There was a Brahmin in a certain town, who was a thief. It was believed that he had become a thief due to ill actions in his previous life. 
 
One day, four Brahmins arrived in this town from a far-off place, to sell some wares. They had a successful business and earned a handful of money. 
 
The thief watched them making money, and thought of stealing the money from them. He approached them as a friend, and soon won their confidence by quoting eloquently from the Holy Scriptures. He requested them to appoint him as their helping hand, to which they agreed. 
 
One day, the Brahmins had sold all their wares. They decided that it would not be proper for them to travel with all the money. So, they purchased jewels with all the money that they had earned. Then, they cut open their thighs and hid the jewels inside. With the help of a special ointment, they healed their cuts. 
 
In this manner, they concealed all their jewels. But, all this happened during the time that the thief was in service. So, he knew where they had hidden all their earnings. The thief wondered, "I have not got a chance to rob them till now. If I can accompany them when they travel homewards, I may be able to get a chance to steal them on the way. I can poison them on the way, and take away the precious jewels."