THE FIRST OFFICER'S STORY
by Unknown · from Tales from the Arabic — Volume 02
Adapted Version
Once, there was Officer Muin. Each day, he found money in his lap. He sat at work. A purse fell on him. It had money inside. He did not see who threw it. This happened many times.
One day, he felt a hand. It was a woman. She put a purse in his lap. "Who are you?" he asked. "Come with me," she said. She walked to a big house. "Please take me to the Judge's house," she said. "Please help me."
She told him a plan. "Tonight, you will find me on the street. I will wear nice clothes. Tell your boss I am lost. Say I should sleep at the Judge's house. Then I can go inside. It is a good plan."
That night, Officer Muin walked the streets. He saw the woman. She smelled nice. "She is lost," he told his boss. "She can sleep at the Judge's house." They knocked. A helper opened it. "Let her stay here tonight," Officer Muin said. The helper said yes.
The next morning, the Judge was very angry. "That woman stole my money!" he shouted. "A lot of money is gone!" His boss was angry. "Find her in three days," he said.
Officer Muin looked for the woman. He looked for two days. He looked on streets. He looked in shops. He could not find her. He felt sad.
Day three, a woman called from a window. "Come inside," she said. It was the same woman!
"Do not worry," she said. She showed him the money. "I took it to help you," she said. "I like you. Now, listen. The next day, the Judge will be angry. Tell him the two words are not the same. Say you gave him a woman. Ask where she is. Then go to his house. Look by the door. You will find stained clothes in a jar."
The next day, the Judge shouted at Officer Muin. "Where is my money?" Officer Muin said, "The two words are not the same. I gave you a woman. Where is she?" The Judge got very red. "Come to my house!" he yelled.
They all went to the Judge's house. They looked all over. They found nothing. Officer Muin felt scared. He looked by the door. "What is that jar?" he asked. They lifted it. Under it were stained clothes.
The boss looked at the Judge. "Officer Muin is free," he said. The Judge was very afraid. He gave back the money. "Please keep this quiet," he said.
Later, Officer Muin went to the woman's house. The door was locked. The house was empty. She was gone. He thought, "She was very clever. She helped me."
Being clever can help you solve problems. Keep in mind, things are not always what they seem.
Original Story
THE FIRST OFFICER'S STORY.
When I entered the service of this Amir,[FN#88] I had a great repute and every lewd fellow feared me of all mankind, and whenas I rode through the city, all the folk would point at me with their fingers and eyes. It befell one day, as I sat in the house of the prefecture, with my back against a wall, considering in myself, there fell somewhat in my lap, and behold, it was a purse sealed and tied. So I took it in my hand and behold, it had in it a hundred dirhems,[FN#89] but I found not who threw it and I said, "Extolled be the perfection of God, the King of the Kingdoms!"[FN#90] Another day, [as I sat on like wise,] somewhat fell on me and startled me, and behold, it was a purse like the first. So I took it and concealing its affair, made as if I slept, albeit sleep was not with me.
One day, as I was thus feigning sleep, I felt a hand in my lap, and in it a magnificent purse. So I seized the hand and behold, it was that of a fair woman. Quoth I to her, "O my lady, who art thou?" And she said, "Rise [and come away] from here, that I may make myself known to thee." So I arose and following her, fared on, without tarrying, till she stopped at the door of a lofty house, whereupon quoth I to her,"O my lady, who art thou? Indeed, thou hast done me kindness, and what is the reason of this?" "By Allah," answered she, "O Captain Mum, I am a woman on whom desire and longing are sore for the love of the daughter of the Cadi Amin el Hukm. Now there was between us what was and the love of her fell upon my heart and I agreed with her upon meeting, according to possibility and convenience. But her father Amin el Hukm took her and went away, and my heart cleaveth to her and love-longing and distraction are sore upon me on her account."
