The great hero Robert

Author: Engineer M. M. E. Hossain

Once upon a time, in a village in Norway, there lived a young boy. He was very wise. His knowledge was not infinite, but it was more than that of the people around him. He was a good boy.

Once Robert went from his father's house to the seaside area to meet a sailor. There he saw a harbor filled with small boats and large ships. There was a huge market. Which could open the way to wealth for any person. Which fascinated him. But, he also worried that if a ship or boat lost its way and never returned, or was caught in a storm, or hit by an iceberg during the winter, then there would be no choice but to destroy all life and property. He looked and saw some soldiers carrying some people wrapped in cloths in horse-drawn carts to the far end of the harbor. And everyone, as if trembling with fear, moved away. He saw that that-people were sick. As soon as the soldiers left with that people, everyone seemed to be breathing heavily. He didn't understand why this had happened. He was curious to know why the soldiers had taken them. Anyway, he had to meet with the sailor Portella Vaughan now. He walks along the street and asks various people about the address of the sailor Portella Vaughan. After much searching, he finds the sailor.

Sailor Vaughan: “Good evening, Robert.”

Robert: “Good evening, sir.”

Sailor Vaughan: "Your father is a very familiar person to me. Some years ago, your father told me about you. Apart from your father, many people in your area have greatly appreciated your knowledge and intelligence. Now, if I give you a task, will you fulfill it?"

Robert: “Sir, I am not worthy of the praise you have given me. However, I will try to fulfill my duties as a wise and virtuous person like you to the best of my ability. Sir, I have something to ask.”

Sailor Vaughan: “Yes, you may.”

Sailor Vaughan: “They have wounds on their bodies. However, the doctors have not been able to create any antidote for it, so they have petitioned the king to throw them on a deserted island in the country.”

Robert: “But, this is extremely unjust and tantamount to murder.”

Sailor Vaughan: "Yes, that's right. But what can I do? People are getting sick in various places in Norway. It's not an epidemic yet. But it seems like it's only a matter of time before it becomes one."

Robert: "Sir, what should I do now?"

Sailor Vaughan: "But, this kind of thing didn't just happen in your village. Tell me, do you eat any special foods or medicines that prevent your body from getting sores?"

Robert: "My father once brought an orange tree from England. I planted it five years ago. The fruit of tree is very sweet. We had other orange trees in our village. But, they were sour. Gradually they were cut down. And, they took the saplings from me and planted them. We mix them with food and drink.”

Sailor Vaughn: “So, this change is destroying us.”

Robert: “Sir, what a change!”

Sailor Vaughan: "In our country, even though the oranges turned sour, everyone used to eat them. We sailors bring sweet oranges from different parts of Europe, so people are reluctant to eat sour ones. But, our imports are insufficient and they are expensive. Because of this, the poor can eat little. But ...”

Robert: “Sir, are you thinking of something?”

Sailor Vaughan: “Yes, Robert. A large part of the sour orange trees in Norway have been cut down. Most of the people don’t even know how to plant sweet oranges. So, I will send you to the king and put you in charge of the agricultural department. Because the King of Norway has given me the task of bringing agricultural experts from another country. Will you take this responsibility?”

Robert: “It is an honor for me, sir.”

Then the sailor Portella Vaughan wrote two letters, one to the King and the other to Robert’s father. Then, some soldiers came and took Robert to the king. The king read the letter from the sailor Vaughan and appointed him as an agriculturist. Robert served his duty faithfully for two years. He made everyone aware, explained in detail the method of keeping and planting sweet and sour orange trees and how to eat them. Through which everyone's wounds started to heal and everyone realized their mistakes. And, Robert became a great hero.