Long ago there lived Ahmed, a poor woodcutter, in a village. The woodcutter collected straws in the forest and sold them in the bazaar. Often Ahmed even had no money for food. It was a real holiday for the woodcutter, if he had breakfast or dinner.One morning Ahmed went to the forest again. Suddenly there he heard snaky hissing.
“Ahmed, release me from the trap”, the black snake asked. “Tree days ago this tree fell and pressed me. Help me, and I`ll never forget your goodness.”
The woodcutter felt sorry for the snake. He raised the tree and the snake became free.
“Thank you”, it said. “Now listen me. Your shah has a white elephant. It is a favorite animal of the shah; therefore a lot of servants take care of it. I`ll wait the elephant near the watering place. When it comes, I`ll get into its trunk and then I`ll begin to torment it. Your shah will think that the elephant is ill seriously. But only you, Ahmed, will be able to cure it. After your order I�ll come out and the elephant will be healthy. The shah will reward you generously for your service. Do you understand me? See you soon, Ahmed! ”
“Goodbye! ” the woodcutter answered.
On the same day the snake got into the elephant`s trunk and did not let it rest. During a week the elephant roared with pain and hit itself upon the trees and walls. The shah was really anxious. Neither famous doctors nor wizards could not help the elephant and predicted its death. Then the shah ordered to declare far and wide that anyone, who can cure the white elephant, would get a reward. He promised to present with three horses, three chests with gold and silver and an expensive woollen carpet.Seven days later Ahmed went to the shah.“Your majesty, I`m a doctor, who treats elephants”, the woodcutter introduced himself. “I`m ready to help your elephant too. If you leave me and elephant a deux for this night, next morning it will be healthy.”
After dark Ahmed came to the elephant and put his hand on its forehead. It was a conventional signal. The black snake left the elephant`s trunk and said goodbye to Ahmed.Having known about the elephant`s recovery, the shah was very glad. He kept his promise. The woodcutter got the reward.