A Burglar’s Mistake

One night, a thief entered Rao’s house. The next morning, it was discovered that although he had gathered a bundle of stolen goods, he had not carried it away. The bundle lay abandoned near the compound wall.

Curious neighbors gathered to discuss why the burglar had left his loot behind. “The coward must have gotten nervous and fled without it,” said one neighbor, reflecting on the thief’s apparent fear.

Another chimed in, “His greed must have surpassed his capacity to carry many things, but he was too weak to take it all.” They continued to speculate on his character, labeling him as foolish and cowardly.

Suddenly, Dabu, a newcomer who had just settled in the village, interrupted the conversation with an anguished voice. “I tell you, he was neither cowardly, nor weak, nor stupid. Had the bundle not slipped off his back while he was crossing the wall, you would not be in a position to make such wrong comments!”