The Fisherman and The Thief

Jack, a rather thoughtless boy, went to the rich enclosed fishing area not far from the village to steal fish. He leaned over the side of the enclosure and put his arm in the water as deep as he could and searched for an unwary fish.

"At last," he exclaimed, "I am too clever for these fish! It feels as if I have found an eel."

He pulled his arm out of the water and to his disgust saw that it was not an eel but a water snake and it coiled around his arm. He screamed and threw the snake back into the water. He got to his feet and was about to run off home when he saw Andrew, the old fisherman, standing in front of him and blocking the road.

"This time I'll let you off with your double shock," said the fisherman, "but don't ever forget the saying of an old man: 'consider an unlawful possession as if it were a poisonous snake.'"

He that is once a thief is evermore in danger.