Story Outlines: An ass carrying a load of salt – passes through a stream – falls –
loses load – next day the master loads it with a a sponge – again falls – the
sponge soaks a good deal of was water – becomes heavy – the ass learns a
lesson.
Wicked Ass Learns a Lesson
A merchant named Chand Saudagar used to go to the market daily along
with his pet ass. One day, he loaded it with salt to sell in the market. On the
way, he had to cross a small bridge over a stream. That day, the ass
accidentally fell into the stream. The salt on his back melted in water and the
load lessened. Another day, the ass willingly jumped into the stream. The
master understood his trick. The next day, the master loaded it with sponge.
This time too the ass fell into the stream. The sponge on his back soaked much
water and became unbearably heavy. The ass could somehow save its life. It
learnt a good lesson.