Well, fair-time came round, and the clever brothers got ready to go and transact business. The Simpleton saw this, and said:
“I’ll go, too, brothers, and take my ox for sale.”
So he fastened a cord to the horn of the ox and drove it to the town. On his way he happened to pass through a forest, and in the forest there stood an old withered Birch-tree. Whenever the wind blew the Birch-tree creaked.
“What is the Birch creaking about?” thinks the Simpleton. “Surely it must be bargaining for my ox? Well,” says he, “if you want to buy it, why buy it. I’m not against selling it. The price of the ox is twenty roubles. I can’t take less. Out with the money!”
The Birch made no reply, only went on creaking. But the Simpleton fancied that it was asking for the ox on credit. “Very good,” says he, “I’ll wait till to-morrow!” He tied the ox to the Birch, took leave of the tree, and went home. Presently in came the clever brothers, and began questioning him:
“Well, Simpleton! sold your ox?”
“I’ve sold it.”
“For how much?”
“For twenty roubles.”
“Where’s the money?”