The bed-bug and the flea  

A king had a large and beautiful bed. It was a very comfortable bed with velvet mattresses and silken pillows. The covers and curtains were also of the costliest materials.

In fold of the mattress lived a bed-bug with a large family. They all lived on the king’s blood. But the bed-bug was careful. She came out only when the king was in deep sleep after a heavy dinner.

One day a flea came hopping in from somewhere. It jumped and dropped upon the king’s bed.

`Aha! What a lovely and comfortable bed!’ exclaimed the flea? Whoever sleeps here must have blood as sweet as honey!’

Image by CH®iS (visiting your photostream soon!) via Flickr

The bed-bug heard the lea. She came out rushing and scolded him. `Get off, you jumper and hopper!’ said. `Your bite is like fire. What do you know of living on a king’s blood? You will only bring trouble to us.’

But the flea begged to be allowed to stay.

`I have tasted the blood of merchants and ministers, but never a king’s seeing how plump and good looking you are, I can say the king’s blood is different. I shall go away tomorrow. I want to stay only tonight.’

The bed-bug agreed at last. `But come out only when he is fast asleep,’ she warned.

When the king came to sleep, the flea could not wait. He came out and bit him in the feet. The bite caused great burning and the king woke up. He called his servants and scolded them.

Search carefully there is insects in this bed.’ He told them.

The servants, of course, looked in every fold. The flea hopped away. But poor Lady bed-bug and her family were found out. And that night was their last in this world.

Can you put faith in complete strangers?