IV
KHOODEH, THE YOUNGEST BORN
ONCE upon a time, there was a family of seven brothers, six of whom were married, while Khoodeh, the youngest, remained single. They did not form a joint family, the brothers living independently of one another. Khoodeh had been his father's favourite and to him he had left the greater part of his possessions in coins and cowries. Khoodeh was on this account hated by his brothers. Their means of livelihood were precarious, while Khoodeh lived in comfort. One day, filled with spite and jealousy, they resolved to make away with him, and they cunningly devised a scheme to carry out their intentions. They asked Khoodeh if he would marry, and though he had seen enough to suspect them of treachery, he replied thus to them, "My elder brothers! I regard you as worthy of as much veneration as my father. Look out for a wife for me."
A few days passed, and Khoodeh's brothers one morning falsely told him that a girl had been found for him. They further said that very night had been fixed for the wedding and that they must all proceed to her father's house in the evening. Khoodeh pretended to be filled with joy and gratitude and made the necessary preparations for the supposed happy occasion. He knew that his brothers were making ready a pitfall for him, but he did not care, for he was sure of outwitting them. The time for departure came, and the brothers proceeded towards the fictitious house of the fictitious bride. A river had to be crossed, and as they drew near it, Khoodeh managed to fall behind his brothers and escape