I marvelled at her words and said to her, "What wouldst thou have me do?" And she answered, "O Captain Muin, I would have thee give me a helping hand." Quoth I, "What have I to do with the daughter of the Cadi Amin el Hukm?" And she said, "Know that I would not have thee intrude upon the Cadi's daughter, but I would fain contrive for the attainment of my wishes.' This is my intent and my desire, and my design will not be accomplished but by thine aid." Then said she, "I mean this night to go with a stout heart and hire me trinkets of price; then will I go and sit in the street wherein is the house of Amin el Hukm; and when it is the season of the round and the folk are asleep, do thou pass, thou and those who are with thee of the police, and thou wilt see me sitting and on me fine raiment and ornaments and wilt smell on me the odour of perfumes; whereupon do thou question me of my case and I will say, 'I come from the Citadel and am of the daughters of the deputies[FN#91] and I came down [into the town,] to do an occasion; but the night overtook me at unawares and the Zuweyleh gate was shut against me and all the gates and I knew not whither I should go this night Presently I saw this street and noting the goodliness of its ordinance and its cleanness, took shelter therein against break of day.' When I say this to thee with all assurance[FN#92] the chief of the watch will have no suspicion of me, but will say, 'Needs must we leave her with one who will take care of her till morning.' And do thou rejoin, 'It were most fitting that she pass the night with Amin el Hukm and lie with his family and children till the morning.' Then do thou straightway knock at the Cadi's door, and thus shall I have gained admission into his house, without inconvenience, and gotten my desire; and peace be on thee!" And I said to her, "By Allah, this is an easy matter."
So, when the night darkened, we sallied forth to make our round, attended by men with sharp swords, and went round about the streets and compassed the city, till we came to the by-street where was the woman, and it was the middle of the night Here we smelt rich scents and heard the clink of earrings; so I said to my comrades, "Methinks I spy an apparition," And the captain of the watch said, "See what it is." So I came forward and entering the lane, came presently out again and said, "I have found a fair woman and she tells me that she is from the Citadel and that the night surprised her and she espied this street and seeing its cleanness and the goodliness of its ordinance, knew that it appertained to a man of rank and that needs must there be in it a guardian to keep watch over it, wherefore she took shelter therein." Quoth the captain of the watch to me, "Take her and carry her to thy house." But I answered, "I seek refuge with Allah![FN#93] My house is no place of deposit[FN#94] and on this woman are trinkets and apparel [of price]. By Allah, we will not deposit her save with Amin el Hukrn, in whose street she hath been since the first of the darkness; wherefore do thou leave her with him till the break of day." And he said, "As thou wilt." Accordingly, I knocked at the Cadi's door and out came a black slave of his slaves, to whom said I, "O my lord, take this woman and let her be with you till break of day, for that the lieutenant of the Amir Ilmeddin hath found her standing at the door of your house, with trinkets and apparel [of price] on her, and we feared lest her responsibility be upon you;[FN#95] wherefore it is most fit that she pass the night with you." So the slave opened and took her in with him.
When the morning morrowed, the first who presented himself before the Amir was the Cadi Amin el Hukm, leaning on two of his black slaves; and he was crying out and calling [on God] for aid and saying, "O crafty and perfidious Amir, thou depositedst with me a woman [yesternight] and broughtest her into my house and my dwelling-place, and she arose [in the night] and took from me the good of the little orphans,[FN#96] six great bags, [containing each a thousand dinars,[FN#97] and made off;] but as for me, I will say no more to thee except in the Sultan's presence."[FN#98] When the Master of the Police heard these words, he was troubled and rose and sat down; then he took the Cadi and seating him by his side, soothed him and exhorted him to patience, till he had made an end of talk, when he turned to the officers and questioned them. They fixed the affair on me and said, "We know nothing of this affair but from Captain Muineddin." So the Cadi turned to me and said, "Thou wast of accord with this woman, for she said she came from the Citadel."
As for me, I stood, with my head bowed to the earth, forgetting both Institutes and Canons,[FN#99] and abode sunk in thought, saying, "How came I to be the dupe of yonder worthless baggage?" Then said the Amir to me, "What aileth thee that thou answerest not?" And I answered, saying, "O my lord, it is a custom among the folk that he who hath a payment to make at a certain date is allowed three days' grace; [so do thou have patience with me so long,] and if, [by the end of that time,] the culprit be not found, I will be answerable for that which is lost." When the folk heard my speech, they all deemed it reasonable and the Master of Police turned to the Cadi and swore to him that he would do his utmost endeavour to recover the stolen money and that it should be restored to him. So he went away, whilst I mounted forthright and fell to going round about the world without purpose, and indeed I was become under the dominion of a woman without worth or honour; and I went round about on this wise all that my day and night, but happened not upon tidings of her; and thus I did on the morrow.
