Fearless John - story
Once upon a time, there lived an old woman. She used to live near the forest. One day, she heard strange sounds coming from the forest. She wanted to go and check it out but hesitated because it could be some animal who would find her easy prey, of course. She did not want to send her young helper who was a masculine figure but was a bit afraid of anything.
The helper, John had also heard these sounds and came up to her and actually looked at her pleadingly fearing she may ask him to go check it out. She did not however and he went back to his chore of chopping wood. The wood had to be done before the rains came.
The sounds died out quickly but then came the smoke from the middle of the forest. They could see the smoke rising from between the trees. A strange smell also arose. What could it be, the old woman wondered. It was not one from cooking, nor was it from any cleaning. It was more like something to do with pungent stuff.
She looked quickly to where John stood and told him to go to the town and report to the police that someone was trying to prepare illegal liquor. He looked at her and wondered how she knew. She told him that she had learned how to recognize smells. He asked her if she would be okay with remaining alone for a while and she said she would lock herself inside.
John made sure she was safe and took his motorbike out and rolled it instead of starting it with noise. He did not want to startle the trespassers. He went for a while along the path and then approached the town police and reported the incident. They agreed to follow him and also arranged a city squad in case there were more people who might retort to violence.
John now went along with the police inside the forest and sure enough, there were a few hefty men who were busy preparing some liquor-like substance. They were surprised to see the police and tried to attack but were soon overpowered by the police and John who had become quite fearless now except he did jump when a squirrel shot by and everyone had a laugh.