The Brass That Proved Gold
Khandu, the wealthy shopkeeper of Shivpur sat on his veranda and watched the passers-by. Shivpur was a prosperous village and many sorts of people visited it. A beggar who was almost blind approached Khandu and pleaded for alms. Suddenly Khandu's attention went over the bowl the beggar was holding. The bowl had four blobs and its bottom which glittered like gold. Khandu offered the beggar a coin and asked him endearingly, "Your bowl is very old. It may break at any time. If you leave it here, I can give you a new one." "Thank you, sir. But this is very precious to me," replied the beggar. Khandu was left in no doubt about the bowl being made of gold. It so happened that soon his eyes fell on Bhikham, a notorious thief, who was passing that way. He called him and whispered to him, "Bhikham! I want you to find out where this beggar lives." "May I know why?" queried Bhikham. "Well, there is nothing to hide from you. The bowl he carries seems to be made of gold-at least the blobs at its bottom. Though he is almost blind, he is aware of its value." Lowering his voice further, Khandu said again, "Bhikham, I need your help in getting hold of the bowl. But, Please remember, it is I who have discovered it, not you. You should claim no share of it. I will pay you for your service, anyway."