On the third day I said to myself, "Thou art mad or witless!" For I was going about in quest of a woman who knew me and I knew her not, seeing that indeed she was veiled, [whenas I saw her]. Then I went round about the third day till the hour of afternoon prayer, and sore was my concern and my chagrin, for I knew that there abode to me of my life but [till] the morrow, when the chief of the police would seek me. When it was the time of sundown, I passed through one of the streets, and beheld a woman at a window. Her door was ajar and she was clapping her hands and casting furtive glances at me, as who should say, "Come up by the door." So I went up, without suspicion, and when I entered, she rose and clasped me to her breast 1 marvelled at her affair and she said to me, "I am she whom thou depositedst with Amin el Hukm." Quoth I to her, "O my sister, I have been going round and round in quest of thee, for indeed thou hast done a deed that will be chronicled in history and hast cast me into slaughter[FN#100] on thine account." "Sayst thou this to me," asked she, "and thou captain of men?" And I answered, "How should I not be troubled, seeing that I am in concern [for an affair] that I turn over and over [in my mind], more by token that I abide my day long going about [searching for thee] and in the night I watch its stars [for wakefulness]?" Quoth she, "Nought shall betide but good, and thou shalt get the better of him."
So saying, she rose [and going] to a chest, took out therefrom six bags full of gold and said to me, "This is what I took from Amin el Hukm's house. So, if thou wilt, restore it; else the whole is lawfully thine; and if thou desire other than this, [thou shalt have it;] for I have wealth in plenty and I had no design in this but to marry thee." Then she arose and opening [other] chests, brought out therefrom wealth galore and I said to her, "O my sister, I have no desire for all this, nor do I covet aught but to be quit of that wherein I am." Quoth she, "I came not forth of the [Cadi's] house without [making provision for] thine acquittance."
Then said she to me, "To-morrow morning, when Amin el Hukm cometh, have patience with him till he have made an end of his speech, and when he is silent, return him no answer; and if the prefect say to thee, 'What ailest thee that thou answereth him not?' do thou reply, 'O lord, know that the two words are not alike, but there is no [helper] for him who is undermost[FN#101], save God the Most High.'[FN#102] The Cadi will say, 'What is the meaning of thy saying," The two words are not alike"?' And do thou make answer, saying, 'I deposited with thee a damsel from the palace of the Sultan, and most like some losel of thy household hath transgressed against her or she hath been privily murdered. Indeed, there were on her jewels and raiment worth a thousand dinars, and hadst thou put those who are with thee of slaves and slave-girls to the question, thou hadst assuredly lit on some traces [of the crime].' When he heareth this from thee, his agitation will redouble and he will be confounded and will swear that needs must thou go with him to his house; but do thou say, 'That will I not do, for that I am the party aggrieved, more by token that I am under suspicion with thee.' If he redouble in calling [on God for aid] and conjure thee by the oath of divorce, saying, 'Needs must thou come,' do thou say, 'By Allah, I will not go, except the prefect come also.'
When thou comest to the house, begin by searching the roofs; then search the closets and cabinets; and if thou find nought, humble thyself unto the Cadi and make a show of abjection and feign thyself defeated, and after stand at the door and look as if thou soughtest a place wherein to make water, for that there is a dark corner there. Then come forward, with a heart stouter than granite, and lay hold upon a jar of the jars and raise it from its place. Thou wilt find under it the skirt of a veil; bring it out publicly and call the prefect in a loud voice, before those who are present. Then open it and thou wilt find it full of blood, exceeding of redness,[FN#103] and in it [thou wilt find also] a woman's shoes and a pair of trousers and somewhat of linen." When I heard this from her, I rose to go out and she said to me, "Take these hundred dinars, so they may advantage thee; and this is my guest-gift to thee." So I took them and bidding her farewell, returned to my lodging.
