The two brothers and the white-bearded old man

- Ravi Ila Bhatt

O nce upon a time there were two brothers. They decided to start venturing from town to town and

from village to village to to seek happiness. Along the way they saw an old man with white beard

heading towards them.

The old man stopped and asked the boys where they were headed. When he found out he told them:

"I want to help you." He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a handful of golden coins. " Which one

of you wants these?" he asked.

"I want them." replied the big brother immediately. The old man hand in his other pocket and pulled out

a precious gem, shining like the sun, and asked again:

"Which one of you want to have the gem?

"I want it." hasty answered the big brother and the old man gave him the gem. Then the old man put

down the sack he was carrying on his back and said:

"Now who is gonna help me bring this sack to the village?"

The big brother said nothing. On the other hand the little brother pulled up his sleeves and bended

down to help him. The old man smiled and said:

"Take it with you, my boy, along with everything that is inside."

"No it's not mine."

"Take it, take it." said the old man. "It's my gift to you."

The little brother opened the sack. And what did his eyes see? The bag was filled with precious

gemstones. He stood up to thank the old man, but he was nowhere to be found."