Wise Palko is the little deacon kid next door. His real name is Red Palko. Only I named him Wise Palko. That's because he's an intelligent, open-minded boy, a pleasure to talk to.
But the other day I didn't take much pleasure in it. He's got some nasty fun planned. He tied a blister on their old cat's head, put walnut-shell shoes on her four legs, and threw her dressed up like that on the roof of the stable.
The poor animal was frantically running back and forth, meowing so bitterly that the man's ears were almost bursting. Palko, however, was barking with laughter.
- What are you doing, little neighbour? - I stepped up to him.
- Playing masquerade with the cat.
- I really don't like this kind of game, Palko. It's not a masquerade ball, it's animal cruelty.
- "Oh, no!" the child snickered, "Tabby is a cat, not a bird.
- Wow, that's a lot of wolf-tail talk, Palko! - I shook my head. - Why then should poor Tabby be a bird?
- Because then I wouldn't hurt you. I learned at school that birds should not be harmed. They're a delight and a benefit to you. They also destroy the caterpillar where the master has no access.
- Well done, Palko, you've learned that well.
- Well? - the Palko's eyes lit up. - But Tabby can't sing. He can't even hold a mouse anymore, because all his teeth have fallen out. He's no use to us.
I didn't say anything, I just went into the pantry and got an oatmeal risotto.
- Well, come here, neighbour!
- What will become of it, uncle? - Palko looked at him with great fear.
- So I ask you, can you sing as beautifully as the canary bird.
- "Not me!" laughed Palko.
- Never mind! Is there any use for you? Can you help your father earn a living?
- Not me!
- Come on, let me put this oatmeal on your head and then go to the roof!
I could see that Wise Palko was very scared.
- Uncle, please, I'm not hurting anyone!
- "You see, my boy," I smiled to myself, "Cirmos doesn't hurt anyone. A wise man treats well the animal that benefits him, and treats with mercy the one that does no harm.
Palko certainly understood what I said. I can tell by the way his tabby moustache has always been milky ever since.
