The lad burst out into laughter, saying: “If you want the money you shall have it”; and he took out the wrapped package of money and threw it down in front of them.
The coolies, seeing the perfect composure of the lad, wondered who this boy could be, and they began to grow nervous, and one of them said in a whisper to the other: “May he not be a fox?”
“We don’t know but what this money may turn into tree-leaves,” was the answer, and both looked into the boy’s face.
The boy said, as he smiled: “You cowardly thieves, are you afraid?”
He stepped out a pace before them, while they stepped back a little and said, “We are not afraid,” visibly suppressing their fear.
The lad peered into their faces. “If you aren’t afraid, why do you tremble so?”
“We’re cold; that is why.”
“As though they were stricken by thunder at the boy’s words, down they tumbled on the ground”
“You cowards! Take the money and be gone!”