.
- Another friend tells the shopkeeper about his own narrow escape from a similar trap, prompting the shopkeeper to break his oath and reveal his full story.
- A third friend invites the shopkeeper to an entertainment, leading them to another desolate house, which the shopkeeper recognizes as a trap.
- They discover murdered bodies in a closet, and four naked men attack them; the third friend fights, while the shopkeeper escapes through a hidden passage.
- The shopkeeper climbs out of an underground chamber, alerts passersby, and the chief of police is called.
- The police raid the house, finding the third friend murdered and another victim about to be killed by the gang and the woman.
- The police capture the gang and the woman, recover stolen treasures (including the Turcoman's money), and execute the thieves and the woman.
- The shopkeeper's borrower, who had saved him the first time, reappears as a fakir, having renounced his criminal life after the shopkeeper's first escape.
- The borrower explains he left the gang because they wouldn't listen to him and recounts that the most extraordinary event he heard of was the shopkeeper's initial escape.
Characters
The Eighth Officer (Narrator)
Average height and build, likely with a well-groomed appearance befitting a merchant or officer in a bustling city. His experiences leave him physically ill for a month, suggesting a sensitive constitution.
Attire: Initially, he wears the typical attire of a respectable merchant in a Middle Eastern city: a turban, a long tunic (qamis or thobe), possibly a vest or outer robe (jubbah or abaya), and trousers, all made of good quality linen or cotton. He carries a handkerchief in his sleeve, which serves as a purse.
Wants: Initially, to enjoy entertainment and perhaps a romantic encounter. Later, his motivation shifts to survival, then to justice and understanding the strange events that befell him.
Flaw: Susceptible to temptation and beauty, leading him into dangerous situations. His initial trust in strangers is a significant flaw.
Transforms from a somewhat naive and pleasure-seeking merchant into a traumatized but wiser individual who actively participates in bringing criminals to justice. He learns the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of vigilance.
Curious, trusting (initially), easily swayed by beauty, cautious after trauma, loyal (bound by oath), eventually brave enough to escape and report the criminals.
The Woman (Thief)
Described as being 'as she were the full moon rising from among the stars,' implying exceptional beauty, radiant complexion, and graceful figure. She is alluring and captivating.
Attire: Initially, she wears a veil (hijab or niqab) that conceals her identity but hints at her beauty. When she returns to the narrator, she is unveiled, revealing her full allure. Her clothing would be of fine fabric, possibly silk, in rich colors, designed to attract and deceive. Later, she is wrapped in one of her own veils for public humiliation.
Wants: To lure victims for her gang to rob and murder, driven by greed and a life of crime.
Flaw: Overconfidence and reliance on her beauty and cunning, which ultimately leads to her capture and public execution.
Remains consistently evil throughout the story, showing no remorse. Her arc culminates in her public capture, humiliation, and execution, serving as a cautionary tale.
Cunning, deceptive, manipulative, ruthless, seductive, fearless in her criminal activities.
The Borrower (Narrator's Friend)
Likely of average build, but his later transformation into a fakir suggests a lean, ascetic appearance. Initially, he would have appeared ordinary, blending into the crowd.
Attire: Initially, simple, worn clothing, as he frequently borrows money. After his transformation, he wears a 'fakir's habit' – a simple, coarse, undyed robe, possibly with a staff or begging bowl.
Wants: Initially, survival and participation in a criminal enterprise. After saving the narrator, his motivation shifts to spiritual purification and renouncing his past life.
Flaw: His initial involvement in a dangerous criminal gang, driven by necessity or poor choices.
Undergoes the most significant transformation, from a criminal associate to a repentant fakir who has renounced the world. He learns the value of life and the consequences of his actions.
Initially, a desperate and perhaps somewhat reckless individual involved in crime. Later, repentant, wise, and spiritually transformed. He is loyal to the narrator, saving his life.
The Chief of Police (Prefect)
Likely a man of imposing presence, with a strong build and an authoritative demeanor, befitting his position of power.
Attire: Wears the official uniform of a chief of police in a Middle Eastern city: a distinguished robe (possibly a jubbah or caftan) made of fine wool or silk, perhaps with embroidered insignia, and a formal turban. He would carry a symbol of his authority.
Wants: To maintain law and order, protect the innocent, and punish criminals.
Flaw: None explicitly shown; he is portrayed as highly competent.
Remains consistent in his role as a force for justice, bringing the story to a resolution by apprehending the criminals.
Decisive, efficient, just, and effective in his duties. He acts swiftly to apprehend criminals and protect citizens.
The Turcoman Sheep-Merchant
Described as 'as he were the full moon,' indicating a handsome, youthful appearance, likely with a robust build from his trade.
Attire: Practical clothing suitable for a sheep-merchant, likely sturdy wool or linen garments, perhaps a tunic and trousers, with a distinctive Turcoman cap or head covering. He carries a money bag.
Wants: To conduct his business (selling sheep) and enjoy the pleasures of the city.
Flaw: His susceptibility to the woman's charms and his trusting nature.
A victim of the gang, he is rescued by the police and has his money returned, serving as another example of the gang's modus operandi.
Trusting, easily charmed, and somewhat naive, making him an easy target for the woman.
Locations
The Narrator's Friend's House
A comfortable, inviting house where the narrator is invited for entertainment, featuring a couch for sitting.
Mood: Warm, social, conversational, safe.
The narrator is invited here and hears the first officer's story, setting the frame for the narrative.
The Narrator's Shop
A commercial establishment where the narrator conducts business, selling and buying goods. It's a public-facing space.
Mood: Bustling, public, commercial, later anxious.
The narrator encounters the mysterious woman and the Turcoman sheep-merchant here, initiating key plot points.
The Thieves' House - Vestibule and Saloon
Accessed via a by-street and a locked door, the vestibule leads to a saloon described as unseemly, desolate, without symmetry or cleanliness, and having a foul smell. It contains an estrade (raised platform) and a sink-hole. Later, a closet filled with murdered bodies is discovered.
Mood: Eerie, desolate, dangerous, foul, terrifying.
The narrator is lured here to be robbed and murdered, but is saved by his friend. Later, he and another friend are trapped here again, leading to a dramatic escape and the capture of the thieves.