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walking out one morning, met Iblìs, and asked him where he was going. “ Oh,” he replied, “about my usual business, getting people into trouble.” “There is nothing in that,” said she; “any fool can do that.” “So I have often been told,” said Iblìs. “I have heard that not only fools, but old women like yourself, can beat me at my own trade.” “Well,” she said, smiling, “let us have a match.” The devil agreed, and offered her first innings; but she declined, saying that, as he was the acknowledged author of evil, he should have the precedence.

Near to where they stood champed a fiery stallion fastened to a tent-peg. “See,” said Iblis, “I just loosen this peg, without drawing it from the ground; now mark the mischief.” The horse, tugging at his tether, at once pulled up the peg and rushed off, trampling all he met, so that before he was caught he had killed two men, and injured several women and children.

“Well,” said the old woman, after reckoning up the damage, “that was a villainous piece of work. But now undo it!” “What!” cried the devil. “That is something I never attempted. Indeed, it is beyond my power.” “Then I am the more skilful,” chuckled the woman, “for I can repair what harm I do.” “I should like to see you,” sneered Iblìs incredulously. “You have only to watch me,” was all she took time to say as she proceeded to make good her boast.

She hurried home to get some money, and then went to the shop of a dealer in silk-stuff, a man newly married. “A happy day, O my lord,” she