have all reformed our ways and
become honest men; so it would be a sad and unkindly act to hang
fifty-nine honest men!"

"What think you, Nerle?" asked the Prince, turning to his esquire.

"Why, the rogue seems to speak truth," said Nerle, scratching his head
with a puzzled air, "yet, if he speaks truth, there is little
difference between a rogue and an honest man. Ask him, my master, what
caused them all to reform so suddenly."

"Because we were about to die, and we thought it a good way to save our
lives," replied the robber king.

"That's an honest answer, anyway," said Nerle. "Perhaps, sir, they
have really reformed."

"And if so, I will not have the death of fifty-nine honest men on my
conscience," declared the prince. Then he turned to Wul-Takim and
added: "I will release you and give you the treasure, as you request.
But you owe me allegiance from this time forth, and if I ever hear of
your becoming thieves again, I promise to return and hang every one of
you."

"Never fear!" answered Wul-Takim, joyfully. "It is hard work to steal,
and while we have so much treasure it is wholly unnecessary. Moreover,
having accepted from you our lives and our fortunes, we shall hereafter
be your devoted servants, and whenever you need our services you have
but to call upon us, and we will support you loyally and gladly."

"I accept your service," answered the prince, graciously.

And then he unbound the fifty-nine honest men and took the ropes from
their necks. As nightfall was fast approaching the new servants set to
work to prepare a great feast in honor of their master. It was laid in
the middle of the grassy clearing, that all might sit around and
celebrate the joyous occasion.

"Do you think you can trust these men?" asked Nerle, suspiciously.

"Why not?" replied the prince. "They have been exceedingly wicked, it
is true; but they are now intent upon being exceedingly good. Let us
encourage them in this. If we mistrusted all who have ever done an
evil act there would be fewer honest people in the world. And if it
were as interesting to do a good act as an evil one there is no doubt
every one would choose the good."

6. The Troubles of Nerle

That night Prince Marvel slept within the cave, surrounded by the
fifty-nine reformed thieves, and suffered no harm at their hands. In
the morning, accompanied by his esquire, Nerle, who was mounted upon a
spirited horse brought him by Wul-Takim, he char