Once upon a time, Emperor Akbar ruled India. One day, he found his ring missing. A worried Akbar told Birbal, “I have lost my ring. My father had given it to me. Please help me find it.” Birbal replied calmly, “Do not worry, Sir; I will find your ring.” He further said, “Your Majesty, your ring is here in this court itself. It is with one of the courtiers. The courtier who has a straw in his beard has your ring.” Now, the courtier who really had the emperor’s ring was shocked and immediately moved his hand over his beard. Birbal noticed this act of the courtier. He immediately pointed towards the courtier and said, “Please search this man. He has the emperor’s ring.” Akbar asked, “How did you know he had the ring?” Birbal replied, “A guilty person is always scared and guilt is written all over his face.”
Moral: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
The Stolen Ring
