HOW ALDAR ACQUIRED A HORSE
The people's word about Aldar's exploits, his cunning and resourcefulness spread across the mountainous region of the Kyrgyz. It also reached the ears of the rich man Karabay. The envious wealthy man rode his best steed to the renowned trickster to challenge him in the art of deception.
— Not today, — Aldar replied to the rich man's proposal, — another time.
— No, if the people's tales about you are true, then argue with me today. Otherwise, I will leave and tell everyone that you are a liar, that people tell tall tales about you.
— We could argue now, but I forgot my cap at home, — the beardless one retorted. — And without it, I do not engage in disputes.
— Well, if the only hold-up is that, then go — bring your cap, — said the rich man, impatiently tugging at the horse's mane.
— It’s far to my house: by the time I go there and back, the sun will hide behind the mountains.
— Then ride my horse — you’ll return quickly!
Without much thought, Aldar jumped into the saddle and called out to the rich man from a distance:
— Ha, I’ve outsmarted you! — And he was off.
ALDAR'S LEGACY
Aldar Kose accomplished many glorious deeds. Greedy rich men, unjust judges, and cunning mullahs would break into a sweat at the mere mention of the people's favorite. He generously shared the good he obtained among the poor and attracted more and more common people to his side.
Aldar lived a long life full of stories and adventures and didn’t even notice how he grew old. He had three lazy sons. Aldar thought, “How will my sons live without me, since they don’t know how to do anything.”
The father decided to give them wise advice. Just before his death, he said:
— Children, here is my will: under one of the apple trees, I buried a treasure — pure gold. After my death, which has now come, dig up the treasure and divide it equally among yourselves without any quarrels. This gold will be enough for you for your entire lives.
Aldar died. The children buried him with great honors. After the funeral feast, remembering their father's will, they began to dig under the apple trees together. They dug up the entire garden back and forth but found nothing.
That year, the apple trees bore a rich harvest. There were enough apples for themselves and for the people. Only then did the sons understand the meaning of their father's wise legacy: the inexhaustible golden treasure is tireless labor and strong friendship.
