The Fifth Question

A scholar arrived at the court of the King of Sivganga. He announced that whoever could defeat him in a contest of wit would win a gold necklace from him.

The scholars of the court attempted to outsmart him but failed. Then the court jester stepped forward and said, “I shall ask you five questions. If you answer incorrectly, you win. If your answer is correct for even one question, you must admit defeat.”

The visiting scholar agreed to the jester’s conditions. The jester started by asking, “Do you come from another town?” “No, I come from this town,” replied the scholar. “Are you in your own town?” asked the jester. “Yes,” was the scholar’s response. “You possess a gold necklace, don’t you?” the jester inquired. “No,” said the scholar. Finally, the jester asked, “Is our King’s name ABCD?” “That is right!” answered the scholar.

The jester pretended to have already been defeated. He then asked, “Well, have I asked all my questions?” “No. So far, you have asked four. Come on with your fifth question,” said the scholar confidently.

The jester laughed. “You gave the correct answer to my fifth question. You are defeated,” he declared.

The scholar realized the jester’s cleverness. In the end, he resigned and gave away the necklace.