A Slip of the Tongue - F.E.B. Gray summary

Introduction

F.E.B. Gray is a famous English writer.  He has written many short stories.  “A Slip of the Tongue” is a short story from India.

Harisharman’s Wish

Harisharman is a beggar.  He has a family.  He begs daily for his food.  He wishes to become rich so he moves to another town.  In the town, he searches for job.  He becomes a servant in Sthuladatta’s house.  In few days Sthuladatta arranges marriage for his daughter.  Many people come to the marriage.  Sthuladatta does not invite Harisharman to eat in the marriage.  Hari decides to become popular.  He asks his wife to say that her husband is intelligent.

The Horse

Harisharman steals Sthuladatta’s son in law’s horse and ties it away in the forest.  Sthuladatta feel sad that the horse is stolen.  At that time Hari’s wife goes to Sthuladatta and says that her husband can find the horse.  Sthuladatta comes to Hari.  Hari does some actions and says that the horse is inside the forest.  Sthuladatta becomes happy on getting his horse.  He gives money to Hari.

The King’s Treasure

After few days, the king’s treasure were stolen.  The king calls Hari to find the treasure.  Hari is given a room in the palace and asked to find the treasure.  Inside the room, Hari talks to himself.  He scolds his tongue for telling lie.  This was overheard by Jhiva, a servant.  She comes to Hari and says that it is she who is responsible for the theft.  She says the truth because Jhiva means tongue.  Hari asks her to take some treasure and he takes some.  He asks the rest of the treasure to be kept in garden.  He says the king to dig the garden and find the treasure.  The king gives money to Hari for finding the treasure.

The Test

The ministers in the court doubt Hari’s intelligence and calls him for a test.  They keep a big jar and asks Hari to find what is inside it.  Hari scolds himself as a frog, his nick name in the childhood.  The ministers say that frog is inside the pot.  They all praise Hari.  The king gives a palace and few people for Hari.