Confirmation of Age

Wealthy Dorairaj was in search of a cowherd. When he met his friend Atmaraj, he asked him for a suitable recommendation. “I’m looking for someone who will be active in both shower and shine. He must not mind working hard, and he shouldn’t be more than twenty years old.”

“I shall look for someone who meets your requirements,” replied Atmaraj. A couple of days later, a young man came to meet Dorairaj, claiming he had been sent by Atmaraj. Dorairaj scrutinized him and concluded that the man appeared older than he had expected. “You look lean and famished, and quite old as well. I wonder whether you can run after the cattle,” he remarked.

“I’m no more than twenty, sir,” the man pleaded. “Everyone in my family is lean and lanky. But I am quite capable of managing the cattle. I assure you, I shall serve you faithfully.”

“All right,” said Dorairaj. “You may stay here today. See that the rats don’t nibble at the salt bags.” The young man appeared surprised. “In my forty years, this is the first time I’ve heard that rats eat salt.”