A poor merchant had to sell his wife’s pearl necklace. But when he went out to sell it, he was arrested and taken to the king. The soldiers said that he had stolen the princess’ necklace! The merchant’s wife heard of her husband’s arrest and ran to the palace. “He hasn’t stolen anything!” she said, “That was my necklace!” She was called before the court, where the princess also sat near the king and the queen. “How do you know it’s yours?” asked the king. “Sir, please tell me what kind of clasp the princess’ necklace had.” “It had a diamond clasp,” said the princess. “Mine has a pearl clasp,” said the merchant’s wife. The necklace was examined. It had a pearl clasp! The king apologised. He set the merchant free and gave him and his wife many gifts. Later, the real thief was caught. It was a magpie who had hidden the necklace in her nest!
The Necklace
