Once at a crossroad, Mulla Nasruddin Hodja saw a portly nobleman riding towards him.


“I say, Mulla,” said the man


“Which is the way to the palace?”


“How did you know I was a Mulla?” asked Hodja.


The nobleman had a habit of addressing every scholarly-looking man as “Mulla,” which was a title given to learned men and meant “master” but he didn't want to tell Hodja that.


“How did I know?” he bragged

“Well, I'm a mind-reader, that's how.”


“Pleased to meet you,” said Hodja


“As to your question, read my mind and proceed.”