Haroun-al-Raschid was lost in astonishment at the wisdom of the child, who had given so wise a verdict on the case which he himself was to hear on the morrow.  “Is there any other verdict possible?” he asked the grand-vizir, who was as much impressed as himself.  “I can imagine no better judgment.”

“If the circumstances are really such as we have heard,” replied the grand-vizir, “it seems to me your Highness could only follow the example of this boy, in the method of reasoning, and also in your conclusions.”

“Then take careful note of this house,” said the Caliph, “and bring me the boy to-morrow, so that the affair may be tried by him in my presence.  Summon also the Cadi, to learn his duty from the mouth of a child.  Bid Ali Cogia bring his vase of olives, and see that two dealers in olives are present.”  So saying the Caliph returned to the palace.

The next morning early, the grand-vizir went back to the house where they had seen the children playing, and asked for the mistress and her children.  Three boys appeared, and the grand-vizir inquired which had represented the Cadi in their game of the previous evening.  The eldest and tallest, changing colour, confessed that it was he, and to his mother’s great alarm, the grand-vizir said that he had strict orders to bring him into the presence of the Caliph.

“Does he want to take my son from me?” cried the poor woman; but the grand-vizir hastened to calm her, by assuring her that she should have the boy again in an hour, and she would be quite satisfied when she knew the reason of the summons.  So she dressed the boy in his best clothes, and the two left the house.

When the grand-vizir presented the child to the Caliph, he was a little awed and confused, and the Caliph proceeded to explain why he had sent for him.  “Approach, my son,” he said kindly.  “I think it was you who judged the case of Ali Cogia and the merchant last night?  I overheard you by chance, and was very pleased with the way you conducted it.  To-day you will see the real Ali Cogia and the real merchant.  Seat yourself at once next to me.”

The Caliph being seated on his throne with the boy next him, the parties to the suit were ushered in.  One by one they prostrated themselves, and touched the carpet at the foot of the throne with their foreheads.  When they rose up, the Caliph said:  “Now speak.  This child will give you justice, and if more should be wanted I will see to it myself.”

Ali Cogia and the merchant pleaded one after the other, but when the merchant offered to swear the same oath that he had taken before the Cadi, he was stopped by the child, who said that before this was done he must first see the vase of olives.

At these words, Ali Cogia presented the vase to the Caliph, and uncovered it.  The Caliph took one of the olives, tasted it, and ordered the expert merchants to do the same.  They pronounced the olives good, and fresh that year.  The boy informed them that Ali Cogia declared it was seven years since he had placed them in the vase; to which they returned the same answer as the children had done.