How Luck Eluded Him
The Sultan of Malaya had an uncanny knack of predicting things. The rulers of the neighboring states often used to consult him. He had only to look at the person's face and would then be able to give an indication of his or her future. One day, he was strolling in the garden when his eyes fell on one of the soldiers who were on guard duty. They were marching from one end to the other. This soldier was correctly keeping steps with the others, yet his sad face attracted the Sultan's attention. He watched him for a while, then stopped the guards and asked him to step forward. The others continued their marching. As the soldier walked towards him, the Sultan looked intently at his face and came to the conclusion that he was born at a time when the stars were not in a favorable position, that he was passing through a difficult time, and there was every likelihood of his remaining so. The Sultan took pity on him and wished to help him if he would help himself.
The soldier stopped in front of the Sultan and bowed low in obeisance. When he raised his face, the Sultan asked him, "What's your name?" "Kanchi, Your Majesty," replied the soldier, reverentially. "Kanchi, how's your family?" queried the Sultan. "Is all well with you?" "Nothing to complain about, Your Majesty," said Kanchi modestly. "Honestly, I don't have a family, I'm not married. I don't have enough money to buy gifts for my bride." "That's too bad, Kanchi," said the Sultan. "Let's see whether you can have some better days. I shall give you a special work. Wait here till I come back." The Sultan then went inside the palace and after a while, he came out with a long-sealed envelope in hand. "I want you to take this letter to the Chief of Wonogiri. Here's some money for your food on the way. Go immediately." The Sultan gave him two silver coins. Kanchi bowed low again, gave him a smart salute, and went away. It was a hot day and as he walked in the sun, Kanchi grumbled. "Two silver pieces to trudge such a long distance!" But he did not stop until he came to a village. He saw a cool portico of a house and sat there to rest. Suddenly the door opened, and who was standing before him than Sura, a fellow soldier who was on leave? "Sura! I didn't know you stay here. How're you?" "Kanchi! How come you're in this part of the world?" asked Sura curiously. "Where are you going? Are you also on leave?" "Leave? For me?" exclaimed Kanchi, though wishing very much he had a holiday.
"No, Sura. I'm on my way to Wonogiri to deliver a letter from the Sultan to the District chief there. Two full days of travel and he has given me only two silver coins!" explained Kanchi, expressing his dissatisfaction. "A letter from His Majesty?" said Sura unbelievingly. "Man, you should consider it an honor, to be asked to carry a letter from the Sultan. It only shows how much faith he has in you. I myself would have gone even if there was no money." Thoughts raced in Kanchi's mind. "Here's an opportunity to get me out of this thankless job!" The next moment his face brightened up. "If that be the case, Sura," he said. "will you consider my offer? We'll share the two silver coins that the Sultan gave me. Will you go to Wonogiri and deliver this letter?" Sura readily agreed. After all, he was on leave and he was getting one full coin. And from his house, the place was just one day's journey. Kanchi, shared the money, too, before Sura proceeded to Wonogiri, and Kanchi returned to his barracks, pleased with himself, as one whole silver coin was his without straining much. Before noon the next day, Sura was at the doorstep of the Chief. His was a big house with a garden all around. On one side was his stable with several horses.