Several animals lived in Champakvan. King Shersingh was wise and strong and all the animals respected him.

One day, King Shersingh disguised himself and went on a tour of his kingdom. 

While wandering about, he lost his way. He tried to find his way back by following landmarks but the sun had set and it was dark. 

He saw light in a small cave and walked towards it. A rabbit was sitting alone in the cave. “Hello, if it’s not too much trouble, can you lead me to the palace?” asked Shersingh, politely.

Surprised to see a visitor, the rabbit said, “Hello, I too am new to this jungle. Sorry, but I can’t help you.” 

“New to this jungle? But I haven’t heard of any new animal entering my kingdom from any of my ministers,” thought Shersingh. 

“What is your name and why do you live alone?” he asked. 

“My name is Cheeku and I have been living here for a couple of months. And as for loneliness, we have all come into this world alone and will leave this world alone,” Cheeku replied. 

Shersingh was impressed by this answer. He thought, “This animal seems to be wise. He can be of use to me. I should take him with me to my palace.”

“Would you like to come with me? I can give you good food and new clothes. You will get to live in a good house,” proposed Shersingh. 

“You are a stranger to me. How can I go with you?” asked Cheeku. 

It was then Shersingh revealed his true identity and Cheeku agreed to go with him.

Both reached the palace the next morning and Cheeku was given a room in the palace to live. He started enjoying a comfortable life there.

One day, someone broke into Jumpy the Monkey’s house and stole his valuables. Distraught, Jumpy wailed outside his house. The animals of Champakvan tried to console him. This was the fourth theft in the week. Tina the Deer, Meeku the Mouse, Kalu the Jackal, Damru the Donkey, Ranjo the Peacock and Chichi the Mynah decided to take the issue to the king.

“This is enough! We cannot sit quietly! Today, Jumpy’s house is robbed. Tomorrow, it will be ours,” chirped Chichi. All animals agreed with her and they went to the king’s court.

As soon as King Shersingh heard about the theft, he roared, “Who is this thief who has been repeatedly committing crimes in my jungle? Why hasn’t the police caught him yet?” 

“My king, we haven’t been able to find him. He leaves no clues,” said inspector Blacky the Bear.

“Your Majesty, my house was robbed when I was sleeping. As soon as I opened my eyes in the morning, my cupboard was open and everything inside was stolen,” sobbed Jumpy. 

The King thought for a while and then ordered that this case would be handled by Cheeku.

Cheeku hopped in and declared, “I have solved the case. Now listen to me carefully, everyone.”

“Time has proven that the animal who steals clothes or money is caught easily as his hair grows five inches long in just one night. Since the robbery took place last night, we all will meet again tomorrow morning. All animals should be present and anyone who doesn’t come will be declared as the thief.” 

The king and everyone present there were bewildered by what Cheeku had said and wondered how justice could be delivered like this. 

But they all went back to their houses. 

Damru the Donkey who was the thief, panicked. “My hair will grow five inches longer by morning and everyone will know that I am the thief.” Suddenly, he had an idea. He picked up the scissors and trimmed his hair five inches short. 

“Now, my hair won’t look longer even if it grows five inches more,” he said looking at himself in the mirror. 

Next morning, all the animals came to court. Damru’s trimmed hair was clearly noticeable. Everyone wondered why he had cut his hair five inches short. 

The king understood Cheeku’s wise trick that had fooled Damru. 

“Damru, you fell for what Cheeku had said yesterday and trimmed your hair. It is you who has been stealing, isn’t it?” asked Shersingh.

Damru stood silently, bowing his head as he was caught red-handed. Shersingh punished him and thanked Cheeku for his work and titled him as the wisest in the kingdom.