accounted thieves and hung for what is our own. My plan is that we
draw lots and that he on whom the lot falls go to the city and bring
us bread and wine, and the other two keep watch here till nightfall.'

"They drew lots and it fell on the youngest, who leaped up and ran to
the town for food and wine. When the other two were left alone
together, the one at once began tempting the other. 'What a life we
could live if all this money were divided between us two only,' he
said; 'and so it could be if you would give me your promise to keep
secret the plan I tell you.' The other agreed. Then said the first,
'We two are stronger than our comrade. When he returns, make as if to
struggle with him in sport and I will run him through with my
dagger.'

"Meanwhile, as their friend went to the city, he thought ever and
again of the coins and longed to possess the whole pile. At last the
Devil sent him an evil idea. He went to the shop of an apothecary.
'Sir,' he said,' I pray you give me some poison for rats. I am
overrun with them, and there is also a polecat in my yard that kills
my chickens.' The chemist gave him poison and told him it was so
strong that no more than a grain would kill any animal. At this the
rascal went and bought three bottles and put poison in two of them.
The third he kept clean for his own use, and then he filled up the
bottles with wine and made his way back to the others. When he drew
near they carried out their plan and stabbed him; but, chancing to
take and drink from one of the poisoned bottles, they were killed in
their turn.

"O cursed sin, foul ending to lust! Even so do gluttony and avarice
lead on to the dread crime of murder. O ye that hear, turn before it