They carried him in turns , but even so they grew very tired and thirsty , and when a little tavern came in sight on the roadside , they thankfully flung the sack down on a bench and entered to refresh themselves . They never noticed that a beggar was sitting in the shade at the end of the bench , but Toueno 's sharp ears caught the sound of someone eating , and as soon as the farmers had gone into the inn he began to groan softly . ` What is the matter ? ' asked the beggar , drawing a little nearer . ` Why have they shut you up , poor boy ? ' ` Because they wanted to make me a bishop , and I would not consent , ' answered Toueno . ` Dear me , ' exclaimed the beggar , ` yet it is n't such a bad thing to be a bishop . ' ' I do n't say it is , ' replied the young rascal , ` but I should never like it . However , if you have any fancy for wearing a mitre , you need only untie the sack , and take my place . ' ' I should like nothing better , ' said the man , as he stooped to undo the big knot . So it was the beggar and not Toueno-Boueno who was flung into the water . The next morning the three wives were buried , and on returning from the cemetery , their husbands met Toueno-Boueno driving a magnificent flock of sheep . At the sight of him the three farmers stood still with astonishment . ` What ! you scoundrel ! ' they cried at last , ` we drowned you yesterday , and to-day we find you again , as well as ever ! ' ` It does seem odd , does n't it ? ' answered he . ` But perhaps you do n't know that beneath this world there lies another yet more beautiful and far , far richer . Well , it was there that you sent me when you flung me into the river , and though I felt a little strange at first , yet I soon began to look about me , and to see what was happening .
There I noticed that close XXXXX the place where I had fallen , a sheep fair was being held , and a bystander told me that every day horses or cattle were sold somewhere in the town .
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