A thief in his old age was unable to ply his "trade" and was starving. A wealthy man, hearing of his distress, sent him food. Both the rich man and the thief died on the same day. The trial of the rich man occurred first in the Heavenly Court: he was found wanting and sentenced to Purgatory. At the entrance, however, an angel came hurrying to recall him. He was brought back to the court and learned that his sentence had been reversed. The thief whom he had aided on earth had stolen the list of his iniquities.