Abbot Anastasius had a book written on very fine parchment wihich was worth eighteen pence, and had in it both the Old and the New Testaments in full. Once a certain brother came to visit him, and seeing the book, he made off with it.
That day when Abbot Anastasius went to read his book, and found that it was gone, he realized that the brother had taken it. But he did not send out after him to inquire about it for fear the brother might add perjury to theft.
Meanwhile, the brother went down into the nearby city in order to sell the book. And the price he asked was sixteen pence. The buyer said, “Give me the book that I may find out if it is worth that much.” With that the buyer took the book to the holy Anastasius and said, “Father, take a look at this book, please, tell me whether you think I ought to buy it for sixteen pence. Is it worth it?”
Abbot Anastasius said, “Yes it is a fine book and is worth that much.” So the buyer went back to the brother and said, “Here is your money. I showed the book to Abbot Anastasius and he said it is a fine book and is worth at least sixteen pence.” The brother asked, “Is that all he said? Did he make any other remarks?” The buyer answered. “No. He did not say another word.”
“I have changed my mind and don’t want to sell this book after all.” The brother replied. Then he hastened to Abbot Anastasius to return the book. But the Abbot would not accept it saying, “Go in peace brother, I make you a present of this book.” The brother begged him to take the book, “If you do not take it back I shall never have peace.”
After that, the brother dwelt with the Abbot Anastasius for the rest of his life.
from Desert Fathers