Reading Notes: The Giant Crab and Other Tales from Old India Part A

The Dishonest Friend

- One time, a man went on a journey and asked his friend to watch his plough while he was gone
- the friend agreed, but as soon as he left he sold the plough and kept the money
- when the man came back, his friend told him that he was sorry but his house was infested with rats and one night a big rat came and ate it
- the man said "as well, what can't be cured must be endured! it must have been a very big rat though"
- the man is not as dumb as he seems though, we will soon see why

- the next day he took that same friend's son for a walk. after a while, he took him to another friend's house and told him to keep him safe until he came back
- when his friend saw his son was not with him, he asked where he was
- he told him that a hawk swooped up and ate him
- he thinks he murdered his son and takes him to the judge

- the friend tells the judge what happened
- the man swears the boy was swooped up by a hawk
- the judge says that is ridiculous
- he agrees, and says it is also ridiculous for a rat to eat a plough
- then explains what happened
- the judge suggests to the friend that he return the plough so he can get his son back

- the friend was very annoyed but gave the plough back
- honesty is the best policy

Bibliography:
The Giant Crab and Other Tales from Old India, by W. H. D. Rouse

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