Two Gentlemen

In the city of Narsingpur, many cases of theft were reported within a single year. The king studied these cases and discovered that, at times, the thefts occurred simultaneously in two different places. He concluded that there were two expert thieves at work.

The king did not disclose his findings. Instead, he announced, “There is a thief who is becoming a menace. If anyone can provide information leading to his capture, a reward of ten thousand rupees will be given.”

The two thieves were Jabbar Singh and Phalta Rao, who were jealous of each other. Jabbar Singh disguised himself as a gentleman and went to the court. A guard informed the king that a gentleman sought a meeting to provide information about the thief.

Shortly after, another guard reported that another gentleman wanted to see the king regarding the same matter. The second man was Phalta Rao.

The king asked both gentlemen to be brought in. As soon as Jabbar Singh and Phalta Rao saw each other, they both cried out, pointing fingers at one another, “There! He is the thief!” Consequently, both were taken into custody.