When after a long time the master returned, he desired his servants to account for the way in which they had employed the money.

The first had increased it tenfold.

'I am glad,' said the master, 'and because you are faithful in little I will trust you much--keep the gold.' The second servant had increased the money twofold; the master praised him also, and gave him both principal and interest.

Then he asked the third servant what he had done with his money.

'Master,' replied the man, 'it wasn't much to begin with, so I wouldn't risk losing it.