Bava Batra

If three [corpses] were [similarly] found, [then], if [the distance] between them  is from four, to eight [cubits], the area] is [to be considered] a grave-yard;  and a search  must [also] be made [over a distance of] twenty cubits,  from that spot onwards. [If] at the end of twenty cubits a corpse is found, a search of [another] twenty cubits from that spot onwards must be made; for there is reasonable ground  for the assumption  [that even the single grave is an indication of the existence there of other graves]; although if [the single corpse] had been found first  it should have been removed together with the earth surrounding it. The Master stated, 'from four to eight cubits'.  According to whom [is this Mishnah]? If according to the Rabbis, surely they said [that the area of a grotto is to be] four cubits by six? If according to R. Simeon, surely he said [that the grotto must contain an area of] six [cubits] by eight? — [This Mishnah] is, in fact, [in agreement with] R. Simeon; but it is [in accordance with the version of R. Simeon's view as reported by] the following Tanna. For it has been taught: 'If they  were found close to one another, and there was not a distance of four to eight cubits between them, the earth surrounding their bodies belongs to them but they do not constitute the ground as a graveyard. R. Simeon b. Judah said in the name of R. Simeon: The intervening ones are regarded as if they did not exist and the rest are combined,  [if the distance is] from four to eight cubits'.  Since this  has been assumed to be in accordance with R. Simeon, explain the final clause [which reads]: A search must [also] be made [over a distance of] twenty cubits from that spot onwards. According to whom [is this]? If according to R. Simeon, [the distance] should be twenty-two;  if according to the Rabbis,  it should be eighteen?  It may, in fact, be according to the Rabbis but there is a possibility that he made the search diagonally.  But since the one [grotto is assumed to be searched] diagonally, the other also [should be assumed to be searched] diagonally [and, consequently, the distance] should be twenty-two [cubits]?  — One diagonal [search] is expected; two diagonal [searches] are not.