No sooner had the last answer been given, than the men seized my sticks, and I understood at once that they were robbers. Promptly making up my mind what to do, I said:
“You want something of me?”
“Of course!” one of them said, showing his teeth.
“Well, then, there is no use in hurrying. I will give you all you want. Be calm, and say what you want.”
“Produce your silver first.”
I gave them my purse.
“You seem to have some valuables on your back. Let us see.”
I obeyed. They also demanded to see my bag, which was being carried on the goat, and, after ransacking it, returned me the Scriptures, the bed-clothes that were heavy, and a few other things that were useless to them. They took, however, all my food, saying that they needed it, although neither could I do without food.
