Book snapshot

So this is the jewel, but why does it smell rotten? Is it because it was in the snake’s mouth? Or because the smell of the snake is still lingering in its nose? He brought soap and water, left it in the soapy water, and went to sleep. The next day, he was unable to go to work. He leaned on a stick and didn’t tell anyone. Instead, he went to the hospital, where his wounds were bandaged. Then he went to the market and bought a large silk handkerchief and a bottle of perfume. He perfumed himself, then poured some of the perfume on the handkerchief and returned home. He took out the jewel and kept washing it with soap until he thought it no longer had any smell. He wrapped it in the perfumed handkerchief, hid it under the bed, and decided not to tell anyone.