Birbal was the favourite not only of Akbar, but also of his subjects, because he would solve their problems quickly. Once, a merchant came to him. A theft had taken place and he thought one of his five servants must be the thief. “Let’s go to your house,” said Birbal. On the way, he broke five twigs from a tree. On reaching the merchant’s mansion, Birbal gave the servants a twig each. He said, “The thief’s twig will grow by three inches,” and left. The servant who had stolen the merchant’s valuables hurriedly cut his twig by three inches. Next day, Birbal asked the servants to bring the twigs he had given them. One of the servants held out a twig that was smaller by three inches. Birbal said to the merchant, “Here’s your thief. He cut the twig fearing that it might grow.” The merchant thanked Birbal and punished the thief.
Thief in the Merchant’s Mansion
