September 8. Story of the Day: The Black Dog is Dead

This story comes from Wit And Wisdom Of India by Shankar Pandit Shyama.

It is an example of ATU 2040. The Climax of Horrors.

Looking for more stories? Click here for previous Stories-of-the-Day.



THE BLACK DOG IS DEAD


(photo by P. R. Simoes)

A gentleman, who lived in a country house, had to come to town and stay there for some time. One day he was surprised to meet a servant of his in town, and being very anxious to know about his people he asked, "How are all my people?"

"All well, Master," said the servant.  "The Kala Kutta (black dog) is dead."

"Poor dog, how did it die?"

"How could it live when it ate up the flesh of the dead horses in the stable?"

"Are the horses dead too? What was the cause of their death?"

"How could it be possible for them to live when there were no grooms to feed them?"

"What became of the grooms?"

"That which usually comes to people who get no food, having no one to give them their pay.”

"Why were they not paid? What became of the steward?"

"How could he live when there was no cook
to prepare his food?"

A few questions more gave the gentleman to understand that all his people, with the exception of the servant, had died — a surprise for which he was not prepared by the news of the Kala Kutta's death.



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