Recently, while wandering nearby, Jingle overheard an old constable from Kaifeng Prefecture warning a new recr…
Recently, while wandering nearby, Jingle overheard an old constable from Kaifeng Prefecture warning a new recruit: beware of those in black robes with gourds at their waists. Those fellows are crafty; in just a passing glance, they might lift your precious belongings.
Jingle backs away in fright, his bell chiming brightly. His heart sinks. Oh no. What if those guys set their sights on his precious bell?
After all, his treasure is magical: move, and it rings; still, and it's silent. Such a rare wonder, once discovered, how could those thieves resist?
Jingle doesn't dare think about it. He rushes to ask Big Ears from the Forsaken Quarter, the toughest fighter, if he has ever crossed claws with anyone wearing a gourd. Big Ears says he often sees those "black robes" around the Forsaken Quarter, but they're agile and occasionally toss him food, so he doesn't want to fight them, and he doesn't dare to.
So even the toughest dog is no match for the black-robed thieves.
Jingle's heart chills. He creeps carefully to find Big Smart, the dog boss of Goldwater Street, urging him to spread the word: all dogs must keep their ears perked, guard their treasures, and be on full alert!