In a Hurry

A group of tourists was driving through a village when they noticed a river shaded by trees. It was midday, and the scorching sun pushed their curiosity to the surface.

A villager was nearby when the tourists approached him. “Do you have snakes or leeches in this river?” asked one of the foreigners.

“You see, we had a large number of snakes, but once there was a big flood. The larger river two miles away overflowed and…” the villager began.

“You villagers are very talkative,” interrupted the group leader impatiently. “We are in a hurry and not interested in history. Are there snakes in the river now? Just tell us yes or no!”

“No,” answered the villager.

The enthusiastic tourists changed into towels and plunged into the river, eager to enjoy the refreshing water. Just then, one of them spotted a sinister head rising above the surface.

“What is that?” asked one of the bathers, alarmed.

“An alligator!” replied the villager.

The bathers screamed and raced toward the shore, panic overtaking their initial excitement. “The flood brought alligators from the larger river into our small river, and they ate all the snakes,” the villager concluded, illustrating the perils of their impulsive decision.