The Mouse That Ate Iron
There lived a merchant in a town. Once he had no money. He didn't see any improvement in business. He decided to go to somewhere place to test his luck.
The merchant had only one heavy iron beam with him. He left the iron beam in one of his friend's house and asked him to preserve the beam till his return. His friend agreed to it.
The merchant went to different places and spent years together. He became rich also. One fine day he returned to his native place and started his business. In a few days he saw much improvement. One day he met his old friend and asked him to return the iron beam he had left while leaving the place.
"Friend! after a period of ten years you are asking your iron beam. Of course I had preserved it carefully. But I found one day that the iron beam was eaten away by a mouse. Actually I wish I would buy a new beam and return. Such beams are not available" his friend replied.
The merchant understood his friends plan. He didn't reveal it.
"Is it ? leave it. I find no mistake in you . Any way I have brought one item for your son. Please send him to my house. I shall give it to him" the merchant said
Merchants friend was very happy. Next day he sent his son to merchant's house. He was anxious to know about the item the merchant would give to his son.
The son who went to merchant's house did not return even after a lapse of six hours. The merchant's friend went to the merchant's house to bring his son. "Where is my son ? He has not turned up" the friend asked.
Actually I took your son and left for your house. but on the way a vulture lifted your son up and flew away" the merchant replied.
The friend got angry.
"What are you talking? How can a vulture lift a boy aged fifteen years? Are you Joking?" the friend asked.
Both entered into a quarrel. Seeking justice they went to court. "How can a vulture carry a boy?" the Justice asked the merchant.
The merchant laughed and said: "Why not? Why not a vulture lift a boy?"
The merchant explained the justice the matter. The people who had gathered laughed at the merchant's friend. He returned the iron beam to the merchant. The merchant in return sent his friend's son back.
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