James the Simpleton

Although James was a complete simpleton, he was very willing and helpful. One day he went to a friend's house for lunch, which was very fortunate.

When the returned he found that his father, his mother and his two brothers had all eaten mushrooms and were now in so much pain that they feared that they had been poisoned.

'Run to the pharmacy,' said his father, who could not move for his stomach cramps, 'and get something very strong for stomach upsets, a dose for four people. Have you got that?'

'Yes, dad: I have to go and get something for upset stomachs, a dose for four people.'

'Good. Go on. Be quick!'

They waited and waited, but James did not return and his father began to worry; he knew his son was capable of doing anything. Luckily he began to feel better, and so he went out to look for the boy. He found James by the roadside doubled up and in great pain, holding his stomach.

'What have you done to yourself?' asked the father worriedly.

'Just what you told me to. dad,' James replied. 'I want to the pharmacy and got the four doses of medicine, and then I took them all.'