The Brahman and the Three Crooks
Once, a learned Brahman was gifted a healthy, plump goat after a ceremony. He placed the goat on his shoulders and began his walk home through a forest. Three crooks saw him and wanted the goat for their dinner. "We cannot fight him," one said. "But we can trick him!" They spaced themselves out along the path. The first crook approached and asked, "O Wise One, why are you carrying a dirty dog on your shoulders?" The Brahman laughed, "This is a goat!" A mile later, the second crook appeared. "Sir! Why is a holy man carrying a dead calf?" The Brahman grew uneasy. Finally, the third crook approached. "Look at this man! Why is he carrying a donkey?" The Brahman panicked, thinking the animal was a shapeshifting demon. He dropped the goat and ran away in terror. The three crooks laughed and took the goat for their feast.