Hodja Nasreddin who lived in the Shah's palace under the name of Hussein Guslia decided that it was high time to get out of the palace. Meanwhile he was chatting with the guards on duty in the palace and telling stories to them.
“Tell, us, Hussein Guslia,” said the guards, “where stars fall from the sky and why people never find them on the earth.”
“Don't you know?” he answered seriously. “When stars fall down, they break into small silver coins. Those who know about it collect them. I have known some people who became rich in this way.”
The guards looked at each other in astonishment.

When silence settled over the palace and darkness fell, Hodja Nasreddin went down and directed his steps to the gate choosing the most shaded places. What was his surprise at hearing the quiet voices of the guards near the gate!
“Wouldn't it be great if at least one star fell here!” said the fat lazy guard. “We would collect all the silver and become rich at once!”
“You know, I still don't believe that stars can break into silver coins,” the second guard answered. “But this is what the Sage of Baghdad says,” the first one replied. “Everyone knows that he is very wise. He is certainly right.”

Stars were twinkling quietly over Bukhara. Suddenly one little star fell down, leaving a glaring flashy scroll behind itself, then another one. It was midsummer, the time of star showers was approaching. Suddenly, a good idea came into Nasreddin's mind. He took hastily his fat purse out of the pocket. He hadn't waited long before another star clove the air. Nasreddin started throwing handfuls of silver coins and the silver was chinking on the stone slabs.
The guards first stiffened with astonishment, then half get up staring at each other. Suddenly several stars fell from the sky at the same time. Nasreddin Hodja threw another handful of silver coins. They jingled melodiously in the hush of the night. The guards threw their arms away and rushed to collect the coins.

 

They made such a noise that Nasreddin slipped past them without being seen and went out through the gate.