Pedro and Suan were friends. Pedro inherited a great fortune from his parents, who had recently died; but Suan was as poor as the poorest of beggars that ever lived. Early one morning Suan went to his friend, and said, “I wonder if you have a post that you do not need.”

 

“Yes, I have one,” said Pedro. “Why? Do you need it?”

 

“Yes, I need one badly, to build my house.”

 

“Very well, take it,” said Pedro. “Do not worry about paying for it.”

 

Suan, who had not thought evil of his friend, took the post and built his house. When it was finished, his house was found to surpass that of his friend. This fact made Pedro so envious¹ of Suan, that at last he went to him and asked Suan for the post back again.

 

“Why, if I take it from its place, my house will be destroyed. So let me pay you for it, or let me look for another post in the town and get it for you!”

 

“No,” said Pedro, “I must have my own post, for I wish to use it.”

 

Finally Suan became so greatly annoyed by his friend’s insistence², that he exclaimed, “I will not give you back your post.”

 

“Take heed³, Suan! for I will accuse you before the king.”

 

“All right! do as you please.”

 

“We will then go to the king Monday,” said Pedro.

 

“Very well; I am always ready.”

 

When Monday came, both prepared to go to the palace. Pedro, who cared for his money more than for anything else, took some silver coins along with him for the journey. Suan took cooked rice and fish instead. Noon came while they were still on the road. Suan opened his package of food and began to eat. Pedro was also very hungry at this time, but no food could be bought on the way. So Suan generously invited Pedro to eat with him, and they dined together.

 

[36]After eating, the two resumed their journey. At last they came to a river. The bridge over it was broken in the middle, and one had to jump in order to get to the other side. Pedro jumped. Suan followed him, but unfortunately fell. It so happened that an old man was bathing in the river below, and Suan accidentally fell right on him. The old man was knocked silly, and as a consequence was drowned. When Isidro, the son, who dearly loved his father, heard of the old man’s death, he at once made up his mind to accuse Suan before the king. He therefore joined the two travellers.

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