“A great Persian king named Cyrus sent his son to a far city to study in a famous school that he might be ready to reign over Persia at the King’s death.
“Otanes had always been taught the great value of truth, and as he stood ready to depart from his home with the company of men who were to see that he arrived safely, his parents again reminded him to always adhere to truth and he would lose nothing!
“The caravan had travelled all day and halted at sun-down for rest when a band of outlaws rode from ambush and demanded all that the travellers possessed. There was no use in resisting so large a company of thieves, so the merchants gave up their property. One of the rascals spied Otanes who was silently watching the proceedings, so he called to the boy:
“‘Have you anything to give me?’
“‘I have gold,’ replied the lad.
“‘Gold! How much and where do you carry it?’
“‘In my hat, and it is enough to pay my way.’
“‘Ha, ha, ha! That’s a good joke,’ laughed the man as he passed by.
“Then the Chief of the band rode up to the boy, and said: ‘Well, I don’t suppose you carry anything of value—you are too young to be trusted with gold.’
“Otanes said nothing to this as it required no answer, but when the Chief looked at the silent boy, and said again: