Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Long ago, in a town in Persia, there lived two brothers. One was called Cassim, and the other was called Ali Baba. When their father died, he left them very little money.

Cassim married a woman from a rich family. Soon he had a big house and a shop full of beautiful things. He became one of the richest men in the town.

Ali Baba married a woman who was as poor as he was. They lived in a small, old house with their children. Every day Ali Baba went into the forest with his three donkeys. He cut wood there, and then he sold it in the town. That was all the money they had.

One day, Ali Baba was in the forest. He had cut enough wood for his donkeys, and he was ready to go home. Then he saw a big cloud of dust far away. It was coming toward him. Soon he could see horses, and men on the horses.