Justice

For years, the capital city of Modipure had been at the mercy of a gang of robbers. They committed the most daring thefts, armed guards were outwitted with ease, and the most massive locks and bolts were treated with scorn.

The wealthy citizens were most unhappy and pestered the king with petitions demanding that a special force be raised to catch the robbers, because time had proved that offering large rewards was futile.

The king’s officers were certain that this band of robbers comprised three or four resourceful men, who were shielded by the people in the city. In the end, the king decided that he himself would try and unearth these elusive robbers. So, putting on the garb of a peasant, he took lodgings in a poorer part of the city.

Every evening, he could be found in the marketplace surrounded by an eager crowd, who drank the wine the king bought with such generosity, and would sit there spellbound as the king told lurid stories of his exploits as a brigand in a faraway kingdom.

One night, as the king wended his way down the dark, twisting alleys to his lodgings, he was suddenly waylaid by three men. Seeing that they were well-armed, the king wisely offered no resistance.

“Not so fast, my friend,” said the biggest of the three, who was obviously the leader. “You talk a lot, but who are you? And what do you want in this city?”

The king shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe I am a famous robber, and hearing that there is a resourceful band in this city, perhaps I would join them, if they can use my talents.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” said the leader, eyeing the king. “We are the finest robbers in the land. I can pick any lock. This man”—pointing to his companion on his right—“can actually smell where any wealth is hidden.” “And this other man,” he continued, “can smell the whereabouts of guards from a distance. Now, what can you do?”

“I have special powers,” said the king boldly. “I have only to turn down my thumb and a man will die. Or if I raise my finger, I can give life to a man.”

The leader scratched his head. “You must be a sorcerer as well as a robber. You may join us for one robbery, then we can see how good you are.”

“That’s fine,” replied the king. “So why not rob the king’s treasury? That should make a rich haul.”

At first, the three robbers hesitated at such a formidable undertaking, but when the king suggested that they might be scared, they quickly agreed, and the four planned to meet at midnight near the palace walls.

At midnight, the four men stealthily climbed over the palace wall, and luckily it seemed as though no guards were around. Making their way to the treasury building, the king was surprised when the leader of the robbers, without much effort, picked the massive lock and swung open the door.

Once inside, the three robbers, with greedy hands, were soon filling bags with precious jewels and gold ornaments.

Of course, prior to meeting the robbers at midnight, the king had warned his guards and given them orders on capturing the robbers.

Meanwhile, the robbers were completely engrossed at the sight of so much treasure. Cramming valuables into bags and into their clothing, their thoughts were far away when, suddenly, the entire king’s guard poured into the treasury. Before the robbers could move, they were overpowered, pinioned, and led away to the dungeons.

The following morning, the three prisoners were brought before the king at the foot of the gallows. They stood there, open-mouthed in amazement that their companion of the night before was the king himself! And by the stern look on his face, they realized he would show little mercy.

“You have caused too much trouble in this city,” said the king, stretching out his right arm and turning down his thumb. “Have you anything to say before you are hanged?”

The leader of the robbers looked calmly at the king. “Your Majesty, you told us you had two talents. We have unfortunately seen you turn down your thumb. Now we would appreciate it if, in your mercy, you raised your finger.”

The king rewarded him with a smile. “If you will all swear never to rob anyone in the future, I will not only pardon you, but will take you into my service to guard the city against robbers.”