The Boy Swimming in the River
Long ago a small village stood by an old forest and cool waters. In this village lived a curious boy who loved swimming. One summer day the bright sun shone, and the boy went to the river. The clear blue water of the river looked very inviting. The little boy jumped into the cool water with excitement. But the current of the river was much stronger than usual. Suddenly the boy got a cramp in his leg and shouted with fear.
The current pulled him away, and a traveller on the road heard this cry. The traveller ran to the bank, but he did not jump into the water. "Why do you swim alone in this dangerous river?" the man said angrily. Instead of helping the boy, he started a very long lecture. The boy had almost no strength, and he hardly stayed above the water. The boy struggled in the water and called to the man in despair.
"Please save me first, and give me the lesson later!" he said. The traveller understood his mistake and quickly held out a long branch. The boy held the branch tightly and reached the bank. The boy took a deep breath and thanked the man. In danger you must not give advice, you must help at once. A friend in need is a friend indeed.