A Terrible Robbery

Journey to the West 100 A Terrible Robbery

For over a month, the travelers stayed at Squire Kou’s house. Every time they tried to leave, the squire begged them to stay longer. Finally, one morning during breakfast, the Tang Monk insisted on leaving. “ We’ll never fetch the True Scriptures if we stay here. ” “ Please don’t leave, ” said Squire Kou. “ You are very important monks. Having you as guests is a good deed. ”

“ I’d like to stay here, ” said Bajie. He took a bite of a peach. “ No. Master’s right, ” said Wukong. “ We must continue our journey. ” Lady Kou grew angry. “ You monks are ungrateful! We have fed you and taken care of you. Yet you can’t wait to leave! ” “ We are very grateful, ” said the Tang Monk. “ But we cannot stay any longer. ”

After breakfast Wujing got the horse from Squire Kou’s stable. Bajie gathered the bags. The Tang Monk thanked Squire and Lady Kou, and the travelers headed west. “ They are ungrateful, ” muttered Lady Kou. The next morning Lady Kou ran into the town’s courthouse. Tears filled her eyes. “ I must speak with the judge! ” she cried.

The judge rushed to her. “ Lady Kou! What’s wrong?” “ Robbers broke into our house last night, ” said Lady Kou breathlessly. “ They stole many valuable items and two of our horses. Squire Kou tried to stop them, but the robbers . . . They . . . killed my husband! ” Lady Kou burst into tears.

The judge gasped. “ Oh no! Did you see the robbers?” Lady Kou sniffed. “ Yes, and I know who they are. ” “ Who are they?” asked the judge. Lady Kou gritted her teeth. “ The Tang Monk and his companions! ” The judge turned to a soldier. “ Gather some soldiers and arrest the Tang Monk and his companions! ”