There once was a monkey who lived in a large fig tree on a riverbank. He spent his days eating the sweet fruit and tossing some to a crocodile swimming in the river, until the two became close friends.

One day, the crocodile's wife said to her husband, I have heard that the heart of a monkey who eats such sweet fruit must taste delicious. I want you to bring it to me. The crocodile tried to refuse, but his wife insisted.

The crocodile invited his friend the monkey to visit his home on the other side of the river. The monkey happily agreed and climbed onto the crocodile's back to cross the river. Halfway across, the crocodile told him the truth about his wife's wish.

The monkey thought quickly, hiding his fear, and said calmly, You should have told me before we left! I always leave my heart hanging on a branch of my tree, let us go back so I can fetch it for you.

The crocodile believed the trick and swam back to the tree. As soon as the monkey neared the shore, he leapt quickly onto the tree and climbed high, saying to the crocodile, My friend, true friendship is never built on deceit, and whoever betrays a friend loses him forever. From that day on, the monkey became wiser and more careful about choosing his friends.

The Lesson: Quick, clever thinking can protect us from danger, and true friendship is built on honesty, not deceit.