"You promised to hang
fifty-nine thieves, and there is no doubt the fifty-nine thieves
deserved to be hung. But, consider! We have all reformed our ways
and become honest men; so it would be a sad and unkindly act to hang
fifty-nine honest men!"
"What think you, Nerle?" asked the Prince, turning to his esquire.
"Why, the rogue seems to speak truth," said Nerle, scratching his head
with a puzzled air, "yet, if he speaks truth, there is little
difference between a rogue and an honest man. Ask him, my master,
what caused them all to reform so suddenly."
"Because we were about to die, and we thought it a good way to save
our lives," replied the robber king.
"That's an honest answer, anyway," said Nerle. "Perhaps, sir, they
have really reformed."
"And if so, I will not have the death of fifty-nine honest men on my
conscience," declared the prince. Then he turned to Wul-Takim and
added: "I will release you and give you the treasure, as you request.
But you owe me allegiance from this time forth, and if I ever hear of your
becoming thieves again, I promise to return and hang every one of you."
"Never fear!" answered Wul-Takim, joyfully.
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