Two monks traveling in company together came by a loaf of dry bread which they divided between themselves. Not having eaten for days, it was a welcome pittance. The first monk gave thanks profusely, while the second uttered nothing, preparing enthusiastically to consume his portion of the find. Familiar with the latter's insufferable bent toward bypassing devotions, the conscientiously pious monk prayed all the more fervently for both of them the customary table-grace.
While thus engaged, eyes tightly drawn, jaw firmly set, with hands clasped in emphatic rightousness, he could not have noticed the stranger passing by. His incorrigably undisciplined brother, on the other hand, judging the visitor's condition to look much worse for wear than either of theirs, calmly and without hesitation or thought, gave his share of the catch to the stranger, and this with a nod and finger to his lips, so as not to distract his companion's devotions.
The stranger disappeared quietly and grace continued uninterrupted. Since this simple monk failed to mention the incident entirely, his companion in the Order had to assume, as usual, that his holy brother had once again thoughtlessly gone and devoured his half during the grace.
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