A fourth-grade teacher wanted to see how well her students could use logic, so she decided to give them a quick thinking exercise.

She stood in front of the class and said, “Children, I want you to listen very carefully. Don’t rush your answers. Think about the situation first.”

The students became quiet and looked at her with curiosity.

The teacher began, “Imagine a man is out fishing in the middle of a river. He is standing in a small boat, holding his fishing rod, when suddenly the boat rocks.”

The children listened closely.

“He loses his balance,” she continued, “falls into the water, and immediately begins shouting for help.”

A few students gasped.

“Now,” the teacher said, “his wife is nearby. She hears him yelling and she knows that her husband cannot swim.”

The class grew even quieter.

“So,” the teacher went on, “she runs as fast as she can to the bank.”

Then she folded her arms, smiled, and asked, “Who can tell me why she ran to the bank?”

The students looked puzzled. Some frowned in concentration. Others whispered softly to themselves, trying to work it out.

After a moment, one little girl raised her hand with complete confidence.

The teacher smiled, pleased to see someone ready to answer. “Yes, Emily?”

Emily sat up straight, looked around the classroom proudly, and said:

“To withdraw all his savings.”