Next morning, up came the Cadi, with his face like the ox-eye,[FN#104] and said, "In the name of God, where is my debtor and where is my money?" Then he wept and cried out and said to the prefect, "Where is that ill-omened fellow, who aboundeth in thievery and villainy?" Therewith the prefect turned to me and said, "Why dost thou not answer the Cadi?" And I replied, "O Amir, the two heads[FN#105] are not equal, and I, I have no helper but God; but, if the right be on my side, it will appear." At this the Cadi cried out and said, "Out on thee, O ill-omened fellow! How wilt thou make out that the right is on thy side?" "O our lord the Cadi," answered I, "I deposited with thee a trust, to wit, a woman whom we found at thy door, and on her raiment and trinkets of price. Now she is gone, even as yesterday is gone; and after this thou turnest upon us and makest claim upon me for six thousand dinars. By Allah, this is none other than gross unright, and assuredly some losel of thy household hath transgressed against her!"
With this the Cadi's wrath redoubled and he swore by the most solemn of oaths that I should go with him and search his house. "By Allah," replied I, "I will not go, except the prefect be with us; for, if he be present, he and the officers, thou wilt not dare to presume upon me." And the Cadi rose and swore an oath, saying, "By Him who created mankind, we will not go but with the Amir!" So we repaired to the Cadi's house, accompanied by the prefect, and going up, searched high and low, but found nothing; whereupon fear gat hold upon me and the prefect turned to me and said, "Out on thee, O ill-omened fellow! Thou puttest us to shame before the men." And I wept and went round about right and left, with the tears running down my face, till we were about to go forth and drew near the door of the house. I looked at the place [behind the door] and said, "What is yonder dark place that I see?" And I said to the sergeants, "Lift up this jar with me." They did as I bade them and I saw somewhat appearing under the jar and said, "Rummage and see what is under it." So they searched and found a woman's veil and trousers full of blood, which when I beheld, I fell down in a swoon.
When the prefect saw this, he said, "By Allah, the captain is excused!" Then my comrades came round about me and sprinkled water on my face, [till I came to myself,] when I arose and accosting the Cadi, who was covered with confusion, said to him, "Thou seest that suspicion is fallen on thee, and indeed this affair is no light matter, for that this woman's family will assuredly not sit down under her loss." Therewith the Cadi's heart quaked and he knew that the suspicion had reverted upon him, wherefore his colour paled and his limbs smote together; and he paid of his own money, after the measure of that which he had lost, so we would hush up the matter for him.[FN#106] Then we departed from him in peace, whilst I said in myself, "Indeed, the woman deceived me not."
After that I tarried till three days had elapsed, when 1 went to the bath and changing my clothes, betook myself to her house, but found the door locked and covered with dust. So I questioned the neighbours of her and they said, "This house hath been empty these many days; but three days agone there came a woman with an ass, and yesternight, at eventide, she took her gear and went away." So I turned back, confounded in my wit, and every day [after this, for many a day,] I inquired of the inhabitants [of the street] concerning her, but could light on no tidings of her. And indeed I marvelled at the eloquence of her tongue and [the readiness of] her speech; and this is the most extraordinary of that which hath betided me.'
When El Melik ez Zahir heard Muineddin's story, he marvelled thereat Then rose another officer and said, 'O lord, bear what befell me in bygone days.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the most respected can be outsmarted, and appearances can be deceiving.
Plot Summary
A respected First Officer is repeatedly given money by a mysterious woman. When he finally confronts her, she reveals an elaborate plan to gain access to the Cadi's house, which the officer unwittingly facilitates. The next morning, the Cadi accuses the officer of depositing a thief who stole a large sum of money. Given three days to recover the money, the desperate officer is again contacted by the woman, who not only reveals she has the gold but also provides a cunning counter-plan to frame the Cadi for her 'murder.' The officer executes this plan, leading to the discovery of blood-stained garments in the Cadi's house, forcing the Cadi to pay the stolen money from his own funds to avoid a murder accusation. The woman then vanishes, leaving the officer amazed by her ingenuity.
