10/24/2025
The Trickster and the Old Man’s Well
Once upon a time, a clever trickster sold his old well to a kind but sharp-witted old man.
The next morning, the trickster stopped the man on the road, his eyes glinting with mischief.
“I sold you the well,” he said slyly, “but not the water inside it. If you want to draw water, you’ll have to pay me for it.”
The old man looked at him quietly for a moment, then smiled.
“Ah, I’m glad you mentioned that,” he said. “I was just about to visit you. You see, since the well is mine now, your water is sitting on my property. If you don’t remove it soon, I’ll have to charge you rent for keeping it there.”
The trickster blinked, his grin fading as the truth of the situation sank in. The old man tipped his hat and went on his way, leaving the trickster speechless.
Sometimes, those who try to outsmart others end up outsmarted themselves.