Once upon a time there lived a poor woodcutter in a small village. Once it was accidentally dropped his axe into the river. He was very upset, as he had no money to buy another axe.
Just then a water god appeared in the river holding out a golden axe to him. "I found this axe in the river. Is this yours?"
"That's not mine", replied the woodcutter. The water god then brought out a silver axe. The woodcutter disowned this one too. Finally, the water god held out a wooden axe. Smiling with happiness, the woodcutter said, "That's mine. Thank you very much."
The water god felt very happy seeing his honesty and said, "Such honesty deserves a reward." She gave the poor man all the three axes and disappeared.
Moral: Honest is the best policy.