The Shepherd's Treasure

Water to drink and a share of his own meagre meal

Step 1: When the king arrived disguised as a traveller, the shepherd welcomed him warmly. Step 2: The story says he 'gave him water to drink and a share of his own meagre meal.' Step 3: 'Meagre' means very little — the shepherd was poor but still shared what he had. Step 4: He did not have gold, fine meals, or comfortable beds to offer. This act shows his generous and hospitable nature.

He called him 'Your Majesty.'

Step 1: When the king said he wanted to leave, the shepherd replied. Step 2: The shepherd said 'Thank you, Your Majesty, for paying me the compliment of a visit.' Step 3: By saying 'Your Majesty,' the shepherd revealed that he had recognised the king despite his disguise. Step 4: This shows the shepherd's great wisdom and sharp observation. Calling him 'dear friend' or 'sir' would not show this wisdom.

The king made him the governor of a small district.

Step 1: The king was very impressed by the shepherd's wisdom and hospitality. Step 2: He thought, 'I need people like him to work for me.' Step 3: The story says 'the king appointed this humble shepherd the governor of a small district.' Step 4: A governor manages and looks after a region. The shepherd was not made a soldier, minister, or tax collector.

Because his fame as a fair and wise governor spread throughout the country.

Step 1: After becoming governor, the shepherd ruled fairly and wisely. Step 2: The story says 'His fame as a fair and wise governor soon spread throughout the country.' Step 3: This made the other governors feel jealous and insecure. Step 4: Jealousy often comes when someone else gets more praise or attention. The other options about richness, food, or armies are not mentioned in the story.