` So far that you are not likely ever to see them again , ' replied Mohammed . ` This is the fourth day since the robbers came down . How should you be able to overtake them ? ' ` Then go and herd the cows ! ' said the man . ` All right ! ' replied Mohammed , and for two days he went . But on the third day he drove the cows to his uncle , first cutting off their tails . Only one cow he left behind him . ` Take these cows , dear uncle , ' said he . ' I am going to teach that man a lesson . ' ` Well , I suppose you know your own business best , ' said the uncle . ` And certainly he almost worried me to death . ' So Mohammed returned to his master , carrying the cows ' tails tied up in a bundle on his back . When he came to the sea-shore , he stuck all the tails in the sand , and went and buried the one cow , whose tail he had not cut off , up to her neck , leaving the tail projecting . After he had got everything ready , he began to shriek and scream as before , till his master and all the other servants came running to see what was the matter . ` What in the world has happened ? ' they cried . ` The sea has swallowed up the cows , ' said Mohammed , ` and nothing remains but their tails . But if you are quick and pull hard , perhaps you may get them out again ! '
The master ordered each man instantly to take hold of a tail , but at the XXXXX pull they nearly tumbled backwards , and the tails were left in their hands .
Mohammed back days everything first left lesson right sea sea-shore