A Dubious Award

Grandfather was quite content to sit back in his easy chair on the verandah and enjoy the cool evening breeze. But not so, his grandchildren, who were forever ready to enjoy one of Grandfather’s limitless stories.

“Please, Grandfather, tell us a story,” little Radha said sweetly.

Grandfather knew there was no escape, so, telling the children to gather round, he said, “This evening I will tell you how a king got the better of a rogue.”

This story, he narrated, goes back to the days of the Chola Empire, when the great king Sumati was the ruler. One morning, as the king sat listening to petitions and complaints, a stranger appeared before him.

“I am a great alchemist, Your Majesty,” said the stranger in a boisterous voice. “I can turn base metals into pure gold. If Your Majesty will give me articles of silver, I will return within a month with the articles changed into gold.”

The king eyed the man reflectively. He had heard many stories of these so-called alchemists who preyed on gullible people, and having obtained articles with false promises to change them into gold, were never seen again. Turning to one of his ministers, the king murmured some instructions.

A little later, two servants staggered into the audience chambers, carrying a heavy iron chest which they set down in front of the stranger. The would-be alchemist rubbed his hands in delightful anticipation of all the treasures this chest must contain. But when he lifted the lid, the chest was empty!

“But the chest is empty, Your Majesty!” said the man, looking very perplexed.

“If you can turn base metals into gold,” said the king sternly, “you can start on that chest. My guard will provide you with a suitable room, where I assure you, you will be well guarded. If by the end of the year, you have not turned the iron chest into gold, I am sure we shall be able to change you into something worthwhile.”