All twelve had reached the burnt dwelling.
"See what the robbers have made of it," said Kandur to his comrades. "They have stolen all we had collected, the riches we were to take with us to another land, and then they have set the dwelling on fire. They came here in a boat: they found out the way to our palace. We shall now return the visit. Are you all here?"
"Yes," muttered the comrades. "We are all here."
"Dismount. Now for the punts."
The robbers dismounted.
"No need to tether the horses, they cannot get away anywhere. One man may remain here to guard them. Who wishes to stay?"
All were silent.
"Some one must guard the horses, lest the wolves attack them while we are away."
To which an old robber answered:
"Then you should have brought a herd-boy with you, for we didn't come here to guard horses."