story 3
THE FOURTH MEMBER
“Sir, isn’t it rather odd that people should call me a fool?” Baloo asked the village chief.
“Well, Baloo, I don’t think you’re as big a fool as people think you to be. Let’s see. Can you answer me? There are four members in my family. My wife, my daughter, and my son. Who is the fourth one?” asked the chief.
“Am I expected to know the details of your family, Sir?” replied Baloo.
“Isn’t the fourth member myself, you fool?” remarked the village chief.
Now that Baloo had the answer, he thought himself wiser. Eager to show his wisdom, he asked his friend Piloo, “There are four members in my family, my wife, my daughter, and my son. Who is the fourth one?”
“Yourself, of course!” replied Piloo.
“Fool! The village chief is the fourth member. He has himself told me so!” declared Baloo with pride.