A Cherokee Indian chief had three wives, each of whom was pregnant.

The first squaw gave birth to a boy, and the chief was so elated he built her a tepee made of buffalo hide.

A few days later, the second squaw gave birth, and also had a boy. The chief was extremely happy; he built her a tepee made of antelope hide.

The third squaw gave birth a few days later, but the chief kept the birth details a secret. He built the woman a tepee out of hippopotamus hide, and challenged the people in the tribe to guess the most recent birth details, the correct guesser receiving a fine prize.

Several of his people tried, but were unsuccessful in their guesses.

Finally, a young brave came forth and declared that the third wife had delivered twin boys. "Correct"!, cried the chief. "How did you know"?

"It's simple", replied the warrior. "The value of the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides."