I have twelve horses in my stable , and I will put twelve stable boys in it , one on each horse . If you are clever enough to steal the horses from under them , I will see what I can do for you . ' ` What you set me to do can be done , ' said the Master Thief , ` but am I certain to get your daughter when it is ? ' ` Yes ; if you can do that I will do my best for you , ' said the Governor . So the Master Thief went to a shop , and bought enough brandy to fill two pocket flasks , and he put a sleeping drink into one of these , but into the other he poured brandy only . Then he engaged eleven men to lie that night in hiding behind the Governor 's stable . After this , by fair words and good payment , he borrowed a ragged gown and a jerkin from an aged woman , and then , with a staff in his hand and a poke on his back , he hobbled off as evening came on towards the Governor 's stable . The stable boys were just watering the horses for the night , and it was quite as much as they could do to attend to that . ` What on earth do you want here ? ' said one of them to the old woman . ` Oh dear ! oh dear ! How cold it is ! ' she said , sobbing , and shivering with cold . ` Oh dear ! oh dear ! it 's cold enough to freeze a poor old body to death ! ' and she shivered and shook again , and said , ` For heaven 's sake give me leave to stay here and sit just inside the stable door . ' ` You will get nothing of the kind ! Be off this moment !
If the XXXXX were to catch sight of you here , he would lead us a pretty dance , ' said one .
Governor Thief back evening flasks horse jerkin night sake shop