Translation:Shulchan Aruch/Choshen Mishpat/187

Paragraph 1- Any agent that claims such and such unavoidable accident occurred and he suffered such and such loss, would be required to take a guardian-oath on his claim and he would be exempt. If the accident occurred in a place where it is possible to bring witnesses, or if it is obvious and known that he would find witnesses, the agent must bring proof to his claim. If he does not bring witnesses, he would not be believed and would be required to pay.

Paragraph 2- An incident occurred where one told his agent to purchase 400 bottles of wine from the money that he had, and he purchased the bottles but it turned out be vinegar, and the Rabbis said that there would be chatter if such a large amount of wine became vinegar and because he is able to bring proof he must bring proof that the wine was not vinegar at the time of purchase and he would be exempt. If the agent cannot bring proof he would pay. The same applies to any similar incident where proofs are accessible. With respect to a hidden matter where proof is inaccessible, however, the agent would need to take an oath on it.

Paragraph 3-The same is true with any similar claims a partner makes and the same is true for any claim by a guardian. If there may be proof, he must bring proof to his claim or pay. This is only in the case of guardian-claims. With respect to claims of paying back or returning the item or something similar where people repay in private, however, he would be exempt with an oath, even if there is proof.

Paragraph 4- If one gave money to another to purchase wheat for him, and the agent did so and placed the wheat in a house and the wheat rotted because of the rain that fell on them, he would be required to pay.