A Fatal Disorder
In "A Fatal Disorder," a dying man, shot and on the verge of death, confesses to the District Attorney that he was the aggressor in the altercation, defying the typical narrative of self-defense found in many well-known moral stories. His unexpected honesty leaves officials stunned, as they are more accustomed to distorted dying declarations, highlighting the value-based moral lessons often present in simple moral stories. As the Police Surgeon humorously notes, it is the truth itself that is ultimately killing him, underscoring the weight of accountability in these short tales with moral implications.
Reveal Moral
"The moral of the story is that true accountability and honesty can be dangerously uncomfortable, especially when confronting one's own role in violence and conflict."
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The Conscientious Official
In "The Conscientious Official," a misguided railway Division Superintendent, while tampering with tracks, learns of his impending dismissal for incompetency. He argues that although there are many accidents on his division, they inflict less damage to the company's property than potential alternatives, revealing a twisted sense of duty. This life-changing story serves as a fable with moral lessons about responsibility and the consequences of misguided actions.
Two Footpads
In the simple short story "Two Footpads," two criminals share their misadventures while boasting about their robberies at a roadside resort. The First Footpad proudly claims to have robbed the Chief of Police, while the Second Footpad reveals a twist in his tale, admitting that he lost some of his own stolen loot when he attempted to rob the United States District Attorney. This quick read serves as a moral lesson about the unforeseen consequences of crime, reminding readers of the folly in boasting about such exploits.
The Wooden Guns
In "The Wooden Guns," a State Militia, seeking to save costs, requests wooden guns for practice, but the Governor prioritizes efficiency and provides them with real guns instead. The soldiers express their gratitude and promise to return the weapons if war arises, highlighting themes found in famous moral stories about responsibility and trust. This tale, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of choices made in the name of efficiency over prudence.