The Hermit’s Pupil did not return to his cave.  He was greatly delighted with the spice and dash of a robber’s life, so different from that of a hermit; and he determined, if possible, to change his business and enter the band.  He had a conversation with the Captain on the subject, and that individual encouraged him in his purpose.

“I am tired,” the Captain said, “of a robber’s life.  I have stolen so much, that I cannot use what I have.  I take no further interest in accumulating spoils.  The quiet of a hermit’s life attracts me; and, if you like we will change places.  I will become the pupil of your old master, and you shall be the captain of my band.”

The change was made.  The Captain retired to the cave of the Hermit’s Pupil, while the latter, with the hearty consent of all the men, took command of the band of robbers.

When the King heard of this change, he was not at all pleased, and he sent for the ex-pupil.

“I am willing to reward you,” he said, “for assisting me in my recent undertaking; but I cannot allow you to lead a band of robbers in my dominions.”

A dark shade of disappointment passed over the ex-pupil’s features, and his face lengthened visibly.

“It is too bad,” he said, “to be thus cut short at the very outset of a brilliant career.  I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” he added suddenly, his face brightening, “if you’ll let me keep on in my new profession, I’ll promise to do nothing but rob robbers.”

“Very well,” said the King, “if you will confine yourself to that, you may retain your position.”

The members of the band were perfectly willing to rob in the new way, for it seemed quite novel and exciting to them.  The first place they robbed was their own cave, and as they all had excellent memories, they knew from whom the various goods had been stolen, and every thing was returned to its proper owner.  The ex-pupil then led his band against the other dens of robbers in the kingdom, and his movements were conducted with such dash and vigor that the various hordes scattered in every direction, while the treasures in their dens were returned to the owners, or, if these could not be found, were given to the poor.  In a short time every robber, except those led by the ex-pupil, had gone into some other business; and the victorious youth led his band into other kingdoms to continue the great work of robbing robbers.

The Queen never sent for the collection of curiosities which the robbers had stolen from her.  She was so much interested in the new museum that she continually postponed the re-establishment of her old one; and, as far as can be known, the button-holes are still in the cave where the robbers shut them up.

 Christmas before last;

Or, the fruit of the fragile palm.

* * * * *