THE FOOLISH MERCHANT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 186, 4 May 1929, Page 26

THE FOOLISH MERCHANT

A merchant once took such precautions to safeguard a valuable racehorse that he boasted it was proof against the cleverest thief in Christendom. Day and night the animal was closely watched by four sturdy grooms. ' When his friends remonstrated with him for his recklessness in thus openly courting disaster, he vowed he would bestow a hundred guineas upon the man who succeeded in carrying it off. “Pooh I” exclaimed a young student who overheard the boast. “What reliance can be placed in a handful of drunken rogues?” “Nay, the men are sober enough,” was the reply, “for they have sworn that not a mouthful of strong drink shall pass their lips.” That same evening the young student, disguised as a labourer, entered the merchant’s stables and begged a match from the little group of

men who were standing around a newly-made stall. As he lit his pipe some good-humoured banter passed between them, and the men, seeing that the newcomer was a bit of a wag, encouraged him to stay, hoping thus to pass the weary hours of their watch. And. indeed, the stranger related such capital stories that soon the whole company was convulsed with laughter. “Faith,” cried one at last, “laughing is thirsty work.” And he glanced significantly at a can of fragrant coffee from which the stranger appeared to take frMuent draughts. “There’s* scarcely a drink apiece for you left,” was the good-natured reply. “But to what there is you are welcome." The men tipped up the can and drank .with evident relish. But' the coffee, which smelled so good, was mixed with a powerful drug, and one by one they fell asleep. Smiling to himself, the student led the horse quietly away and in the morning he claimed his reward.