title: The Merchant and the Thief: A Folktale from India
author:  Ravi Zacharias 
description: 'Fourniers illustrations, inspired by her work in bronze sculpture, depict the landscape, architecture, and clothing of India with lush earth tones kissed by gentle highlights of yellow and blue.'Punlishers Weekly Review (<i>Publishers Weekly Review</i>)
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [The Story of the Merchant and the Demon]
  
  
  
  
  
  It is said, O wise and happy King, that once there was a prosperous merchant
  who had abundant wealth and investments and commitments in every country. He
  had many women and children and kept many servants and slaves. One day, having
  resolved to visit another country, he took provisions, filling his saddlebag
  with loaves of bread and with dates, mounted his horse, and set out on his
  journey. For many days and nights, he journeyed under God’s care until he
  reached his destination. When he finished his business, he turned back to his
  home and family. He journeyed for three days, and on the fourth day, chancing
  to come to an orchard, went in to avoid the heat and shade himself from the
  sun of the open country. He came to a spring under a walnut tree and, tying
  his horse, sat by the spring, pulled out from the saddlebag some loaves of
  bread and a handful of dates, and began to eat, throwing the date pits right
  and lef