Two Footpads
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that even in wrongdoing, one's ambitions and outcomes can vary greatly, often with unexpected consequences.
Historical Context
This story reflects the tradition of humorous anecdotes found in early 20th-century American literature, particularly in the context of the rise of urban crime and the colorful characters that emerged during that time. Its style echoes the works of writers like O. Henry, known for their witty narratives and twist endings, often highlighting the absurdity of social situations and the cunning of rogues. The interplay between the footpads—common thieves—and their exaggerated exploits showcases a cultural fascination with the underbelly of society, as well as a comedic critique of authority figures.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the pitfalls of overestimating one's prowess and the consequences of engaging in deceitful behavior, which mirrors modern-day scenarios where individuals may boast about their exploits without considering the risks or the reality of their situations. For example, in a corporate setting, an employee might exaggerate their achievements to impress peers, only to be exposed later for inflating their contributions, ultimately damaging their credibility and career prospects.
You May Also Like
An Officer and a Thug
In "An Officer and a Thug," a Chief of Police reprimands an Officer for beating a Thug, only to hilariously discover that both are stuffed figures. This humorous exchange, a standout among well-known moral stories, underscores the absurdity of their situation and offers a life lesson about perspective and understanding. The Chief's unintentional reveal of his own stuffed nature serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness in personal growth.
The Return of the Representative
In "The Return of the Representative," a group of disgruntled citizens from an Assembly District, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, convene to decide extreme punishments for their absent representative, contemplating disembowelment and hanging. Their plans take an unexpected turn when the representative arrives in a celebratory coach, greeted by a brass band, declaring it the proudest moment of his life, much to the dismay of the crowd. This classic moral story highlights the irony of public sentiment and the disconnect between representatives and their constituents.
The Goose and the Swan
In this moral story, a wealthy man keeps a Goose for food and a Swan for her beautiful singing. When the Cook mistakenly tries to kill the Swan instead of the Goose, she sings to save herself, but tragically dies from the strain of her efforts. This short story serves as a poignant lesson about the futility of sacrifice when faced with greed, making it a valuable tale for both kids and adults.
Other names for this story
"Highway Heist, Grog and Grit, The Footpad Chronicles, Rogue Revelries, Mischief Makers, The Great Escape, Lawless Laughter, Bravado at the Bar"
Did You Know?
This story cleverly highlights the absurdity of crime and the ironic twists of fate, illustrating how even the most audacious criminals can find themselves outmatched by their own ambitions or miscalculations. The humorous exchange between the two footpads underscores the theme of competition and the unexpected consequences of their actions.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.