Long, long ago there lived a hermit who never sinned. God was very pleased with him.
One day, seeing a man being hanged, the hermit remarked, “The man is getting what he deserved.”
God was displeased with the hermit for making such a remark. He declared that the hermit would have to repent till the time three green twigs appeared on a dry branch.
The repentant hermit was once explaining to three robbers how he was still atoning for one little mistake.
Listening to the hermit’s story, the robbers realised their mistake too and begged for God’s mercy. Just then, three twigs sprouted from the branch and everyone understood that to be the sign of forgiveness. They rejoiced for the hermit and vowed never to commit a crime again.