Section 1
In earlier times, it brought great pleasure to kings and princes to disguise themselves and explore the streets of their cities. They did so to seek adventures and gain insights into the lives and opinions of their subjects.
One night, the renowned Sultan Mahmoud of Ghuzni decided to dress up and assume the role of a thief. He ventured into the streets and encountered a notorious gang of robbers. Introducing himself as a ruthless criminal, he proposed joining their company, saying, "If you are thieves, I am a thief as well. Let us embark on our quest for fortune together."
The robbers agreed to his proposition and suggested comparing their skills to determine the strongest among them who would become their captain. One of them claimed, "My greatest strength lies in my hearing. I can understand the language of dogs and wolves." Another boasted, "My skill lies in my hands, capable of throwing a rope to the top of the highest buildings." Yet another proclaimed, "I possess immense physical strength, allowing me to break through any solid wall." The fourth member of the gang declared, "My exceptional sense of smell is my greatest asset. I can discern the wealth and occupancy of a house with just a glance." Lastly, the fifth robber asserted, "My keen eyesight is unmatched. Even in the darkest night, I can identify and recognize a person as if it were daytime."
At this moment, the king intervened and spoke, revealing his unique attribute: "My beard is my strong point. By simply wagging my beard, I can instantly free a man who has been sentenced to hang."
Hearing this, all the robbers exclaimed in unison, "Then you shall be our captain! Hanging is our only fear, and since you possess such power, lead us!"
Thus, the king was unanimously chosen as their leader, and the six confederates set off on their mission. Surprisingly, their target for the night was the king's own palace. As they approached the palace walls, a dog suddenly appeared and began barking.
Curious about the dog's message, one of the robbers asked, "What is the dog saying?"
The robber with keen hearing replied, "The dog is claiming that the king himself is a member of our group."
To this, another robber denied the dog's statement, saying, "The dog is mistaken; that cannot be true."
Taking advantage of the situation, the robber skilled in handling ropes threw up a rope-ladder that securely attached itself to a high balcony. This ladder allowed the group to ascend to the top of one of the houses.
Addressing the robber known for his acute sense of smell, one of the robbers asked, "Can you smell any money in this house?"
The man carefully sniffed around the entire rooftop and eventually concluded, "This seems to be the dwelling of a destitute widow, as there is no gold or silver to be found here. Let us continue our search."
