“I measured money,” said Juan.
“Where did you get the money?” Pedro demanded.
“Where did I get the money?” retorted Juan. “Don’t you know that I went to the neighboring town to sell my cowhide?”
“Yes,” said Pedro. Then he added, “The price of hides there must be very high, I suppose.”
“There is no supposing about it,” said Juan. “Just think! one hide is worth two sacks of money.”
Pedro, who was envious of his brother’s good fortune, killed all his cattle, old and young, and threw the meat into the river. The he started with several carretons[3] full of hides; but he was disappointed when he came to the town, for nobody would buy hides. Discouraged and tired out, he returned. He found Juan living comfortably in a fine new home. Thus Pedro lost all his property because of his invidiousness.
The Two Friends.
Narrated by Tomas V. Vargas (of Iloilo?).
Once there lived in a certain village two friends, Juan and Andres. Juan, a very rich man, was tall, big, and strong; while Andres, a very poor man, was small, weak, and short. Andres worked very hard to earn his living, while Juan spent most of his time on pleasure.
One morning Andres went to his friend Juan, and asked to borrow one of his mules. Juan consented, but told Andres that, if any one should ask who the owner of the mule was, he should tell the truth. Andres promised, and went off with the mule. He set to work immediately to plough his small farm. Very soon two neighbors of Andres passed by, and, seeing him with a mule, asked him where he got it. Andres said that he had bought it. The men wondered how a poor man like Andres could buy a mule, and they spread the news about the village. When this news reached Juan, he was very angry, and he ordered his servant to go bring back the mule. The animal was brought back, and Juan was determined not to lend it to his friend any more.