ABSTRACT
Approaching the tree, the old man stopped and stared at the scoundrel. The old man wanted the thief to beg forgiveness and promise never to do it again. The thief used all his efforts to climb down from the tree, and he threw himself at the old man's feet and begged forgiveness. But the tree wouldn't let him do it. "Don't torture me, my friend," the thief finally said. "Just fix it so that I can climb down from the tree. You see how I am being tortured. I give my word that I will never again steal."
