The city was far away, and the slaves must walk the whole distance.
A number of bundles were made up for them to carry. Some of these
bundles contained the things they would need on the road; some
contained clothing; and some contained goods which the master would
sell in the city.
"Choose your bundles, boys," said the master. "There is one for each
of you."
Aesop at once chose the largest one. The other slaves laughed and said
he was foolish. But he threw it upon his shoulders and seemed well
satisfied. The next day, the laugh was the other way. For the bundle
which he had chosen had contained the food for the whole party. After
all had eaten three meals from it, it was very much lighter. And before
the end of the journey Aesop had nothing to carry, while the other
slaves were groaning under their heavy loads.
"Aesop is a wise fellow," said his master. "The man who buys him must
pay a high price."
A very rich man, whose name was Xanthus, [Footnote: Xanthus (_pro_.
zan'thus).] came to the slave market to buy a servant. As the slaves
stood before him he asked each one to tell what kind of work he could
do. All were eager to be bought by Xanthus because they knew he would
be a kind master.
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