Story - The Tale of the Stupid Oaf (retold by Nasruddin)

As I was saying, beloveds, I moved to Tekka's village permanently,
which means my stay there waslonger than usual. I rented a little
apartment, and met the landlord to look it over and get the key
(that's yet another story!). The landlord pointed out that the door
was very special, and added just atiny amount to the rent, because, he
said, this type of door was in great demand. The special effect was
that it was a two-way door: you could go out as well as in! Believe
me, I was impressed. I suspected the window might also be special, and
what do you know...I was right! The window was also a special two-way
window: you could see out as well as in.
"That's wonderful!" I told the landlord, and took it, because the rent
was really very reasonable. As soon as I had moved in (this process
involved laying my little pack in the corner), I went to find the most
important person in the village. I wanted to know what the local
customs were, the rules of the village, and so on, so I could be a
good citizen.
The most important person was a man (today that might not bethe case)
who lived near the center of the village. I went to him and said,
"Oh honored sir, I beg ofyou a few minutes to enlighten me. I have
justmoved to this village, and wish to know the customs and rules so I
may be a good citizen."
The important person cleared his throat impatiently, and said, "I have
much important work to do! I have no time for you! But I am passing by
your house attwo o'clock. Meet me then."
"You know where I live?" I was amazed at his omniscience.
"I own the building," he said gruffly.
"Two o'clock, then!" I replied, and I went to the market to buy some
vegetables. I bought a few vegetables for my dinner: carrots, onions,
beet greens, and my favorite...lentils! Then I found a comfortable
tree in the square and sat down to watch the people in the
marketplace.
I felt a little drowsy, but kept myself awake, until I didn't. I woke
with a start, and saw that the shadows were long; the sun was low, and
it was very late. I jumped up and ran to my apartmentas fast as I
could. There I found someone had taken a piece of white stone and
scratched on my door, "STUPID OAF."
I hurried to the important person's place, and bowed low, and told him,
"Oh, sir, I am so sorry I missed our appointment.I remembered it,
though, as soon as I saw you had written your name on my door!"