Nay,
in the impulse of her simple vanity, she could not resist, on one
occasion, showing herself at the window to enjoy the effect of her
finery on the passers by.
As the fates would have it, Pedrillo Pedrugo, the meddlesome barber,
was at this moment sitting idly in his shop on the opposite side of
the street, when his ever-watchful eye caught the sparkle of a
diamond. In an instant he was at his loophole reconnoitering the
slattern spouse of the water-carrier, decorated with the splendor of
an eastern bride. No sooner had he taken an accurate inventory of
her ornaments, than he posted off with all speed to the alcalde. In
a little while the hungry alguazil was again on the scent, and
before the day was over the unfortunate Peregil was once more
dragged into the presence of the judge.
"How is this, villain!" cried the alcalde, in a furious voice.
"You told me that the infidel who died in your house left nothing
behind but an empty coffer, and now I hear of your wife flaunting in
her rags decked out with pearls and diamonds. Wretch that thou art!
prepare to render up the spoils of thy miserable victim, and to
swing on the gallows that is already tired of waiting for thee."
The terrified water-carrier fell on his knees, and made a full
relation of the marvellous manner in which he had gained his wealth.
The alcalde, the alguazil, and the inquisitive barber, listened with
greedy ears to this Arabian tale of enchanted treasure.
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