M U
The
Traveler
and the
Innkeeper
A traveler stopped at an inn. He sat and watched
people closely, like a
predator. He
heard the old innkeeper talking to a young man in the
core of the inn.
“I just need to borrow some money. I swear that I’ll spend it in
moderation, and my
friend will pay you
back tomorrow,” the man said. The innkeeper gave his
consent and
pulled out some money.
The traveler knew that this was a trick. The man was going
to leave with the poor innkeeper’s money and never return.
He felt
compassion for the nice innkeeper and did not want
him to be tricked. The
cunning traveler decided to teach the
innkeeper a lesson.
The traveler walked over to the innkeeper and sat down.
The innkeeper had
started to grind coffee beans to make
coffee. He made the coffee and
handed the traveler a
saucer and a cup. The two started talking. After a while the
traveler yawned and then
growled like a wolf.
“Are you not
sane? I thought I just heard you growl,”
said the innkeeper.
“I did. I am cursed. Every time
I yawn three times in a row,
I turn into a wolf and attack people.”
The innkeeper became
tense. Then the traveler yawned again. As the
traveler started to yawn
a third time, the innkeeper turned to run outside. As he
ran, the traveler
snatched his coat. The scared innkeeper
staggered outside and
tumbled
into the street.
The traveler followed him out because he did not want to
withhold the truth any longer.
He just wanted to
foster happiness and restore the innkeeper’s emotional
equilibrium.
The innkeeper was
dizzy, and he
stumbled. The traveler helped him stand up.
“That was a trick,” the traveler said as he
returned the coat.
“Oh, good. I
cherish this coat,”
responded
the innkeeper.
“Well, hopefully this will teach you that
you shouldn’t believe every story that you
hear.”
