“Why should I give the gold to that orphan? Such a lot of money in return for a mere cat! that would be too much of a good thing. No, much better keep it myself.”
The moment he had made up his mind to the sin, all of a sudden there arose a storm—such a tremendous one! the ship was on the point of sinking.
“Ah, accursed one that I am! I’ve been longing for what doesn’t belong to me; O Lord, forgive me a sinner! I won’t keep back a single copeck.”
The moment the merchant began praying the winds were stilled, the sea became calm, and the ship went sailing on prosperously to the quay.
“Hail, master!” says the orphan. “But where’s my cat?”
“I’ve sold it,” answers the merchant; “There’s your money, take it in full.”
The orphan received the sack of gold, took leave of the merchant, and went to the strand, where the shipmen were. From them he obtained a shipload of incense in exchange for his gold, and he strewed the incense along the strand, and burnt it in honor of God. The sweet savor spread through all that land, and suddenly an old man appeared, and he said to the orphan:
“Which desirest thou—riches, or a good wife?”
“I know not, old man.”
“Well then, go afield. Three brothers are ploughing over there. Ask them to tell thee.”