There was a farmer who had many animals. Among them was a black hen. She would go around the yard, clucking around, searching for insects and grains. One day, she did not come out of her nest under the guava tree. The farmer called out to her, but she said, “Master, I am ill today and I cannot move a limb.” The neighbour’s cat heard this too. When the farmer was away, he crept into the hen’s nest. He said, “Dear friend, I heard that you are sick. Is there anything I can do for you?” The hen did not like the cat’s overfriendliness. She sensed danger. She replied, “Yes, there is something I want you to do. I want you to be a polite guest and leave right away as I cannot entertain you when I am sick.” The cat was amazed at the hen’s cleverness. He left immediately.
The Clever Black Hen
