without food or water as punishment. I hope that you will spend this time thinking about the wrong you have done.’

To the fourth family he said, ‘You listened to my simple instructions and stayed in your home last night and did not visit the well. Take this letter and open it when you return to your home.’

The fourth family took the letter and returned home. When they opened the letter there was a map inside. The family followed the directions on the map and after travelling for many miles they discovered a well surrounded by an abundance of fruit trees and vegetable plants. There was enough food and water to last the family a whole lifetime!

The families who were forced to stay in their homes without food or water learned a valuable lesson that day. They learned that it was always best to listen to the advice of one’s elders and not to take things when you were told not to. They also realised that the fourth family were rewarded for their patience and their willingness to