There were two boys, Nilo and Liko. Their mother died after the youngest, Liko was born. Shortly after, their father died as well. Nilo and Liko only had each other, and became very close.
They tended a farm, in which they grew many vegetables and beautiful flowers. Many people bought their produce. However, their farm work was hard because they had to get water from a faraway river. They had an old pump on their land, but it no longer worked.
One day, Liko was coming from the river with two pails of water, when he heard barking. He glanced around for the source but did not see anything. It stopped eventually. Liko went to rest under a tree, and the barking resumed. He pushed through the bushes and found a dog that was injured. Poor dog, Liko thought. He washed its wounds, tore pieces of his clothes and wrapped its wounds. The dog licked his hands in thanks. Liko turned to leave, but the dog said to him, “Can I have some water? I’m very thirsty.”
Liko jumped, in shock. The dog asked again. So Liko gave him some of his water.
The dog wagged its tail and smiled at Liko, “You are a kind boy. I shall give you a gift. You must tell no one, absolutely no one.” Liko agreed, and the dog explained, “Use the old pump at your home each night and your gift shall come forth.”
Liko walked away excited, but as he was almost home, he regretted not telling the dog he had to tell his brother this secret. Liko went to the pump and used it, and a gold bar dropped into his pail. The same happened the second day. Liko wanted to tell his brother, but he could not. Maybe he could keep the secret longer.
On the third day, his brother Nilo noticed Liko wasn’t talking to him much.
“Are you okay?” Nilo asked, “I can go fetch water if you’re not feeling well.”
“I’m okay,” Liko replied, but still felt guilt-stricken.
When Liko tried to pump and it produced more gold, he thought of how to tell his brother about where this came from. Or if he tried to sell it, he knew he would be asked questions. How could he do anything with this gold if he couldn’t tell others?
He went to his brother with the pail full of gold and explained everything to Nilo, and how the old pump now produced gold. Nilo went to the pail, but it was filled with water instead. Liko saw the dog’s words were true.
“No Liko, this is even better!” Nilo ran to the pump and from it water gushed forth instead. “This is better than gold, Liko!”
Nilo and Liko were able to gather water for the crops much easier, and lived together in prosperity.