Thompson K265 — The fee used up before the main question is reached

The fee used up before the main question is reached. A man with an unsolved question seeks the help of a wit. The latter refuses to answer unless paid. He takes small fees for each easy question leading up to the principal question. Before reaching that point the fee is exhausted, and the question remains unanswered. Wesselski Hodscha Nasreddin I 214 No. 39.