When in need...

SUSHEELA RAGHAVAN

It was a small town and the three friends had different temperaments. It was a strange friendship. The first was known for his miserliness and would not even shake off the odd rice stuck in his hands, lest he would lose his wealth. The second was generous and helped everyone and gave joyfully to those in need. The third was quite peculiar. He would trust no one and was suspicious of anyone who asked him anything. He felt people were always trying to pry into his personal affairs. Because of this even his kith and kin stayed away from him.

When the weekly market came to the neighbouring town, the three friends and many of the people from the town decided to go there. The two towns were separated by woods in which there were bogs and quagmires. It was after the rainy season so there was water everywhere.

The three walked along talking happily. But soon an argument broke out. So engrossed where they in the arguement that they did not see the quagmire until they found themselve sinking. They shouted for help. Many came running to help them. One of the rescuer's gave his hand to the miser and said, "Give me your hand." Alas! The miser being who he was refused. The second rescuer asked the generous man to give him his hand and he did so and was pulled out of the wet mud. Another fellow said to the suspicious man, "Come on, let me help you out of this." The third friend replied, "Oh! no you are prying into my life," and refused his help.

Everyone laughed at the two fools and walked away. What do you think would have happened to the two who refused?

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