The Overlooked Factor

　　A ROBBER who had plundered1 a Merchant of one thousand pieces of

　　gold was taken before the Cadi, who asked him if he had anything to

　　say why he should not be decapitated.

　　"Your Honour," said the Robber, "I could do no otherwise than take

　　the money, for Allah made me that way."

　　"Your defence is ingenious and sound," said the Cadi, "and I must

　　acquit2 you of criminality. Unfortunately, Allah has made me so

　　that I must also take off your head - unless," he added,

　　thoughtfully, "you offer me half of the gold; for He made me weak

　　under temptation."

　　Thereupon the Robber put five hundred pieces of gold into the

　　Cadi's hand.

　　"Good," said the Cadi. "I shall now remove but one half your head.

　　To show my trust in your discretion3 I shall leave intact the half

　　you talk with."