The Imp in the Tree

A wise old traveler once walked along a long and lonesome path through a dark and strange forest. A impish little man was sitting up above him in a crooked and gnarled old tree and asked the man, ‘Where are you traveling to on this late hour stranger?’ ‘To a far away land of peace and plenty beyond yonder hills to rest my old travelers bones.’ said the wise traveler to the imp. ‘Then let us play at some cards for a while before you travel further on your way. It is a fun way to pass the time, and who knows, perchance it may enhance your purse greatly.’ So the two men played at cards for a while with the impish little fellow still sitting above in the crook of the old tree, and the old traveler standing below trying his luck at a hand or two of cards. The purse was a handsome one and they both hoped to walk away the winner. Richer and wiser by far. But if the old man had three of a kind, the imp would have four, and he would easily win the hand. If the old man had a straight, the imp would have a full house and win once again. If the traveler held a full house in his hands, the imp would sport a royal flush, and walk away with money and the kitty once more. “There is time for just one more hand,’ said the wise traveler having lost all his earnings to the imp, ‘So let us throw all our riches in the pot and let the winner take it all.’ said he. The impish little fellow in the tree agreed eagerly, happy to win it all from the old man one last time. And smiled. So the old man held only a pair of Jacks and little else. The imp held nothing this time around but was sure that he could bluff the old man into submission having won him so often before at the game of chance. But the old man never wavered and played out to the end, calling the imp’s bluff at the last call of the cards. The impish little man had to show his hand eventually and it was plain to see he was only bluffing after all. The wise old man won the last round and the whole pot of wealth with the lowest hand possible, only two Jacks had he to show after it all, but it was enough to call the little fellow’s bluff and win back all his money with a handsome return in the bargain. ‘Let that be a lesson to you imp,’ said the wise man ‘That it is not always the highest hand that wins in the end. But he who is the most honest often comes out on top in life.’ ‘Well played stranger,’ replied the little imp ‘And travel well on you way to riches and fortune.’ he added. ‘Fair well my impish little fellow, and may this strange path through the dark and lonesome forest bring you many more partners in the game of fortune and chance.’ And they each traveled on along their way from that day on. Older but wiser. Mischief makes for strange company sometimes.