As for Cassim's
warehouse, he intrusted it entirely to the management of his eldest
son.
While these things were being done, the forty robbers again visited
their retreat in the forest. Great, then, was their surprise to find
Cassim's body taken away, with some of their bags of gold. "We are
certainly discovered," said the captain. "The removal of the body and
the loss of some of our money, plainly shows that the man whom we
killed had an accomplice: and for our own lives' sake we must try to
find him. What say you, my lads?"
All the robbers unanimously approved of the captain's proposal.
"Well," said the captain, "one of you, the boldest and most skillful
among you, must go into the town, disguised as a traveler and a
stranger, to try if he can hear any talk of the man whom we have
killed, and endeavor to find out who he was, and where he lived. This
is a matter of the first importance, and for fear of any treachery I
propose that whoever undertakes this business without success, even
though the failure arises only from an error of judgment, shall suffer
death."
Without waiting for the sentiments of his companions, one of the
robbers started up, and said, "I submit to this condition, and think
it an honor to expose my life to serve the troop."
After this robber had received great commendations from the captain
and his comrades, he disguised himself so that nobody would take him
for what he was; and taking his leave of the troop that night, he went
into the town just at daybreak.
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