THE RIGHT CHOICE 1

Hussain Khan was too worried to think.

Soon Birbal said, "When they take us there, I will say that they should hang me first. You should also say the same."

Next night, they were taken to the place where arrangements had been made to hang them. When Birbal saw that only one rope had been arranged for hanging them, he had an idea.

Birbal said to the Burmese King, "I should be hanged first. I gave you the letter."
Hussain Khan said, "No I am the Emperors relative. I should be hanged first."

They started fighting about who should be hanged first.

A minister intervened and said, "This is so strange. Why are you so eager to be hanged?"

Birbal answered, "There is a reason for this. A holy man has predicted that whoever is hanged here first, will become the king of Burma in the next birth. So I want to be the next King of Burma."

Hussain Khan said, "No! I want to be the next king of Burma."

The King of Burma got angry and said, "Only my son and no one else shall be the next king of Burma. Stop! Don't hang them. We will tell Akbar that we did not hang these two men because we are not aware of any crime committed by them. We cannot hang innocent people."

Birbal pretended to be upset and complained to the Burmese King, "Why are you not hanging us? This is most unfair."

The king ordered, "Soldiers, escort these two men safely back to their country and see that no harm comes to them."

So Birbal and Hussain Khan left for their country escorted by the royal guards from Burma. On reaching Akbar's court, they paid their respects to their Emperor.

Akbar was glad to see them back and he asked, "Did you both have a good time?"

Birbal replied, "Yes, Your Majesty"

Hussain Khan then narrated all that had happened in Burma.

Akbar said,"I know Birbal could do it."

Hussain agreed, "Yes, Birbal is truly clever and he saved both of us."

Akbar then asked Hussain Khan, "Do you still want me to appoint you in Birbal's place?"

Hussain Khan said, "No, My Lord, Birbal is very clever and deserves his position."