Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/124

120 little boy, who happened to be there, which of the two led to the town. "Both," replied he; "but that to the right is short and long—that on the left is long and short." I took that on the right, but had not far advanced, when my progress was stopped by a number of hedges and gardens. Unable to proceed, I returned, and asked the little fellow how he could be so cruel as to misdirect a stranger. "I did not misdirect thee," replied the boy. "I told thee what is true. But art thou a wise man among Israel, and canst not comprehend the meaning of a child?—It is even as I said. This road is the nearest, but still the longest, on account of the many obstructions; unless thou wouldst trespass on other people's ground, which I could hardly suppose from so good a man. The other road is, indeed, more distant, but it is, nevertheless, the shortest, being the public road, and may, therefore, be passed without encroaching on other people's property."—I admired his wit, and still more his good sense, and went on.

2. Impertinent Curiosity Repressed

in the city, I met another little boy carrying a covered dish. "What hast thou in that dish, child?" demanded I. "My mother would not have covered it, master, had she been willing that its contents should be known," replied the little wit!—and went on.