The Monkey's Heart

A Crocodile, wanting to eat a Monkey's heart, which he believed was a powerful medicine, devised a plan. He saw a Monkey sitting in a tree by the riverbank. "Friend Monkey," the Crocodile called out, "There are trees with much sweeter fruit on the other side of the river. If you like, I will carry you across on my back." The Monkey was tempted and agreed. He hopped on the Crocodile's back. Halfway across the river, the Crocodile suddenly submerged, leaving only his head and the terrified Monkey above the water. "You are a fool!" hissed the Crocodile. "My wife is sick, and the medicine-man says she must eat a monkey's heart. I am taking you to her now." The Monkey, thinking fast, said, "Oh, why didn't you say so before? We monkeys don't carry our hearts inside our bodies. It is too dangerous. We leave them hanging in the trees for safekeeping. You see that big fruit hanging from the branch where I was sitting? That is my heart. Take me back, and I will gladly fetch it for your wife." The foolish Crocodile believed him. He turned around and swam back to the riverbank. As soon as they were near the shore, the Monkey leaped from the Crocodile's back, scrambled up the tree, and was safe. "You witless creature!" the Monkey called down. "Have you ever heard of an animal whose heart is outside its body? You tried to trick me with cunning, but you have been defeated by true wisdom!"