The Otters’ Unfair Judge

Two otters searched for food beside a clear river. One spotted a large fish and splashed after it. The fish pulled strongly, so the otter called his friend to help bring it ashore.

Together they succeeded where one could not. They rested on smooth stones with their catch between them. Both were hungry and proud, but neither had decided how they would share their meal.

“I will take the front half,” said the first otter. “That is the half I want,” answered the second. They argued beside the river until a wandering wolf heard their impatient voices.

The wolf had been looking for an easy supper. He approached politely and offered to settle their quarrel. The otters welcomed him without asking whether he expected a reward for his help.

He divided the meal into three portions. One small end went to the first otter, and the other small end went to the second. The generous middle stayed directly in front of him.

“This part is my payment for judging,” the wolf announced. Before either otter could object properly, he picked up the biggest portion and trotted away through the reeds toward his own home.

The otters stared at their little portions. Their shared effort had earned a fine meal, but their quarrel had given most of it away. For a while, neither felt like speaking at all.

At last, the first said, “We should have listened to each other.” The second nodded. They shared what remained instead of starting another argument, then made a plan for their next meal.

Next morning, they agreed on equal shares before searching the river. They also agreed that any helper’s reward must be discussed first. Their teamwork now included decisions as well as strong swimming.

When the wolf passed again, they thanked him but needed no judge. Sitting together on their familiar stones, the otters enjoyed a fair meal and left their quarrel behind in yesterday’s reeds.