In a bustling market, a shrewd trader strolled around, his eyes scanning the array of goods on display. Amidst the hustle and bustle, his attention was captured by a remarkable breed of camel. The trader engaged in a prolonged conversation with the camel’s seller, discussing and negotiating. Eventually, the trader made the purchase and led the camel home.
Arriving at his residence, the trader summoned his servant to unload the camel and retrieve its load. To his surprise, the servant found a velvety bag beneath the camel’s saddle. With cautious curiosity, the servant opened the bag and revealed a treasure trove of precious gems and jewels, sparkling brightly even in the sunlight.
The servant, unable to contain his excitement, exclaimed, “Master, you bought the camel, but look at what came for free!” The trader was equally astonished as he saw the glittering gems, shimmering like stars, resting in his servant’s palm.
The trader hesitated for a moment and then declared, “I bought the camel, not the jewels. They must be returned immediately.”
The servant, dumbfounded, couldn’t fathom his master’s decision. He said to himself, “How foolish my master is…”
He approached the seller with a dejected expression and said, “Sir, my master wishes to return the bag of jewels. He only purchased the camel.” However, the merchant paid no heed, and he hurriedly made his way back to the market, searching for the camel trader.
The camel trader was found and handed the velvet bag containing the jewels. Without a moment’s delay, he returned to the market and sought out the camel seller. He returned the bag of precious stones, expressing his gratitude for the honest act.
The camel seller, filled with joy, exclaimed, “I had forgotten that I had hidden my valuable gems beneath the camel’s saddle!”
The camel trader smiled, nodded, and said, “I purchased the camel and not the jewels. They rightfully belong to you.”
Amidst the exchange of goods and words, the merchant persisted in his gratitude, insisting that the trader keep some of the jewels as a reward. However, no matter how much he declined, the camel trader refused to accept any reward.
The camel trader stated firmly, “I paid the camel’s true value, so there is no need for any gratitude or reward.”
Despite the trader’s refusal, the camel seller continued to insist. Their debate lasted as long as their earlier negotiation. Ultimately, the trader’s resolute honesty and integrity prevailed.
Finally, the merchant chuckled and said, “In truth, when I decided to bring back the bag, I had already retained two of the most precious gems for myself.”
Upon hearing this confession, a wave of anger swept over the trader. He instantly realized that he had been deceived. The camel seller had played a trick on him, only revealing half of the truth about the hidden treasure.
The trader’s frustration was apparent, and he declared, “My honesty and my integrity were the two most valuable gems I possessed.”
With this revelation, the camel seller’s demeanor shifted from joy to shame. He hastily emptied the bag of its contents and returned all the gems and jewels.
However, the trader was faced with a dilemma. He said, with a touch of wry humor, “Now that I’ve counted the gems, I’m curious – which were the two most precious gems that you kept?”
The camel seller, feeling a mix of guilt and embarrassment, replied, “My honesty and my integrity.”