The Border Guard-Joel Ben Izzy

There was once a Swiss guard who worked at the border of Austria. He had worked at the border of Austria. He had worked there for many years and took great deal of pride in his work.

One morning an Austrian man arrived at the border, riding a bicycle. On the front of the bike was a basket filled with sand. Another guard might have simply waved him through, but the Swiss guard did not. Instead, he brought out a special comb he kept for just such a purpose and began to sift through the sand in the basket. You see, he suspected the Austrian might be a smuggler. Finding nothing but sand, however, he waved the man through.

The same thing happened the next day, and the day after that. Though he never found anything, he kept on looking day after day for thirty years. Finally, one day, the Swiss guard spoke to the Austrian man. “ I must ask you a question, he said, “that has been on my mind many years. This is my last day of work.

Today I shall retire. And all these, I suspect you have been a smuggler. Now I ask you, for I must know- are you indeed a smuggler?’ The Austrian man hesitated, and the Swiss guard reassured him. “Do not worry- I give you my word of honor that I will not prosecute you. But I must know.” “Very well,” said the Austrian.”Then I will tell you- I am indeed a smuggler.” “Ah-ha!” said the guard.” I knew it! But each day I look through your basket and find nothing but son, Tell me, Please, what have you been smuggling?”

“Bicycles.”

Cave friends

A snake and a tortoise lived in a small cave on the hillside. Each went about his own way and had not bothered to make friends with the other. One day as the tortoise was sitting on a grassy slope outside the cave; it suddenly occurred to him that he had no friends. He looked around and saw birds hopping on the grass and a family of hares sunning themselves around their burrow. Sheep grazed little way off and their lambs jumped and played with each other. The tortoise felt left out sad and lonely.

As he sat brooding, the snake returned home after his night out. Seeing his cave mate alone the snake went up to him and asked “hey you look sad, what is the matter?” “Yes, I am,” said the tortoise.” I just realized that I have no friends and I was wondering why.” The tortoises’ answer startled the snake and got him thinking. He realized that he too did not have any friends. Though both of them lived in the same cave they felt aloof and friendless. So they decided to ask their neighbor, the rat to sort out the problem and help them break the ice.

The rat decided to facilitate a discussion between both. “ I am short tempered”, said the snake. And am suspicious and strike out without thinking who I hurt.” “I, On the other hand, do not care for anyone’s’ feelings and do not allow anyone to touch me .” I just withdraw into my shell, before anyone can come too close to me.” “Is that true, now do you want people touching you?” “Actually not, said the tortoise. “if that were true then why I want friends and why do I feel sad that I do not have any?” “I too feel good the way I am, said the snake, but am happy and feel lighter after talking things out. “Maybe, Now that both of you have begun to talk and express your feeling it can be the beginning of a friendship. Perhaps you can learn more about each other and learn from one another,” said the wise and rat and went on his way.