R. Jose had an ass which he let out for hire to those who wanted to ride upon him or to carry burdens, in order to earn some money. And when the ass came home in the evening, he brought the money along, for the people knew the habits of the animal. They tied the money round his neck when he finished his work, and if they put in too much or too little, the ass would not budge, for he was so pious that he would not take more than was due.

One day a man hired the animal, hung his pay round his neck as usual, but had

forgotten to take off a pair of shoes which were on the animal's back. The ass refused to go home, for he had noticed that there was something hanging from his back which did not belong to him. So he waited till the man took off the shoes, and then he went home. So pious was the ass of R. Jose of Yokreh.