31 FRAGMENTS cording to the simplest manner. The following decree of their sheik is on record : — ** Four men conjointly bought a mule, which for elucidation, we will call A, B, C, and D : each claimed a leg. D's leg was the oiF-hind one. In a few days this leg began to swell : it was agreed to cure it by (el keeJi) burning it with u hot iron, (a common remedy in this country.) This done, the mule was turned out, and went into a field of barley. Some spark was attached to the hoof, and set fire to the corn, which was consumed. The proprietors of the barley applied to the sheik for justice ; and A, B, C, and D, the owners of the mule, were summoned to appear. The sheik, finding the leg which caused the barley to be burnt, belonged to D, ordered him to pay the value of the barley. D expostulated, and maintained that he had no right to pay ; for, if it had not been for A, B, and C's portions of the mule, the barley would have remained. ** How so ?" replied the sheik. ** Because," quoth D, " the leg which belongs to me cannot touch the ground ; but it was brought to the corn-field by the legs of A, B, and C, which were the efiicient cause of the ignition of the barley." The sheik reversed his degree, and ordered A, B, and C to pay the damage, and D got off without expense.