One day, a demon came to see Tenali who was working in his field. “These fields belonged to my father’s father,” said the demon, “I will take half of whatever you grow in these fields.” Raman was frightened but he kept his wits about him.
“You can take whatever grows above the ground, Your Excellency,” he said. The demon agreed and went away. That year , Tenali grew potatoes in his field. When the demon came for his share he got the stems and leaves of the plant but since they grow underground, not a single potato.
“Next time I’ll take whatever grows below the ground!” he growled. When he came again some months later, Raman was harvesting corn. He had planted corn and had got a bumper harvest. “Where’s my share!” screamed the demon. “Your share is under the ground, Your Excellency,” said Raman. You can take the roots away whenever you want.” The demon, ashamed of being outwitted by Raman, turned around without another word and walked away. Raman never saw him again.
