The Setting: A forest on the outskirts of an Indian town.
Chatru the Jackal accidentally fell into a tub of blue dye in a weaver's house. When he returned to the forest, he looked magical. The other animals—even the lions and tigers—bowed to him, thinking he was a messenger from the heavens.
Chatru loved the royal treatment. He sat on a high throne and made the other animals fetch him the best fruits and meat. He completely forgot his old jackal friends.
One night, a pack of jackals nearby began to howl at the full moon: "Oooo-oooo-oooo!"
Without thinking, Chatru lifted his head and joined in: "Oooo-oooo-oooo!"
The animals realized they had been fooled. Chatru had to run for his life and spend many days washing his fur in the river.
Moral: You can change your appearance, but you cannot hide your true nature for long. Honesty is the best policy.