Themes
Emotional Arc
confidence to distress to relief and wonder
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a pre-modern Islamic society with established legal and social structures, where reputation and honor were paramount, and justice could be influenced by power and social standing.
Plot Beats (15)
- The First Officer, known for his repute, repeatedly finds sealed purses with money in his lap while sitting at the prefecture.
- He catches the hand of a beautiful woman placing a purse, who then reveals her identity and her desire to meet the Cadi's daughter.
- The woman outlines a detailed plan for the officer to bring her into the Cadi Amin el Hukm's house under the guise of a stranded noblewoman.
- The officer executes the plan, convincing the captain of the watch and the Cadi's slave to house the woman for the night.
- The next morning, Cadi Amin el Hukm furiously reports to the Amir that the woman deposited by the police stole six bags of gold belonging to orphans.
- The Amir's Master of Police holds the First Officer responsible, giving him three days to recover the money or pay it himself.
- The officer spends two days fruitlessly searching for the veiled woman he barely knows.
- On the third day, a woman at a window beckons him into her house, revealing herself to be the trickster.
- She reassures him, shows him the stolen gold, and offers it to him, explaining her true motive was to marry him.
- She then gives him precise instructions on how to turn the tables on the Cadi the next morning, making it appear he murdered her.
- The next morning, the Cadi confronts the officer, who follows the woman's instructions, subtly accusing the Cadi of wrongdoing.
- The Cadi, enraged, insists on searching his house with the officer and the prefect.
- After a fruitless search, the officer, following the woman's final instruction, finds a blood-filled veil and trousers hidden under a jar near the door.
- The prefect declares the officer excused, and the Cadi, terrified of a murder accusation, pays the six thousand dinars to silence the matter.
- The officer later returns to the woman's house to find it empty and her gone, marveling at her cleverness.
Characters
The First Officer (Captain Muin)
A man of imposing presence, likely of average height and a sturdy build, reflecting his role as a respected officer. His features would be sharp and observant, accustomed to scrutiny and command.
Attire: A practical but authoritative uniform, likely a dark, heavy wool or linen tunic, possibly with some leather or metal accents, worn over loose trousers. He would wear sturdy leather boots and a wide belt from which his sword would hang. The overall impression is one of a disciplined and respected law enforcement figure in an Arabian setting.
Wants: Initially driven by curiosity and the lure of the mysterious woman's money, he later seeks to resolve the Cadi's accusation and clear his own name, upholding his reputation.
Flaw: Susceptible to temptation and easily drawn into schemes, particularly when money or an intriguing mystery is involved.
He starts as a respected but somewhat naive officer who is manipulated into a complex scheme. He learns to navigate treacherous social and legal waters, ultimately using his wits to escape a grave accusation and uphold justice, though he remains bewildered by the mysterious woman's disappearance.
Clever, observant, resourceful, somewhat opportunistic, and ultimately just. He is initially swayed by the mysterious woman's charm and money but uses his intelligence to navigate a dangerous situation.
The Mysterious Woman
A fair woman, implying a delicate or refined appearance, likely slender and graceful, with an air of mystery and allure. Her movements would be fluid and purposeful.
Attire: When first encountered, she wears a magnificent, richly embroidered silk veil and a flowing abaya or similar outer garment that conceals her form, hinting at the expensive 'trinkets of price' and 'fine raiment' beneath. Later, when she appears in the street, she is adorned in luxurious, brightly colored silk garments, possibly a richly embroidered caftan or dress, with visible gold jewelry (earrings, bracelets) and exuding strong perfumes. Her clothing is designed to attract attention and suggest high status.
Wants: To reunite with the daughter of Cadi Amin el Hukm, whom she loves deeply, and to overcome the obstacle of the Cadi's separation of them.
Flaw: Her intense, all-consuming love for the Cadi's daughter, which drives her to risky and potentially dangerous schemes.
She orchestrates a complex plan to gain access to the Cadi's house and presumably reunite with her beloved. Her arc is one of successful manipulation and escape, leaving the protagonist bewildered.
