He Who Rides the Tiger

Kandan used to look after the sheep belonging to the Jenmi (landlord) of Kattur. He would herd them to the nearby mountains and allow them to graze until evening before he took them back to their sheds.

One day, he desperately needed some extra money, but none of his friends would extend a helping hand. So, he decided to sell one of the goats and pocket the money. After all, the Jenmi might not miss just one goat.

However, in the evening, the Jenmi counted the sheep. “One is missing. Where did it go?” he asked Kandan. Without batting an eyelid, Kandan replied, “Sir, I was resting for a while when a tiger came, pounced on a goat, and dragged it away before I could run after him.” The Jenmi merely remarked, “Is that so?” and remained silent.

The next day, Kandan sold another goat, and when the Jenmi inquired, he casually stated, “The tiger came again and took away another goat.” The next morning, as Kandan was starting for the mountains, the Jenmi announced that he and hunter Velu would accompany him. By evening, no tiger had appeared, causing the Jenmi to grow suspicious. “Why didn’t the tiger come today?” he asked Kandan.

Quick-witted Kandan replied, “Didn’t I tell you, sir, that the tiger seemed intelligent enough to come for the goats while I was resting? Today, he must have known that you and the hunter were waiting for him. Surely, he’s very intelligent!”

The Jenmi realized that Kandan had fooled him on two occasions. “From tomorrow, Velu will look after the goats, and I won’t have you in my service.” Kandan understood that the master had seen through his deception. He fell at the Jenmi’s feet, asking for forgiveness and promising that he would never again be dishonest.