Library / Fantastic Fables

The Highwayman and the Traveller

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

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Gunpoint robbery played for laughs.

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The Highwayman and the Traveller

A Highwayman confronted a Traveller, and covering him with a firearm, shouted: "Your money or your life!"

"My good friend," said the Traveller, "according to the terms of your demand my money will save my life, my life my money; you imply you will take one or the other, but not both. If that is what you mean, please be good enough to take my life."

"That is not what I mean," said the Highwayman; "you cannot save your money by giving up your life."

"Then take it, anyhow," the Traveller said. "If it will not save my money, it is good for nothing."

The Highwayman was so pleased with the Traveller's philosophy and wit that he took him into partnership, and this splendid combination of talent started a newspaper.

What is he mocking?
Newspapers are robbers by another name; a highwayman and his clever victim start one together.

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Discussion questions

  1. What do you think motivated the Highwayman to partner with the Traveller instead of taking his money?
  2. How does the Traveller's response change the dynamics of the encounter?
  3. Can you think of a time when cleverness helped you or someone else in a difficult situation?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: Jupiter and the Sharecropper