9. Why I use a light.
- I can see in the dark! Hodja boasted one day while seating in a tea shop.
- If that’s true, said his friends, why do we sometimes see you carrying a light at night?
- You see, he replied, I only use a light to prevent other people from bumping into me!
10. The Loan
One day a friend asked Hodja for a loan, saying that he would repay him the following week. Hodja didn’t believe him but he gave him the money anyway. Much to his surprise, the man kept his word and repaid him the loan. A few months later the same man wanted another loan from Hodja and he said to him:
- You know that my credit is good. Last time I repaid you promptly.
- You are not going to get any money this time, said Hodja. You deceived me last time by repaying me when I thought that you wouldn’t. I’m not going to let you deceive me again!
11. I was going to get off anyway.
One day, while Hodja was riding his donkey at top speed, he fell off. All the children gathered around him and started making fun of him by saying:
- Oh Hodja, how come you fell off?
Hodja, trying to hide his embarrassment, said to them:
- What are you laughing at? I was going to get off anyway!