Extremely cunning, intelligent, manipulative, resourceful, and bold. She is driven by a powerful, almost obsessive, love and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve her desires.
Cadi Amin el Hukm
An elderly man, likely of a portly build, reflecting his comfortable position. His face would be prone to expressions of anger and agitation, especially when challenged. He leans on his slaves, suggesting a degree of physical frailty or a display of his status.
Attire: Formal, flowing robes of fine quality, likely silk or brocade, in deep, rich colors, indicative of his high judicial status. He would wear a turban, possibly adorned with a jewel, and soft leather slippers. His attire would convey wealth and authority.
Wants: To protect his reputation and wealth, and to maintain control over his household and family, including his daughter.
Flaw: His pride, his quick temper, and his fear of public shame, which makes him vulnerable to manipulation.
He begins as a powerful accuser, confident in his position. He is gradually humiliated and exposed, ultimately forced to pay a large sum to cover up a scandal, showing his downfall and loss of face.
Haughty, easily angered, accusatory, greedy, and ultimately cowardly. He is quick to blame others and protect his own reputation and wealth.
The Prefect
A man of authority, likely robust and commanding, with a serious demeanor befitting his position as a high-ranking officer under the Amir.
Attire: A formal uniform, perhaps a dark, heavy wool or brocade tunic, with a distinctive sash or insignia indicating his rank. He would wear a turban or head covering appropriate for a high official, and sturdy, polished leather boots.
Wants: To maintain order, uphold justice, and ensure the Amir's service is conducted properly, while also protecting his own and his officers' reputations.
Flaw: Initially quick to doubt and scold his subordinates when a situation appears unfavorable.
He begins by doubting the First Officer and fearing shame but is ultimately convinced by the discovery of the evidence, leading him to excuse the officer and help resolve the situation.
Authoritative, initially skeptical, concerned with reputation, and ultimately fair-minded when presented with evidence.
Black Slave (of the Cadi)
A strong, dark-skinned man, likely tall and muscular, reflecting his role as a household servant and guard. His features would be stoic and obedient.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a household servant in an affluent home. This would likely be a plain, loose-fitting tunic and trousers made of coarse linen or cotton, in muted colors like brown, grey, or undyed fabric. He might wear a simple head wrap.
Wants: To serve his master, the Cadi, and fulfill his duties.
Flaw: His lack of agency and inability to question or refuse commands.
Remains a static character, serving his master throughout the events.
Obedient, silent, and dutiful, following the commands of his master without question.
Locations
House of the Prefecture
An official building where the First Officer sits, likely with stone or plastered walls, possibly adorned with simple, functional furnishings typical of an administrative office in an Abbasid-era city. The officer sits with his back against a wall.
Mood: Official, routine, initially calm, then mysterious
The First Officer receives mysterious purses and later encounters the 'fair woman' who places a purse in his lap, initiating the main plot.
By-street of Cadi Amin el Hukm's House
A clean, well-ordered by-street in an Arabian city, likely paved with cobblestones or packed earth, flanked by houses with distinct architectural features. The air is filled with rich scents and the clink of jewelry.
Mood: Mysterious, quiet, expectant, with a hint of intrigue
The First Officer and his patrol find the 'fair woman' sitting in this street, feigning distress, as part of her plan to gain entry into the Cadi's house.
Cadi Amin el Hukm's House
A lofty Arabian house, likely a large residence with multiple rooms, possibly a courtyard, and a flat roof. It contains closets, cabinets, and a dark corner near the door where a jar is kept. The architecture would feature geometric tile mosaics, perhaps muqarnas vaults, and sturdy wooden doors.
Mood: Tense, suspicious, later revealing a dark secret
The Cadi's house is searched for the missing 'orphan's money' and later, the evidence of a crime (blood-soaked veil and trousers) is discovered, implicating the Cadi.
The Woman's House
A house that is later found locked and covered with dust, suggesting it has been empty for some time. It's a typical dwelling in an Arabian city street.
Mood: Deserted, mysterious, anticlimactic
The First Officer returns to thank the woman but finds her house abandoned, revealing her true elusive nature.