ix
scorpions. These he put in his pockets, together with one bird which he
caught. After this he drove his flock home.

When he approached the house the boys came out to meet him as before,
saying: 'Give me my bird!' and he put a scorpion into the hand of each,
and it stung him, and he died. But to the youngest only he gave a bird.

As soon as he saw the boys lying dead on the ground, Mohammed lifted up
his voice and cried loudly: 'Help, help! the children are dead!'

And the people came running fast, saying: 'What has happened? How have
they died?'

And Mohammed answered: 'It was your own fault! The boys had been
accustomed to birds, and in this bitter cold their fingers grew stiff,
and could hold nothing, so that the birds flew away, and their spirits
flew with them. Only the youngest, who managed to keep tight hold of his
bird, is still alive.'

And the father groaned, and said, 'I have borne enough! Bring no more
birds, lest I lose the youngest also!'

'All right,' said Mohammed.

As he was driving the sheep out to grass he said to his master: 'Out
there is a splendid pasture, and I will keep the sheep there for two or,
perhaps, three days, so do not be surprised at our absence.'

'Very good!' said the man; and Mohammed started. For two days he drove
them on and on, till he reached his uncle, and said to him, 'Dear uncle,
take these sheep and look after them. I have killed the old woman and
the boys, and the flock I have brought to you!'

Then Mohammed returned to his master; and on the way he took a stone and
beat his own head with it till it bled, and bound his hands tight, and
began to scream. The master came running and asked, 'What is the
matter?'

And Mohammed answered: 'While the sheep were grazing, robbers came and
drove them away, and because I tried to prevent them, they struck me on
the head and bound my hands. See how bloody I am!'

'What shall we do?' said the master; 'are the animals far off?'

'So far that you are not likely ever to see them again,' replied
Mohammed. 'This is the fourth day since the robbers came down. How
should you be able to overtake them?'

'Then go and herd the cows!' said the man.

'All right!' replied Mohammed, and for two days he went. But on the
third day he drove the cows to his uncle, first cutting off their tails.
Only one cow he left behind him.

'Take these cows, dear uncle,' said he. 'I am going to teach that man a
lesson.'

'Well, I suppose you kno