Gopal Bhand was once taken to court by a man who claimed that he owned the land on which Gopal’s house stood.

Gopal had the documents to prove that he owned the land but he knew that the judge who was to try the case was corrupt and could be bought. Gopal decided to take a gift for the judge.

At the hearing, the complainant stated his case and then taking out a fat wallet from one pocket transferred it to another in a slow and deliberate manner.

The judge understood. He looked at Gopal as if to ask him if he could match the offer.

In answer, Gopal patted his own pocket. The judge was pleased to see that it was bulging. He could make out the outlines of two large objects in it and he felt sure they were gold ornaments.

He gave a verdict in Gopal’s favour and called him to his chambers. Gopal went round to the judge’s chambers and began to thank him for deciding the case in his favour. But the judge cut him short with an impatient gesture of his hand.

"The gift,” he snapped. "Give me whatever you have brought for me!”

Gopal took out two large stones from his pocket and gave them to him.

Ends