The Mind -Reader

Once at a crossroad, Mulla Nasruddin Hodja saw a portly nobleman riding towards him. I say, Mulla, said the man. Which is

the way to the

palace? How did you know I

was a Mulla? asked Hodja. The nobleman had a habit of addressing every scholarly-looking man as Mulla, which was a title given to learned men and meant master but he didn’t want to tell Hodja that. How did I know? he bragged. Well, I’m a mind-reader, that’s

how. Pleased to meet

you, said Hodja. As

to your question,

read my mind and

proceed.