THE STORY OF THE SIX-FINGERED CHINAMEN

A wise old man of ancient China was known far and wide for his
wisdom and ability to solve difficult problems.  Many men came to
him asking for advice.  One day, a merchant brought him this
problem:-

     "I have six men, each skilled with the Abacus.  In a short
     time, I am going to need more such men to deal with an
     increase in my business which will amount to one-fifth more
     than I now have.  But, I cannot afford the capital investment
     of another man and another Abacus and even if I could, one man
     would not be enough, and two men would be too much.  After
     three moons have come and gone, I will no longer need any
     extra men, for my business will then return to normal."

     "O Wise One, what shall I do?"

The wise mad pondered the problem for several days, and finally
summoned the merchant.

     "The solution to your problem is simple.  You must insist that
     each of the Abacus men who work for you now must grow another
     finger on each hand - and henceforth you must hire only
     twelve-finged men to replace them.   By doing this, your
     Abacus Department will be increased by EXACTLY one-fifth, and
     you will not have to hire any extra men."

The merchant smiled - his problem was now solved.  He thanked the
old man a thousand times and bowed out of his presence.   As he was
leaving, he hesitated, and turned to speak to the old man once
more:-

     "O Wise One, you have truly given me the solution to my
     problem.  But,"....he paused..."how do I get my Abacus men to
     grow extra fingers?"

The Wise Man looked at the merchant, puffed on his pipe for a
moment, and said:

     "That is a good question my son, and you are to be commended
     for asking it.  But, alas, I only make policy recommendations,
     the details are up to you!"