Marcos was a hard—working farmer. Every day he asked his only son Paolo to help him in the fields, but Paolo hardly ever got out of bed before noon. One evening Marcos's old friend Luigi stopped by. "Marcos. why aren't your fields ready for planting? "Marcos explained that he was old and his back hurt. He said that Paolo was lazy and did not help with the farming. " Marcos, you need to use your brain as much as your back. I have an idea for you," said Luigi.
Early the next morning Marcos rushed into Paolo's room. "I've found your grandfather's map!" he cried. "We may find where he buried his gold coins!" Paolo jumped out of bed at once. He. dug in. the fields all day. While Paolo dug, his father followed along, dropping something from his bag into the ground. When they went in for dinner that night, Paolo was very tired and said, "I think Grandfather was old when he made his map. I don't think I'll dig tomorrow. "
Paolo returned to his lazy way and slept all morning. One day Marcos rushed into Paolo's room and cried, "Paolo! I've found the treasure in the field!" Paolo sleepily went out to look. He said, "There is nothing here but lines and lines of vegetables. "
Marcos smiled. "Paolo, it is all around you. We have enough food to make it through the winter, with plenty more to sell!": His one day of hard work had provided him with real treasure. He learned an important lesson. He could make a good living with a little hard work. Then he became a good farmer and made his father proud.
