"If you do not believe me," replied the Khoja, "measure for yourself. If you find it wrong one way or the other, I will acknowledge my error."
The second Sage now came forward and said: "O Khoja Effendi, how many stars are there on the face of this sky?"
"The same number," replied the Khoja, "as there are hairs on my donkey."
"How do you know that?" asked the wise man.
"If you do not believe me," replied the Khoja, "count for yourself. If there is a hair too few or too many, I will acknowledge my error."
"O most learned Khoja!" said the wise man, "have you indeed counted the hairs on your donkey?"
"O most venerable Sage!" replied the Khoja, "have you indeed numbered the stars of the sky?"
But as the Khoja spoke the third wise man came forward and said: "Most worshipful Effendi! Be pleased now to hear my question, and if you can answer it, we will conform to the wishes of the Sultan. How many hairs are there in my beard?"
"As many," replied the Khoja, "as there are hairs in my donkey's tail."