A fisherman brought a very large fish to a rich man’s house. The rich man asked the fisherman to name his price for the fish. «I don’t want money,» was the answer. «One hundred lashes on my back is the price of my fish. I won’t take one lash less!»

The rich man was surprised and said, «Well, this fisherman is very strange, but we must have the fish. So let the price be paid.»

After fifty lashes the fisherman cried, «Stop! Stop! I have a partner in my business and he must get his part, too.» «Where can I find him?» asked the rich man.

«He’s your own servant. He didn’t want to let me come into your house till I promised to give him half of the price of the fish.»