The Ingrate
The Hunter’s Discovery
A certain hunter, while hunting in a forest, heard shrill cries for help coming from a deep pit. He looked in and saw a man, a leopard, a snake, and a rat.
The Decision
The hunter said, “Rats eat our food, snakes kill men, and leopards and tigers slaughter our cattle and livestock. So I will rescue the man alone from the lot.”
A Change of Heart
When the other creatures heard this, they implored him in a piteous manner to save them, promising to come to his aid in times of need. Kind-hearted as he was, the hunter relented and eventually brought all the creatures up safely.
A Grateful Servant
Once out of the pit, the man said, “Sir, let me show my gratitude for this kind deed by serving you as your servant.” Thus, the hunter appointed him into his service.
Unlikely Allies
The next day, the tiger and the leopard came to him and said, “Friend, from now on we will hunt your food for you.” Then the snake slithered up to him, offering, “Friend, I give you this powder. If you mix this with the blood of an ingrate and smear it on the bite of a snake, the victim will survive.” The rat followed with a sack, saying, “Friend, in this sack is a lot of money. Be happy with it.”
The Rise to Wealth
In due time, the hunter prospered and became a wealthy man. However, this fortune aroused the jealousy of his servant, whose evil mind sought ways to bring about his master’s downfall.
The Accusation
A certain landlord’s house was burgled, and after the thief made off with a fortune, a handsome reward was announced for capturing the culprit. The hunter’s servant went to the landlord and falsely informed him that his master had stolen all the money and jewels. Naturally, the hunter was arrested and brought before the landlord.
The Denial of Innocence
When the hunter protested his innocence, the landlord said, “You are the most natural suspect. In a short time, you have become a rich man. How did you acquire all this wealth?” The hunter recounted the incidents leading to his change in fortune, but the landlord refused to believe him, declaring, “You lie. You are the thief. I shall punish you severely.”
The Turning Point
Just then, a guard rushed in, stammering that the landlord’s daughter had been bitten by a snake. While the landlord was wringing his hands in anguish, the hunter said, “Sir, I can cure your daughter.”
The Cure
The landlord asked eagerly, “How?” The hunter replied, “Permit me to mix this powder with the blood of my ungrateful servant and apply it to the wound on your daughter’s leg. She’ll be cured.” The landlord agreed, and it was done. The poison was brought out, and the girl survived. Then the landlord realized that the hunter had indeed spoken the truth.
The Final Judgment
Thus, the ungrateful servant was punished with a long term in prison, and the hunter was suitably rewarded.