The Richest Man In The Valley
A rich landowner named Carl often rode around his vast estate so
he could congratulate himself on his great wealth.
One day while riding around his estate on
his favorite horse, he saw Hans, an old tenant farmer.
Hans was sitting under a tree when
Carl rode by. Hans said, "I was just thanking God for my food."
Carl protested, "If that is all I had to eat, I wouldn't feel like giving
thanks."
Hans replied, "God has given me everything I need, and I am thankful for it."
The old farmer added, "It is strange you should come by today because I had a
dream last night.
In my dream a voice told me, 'The richest
man in the valley will die tonight.' I don't know what it means, but I thought
I ought to tell you."
Carl snorted, "Dreams are nonsense," and galloped away, but he could not forget
Hans' words: "The richest man in the valley will die tonight."
He was obviously the richest man in the
valley, so he invited his doctor to his house that evening. Carl told the doctor
what Hans had said. After a thorough examination, the doctor told the wealthy
landowner, "Carl, you are as strong and healthy as a horse. There is no way you
are going to die tonight."
Nevertheless, for assurance, the doctor stayed with Carl, and they played cards
through the night. The doctor left the next morning and Carl apologized for
becoming so upset over the old man's dream.
At about nine o'clock, a messenger arrived
at
Carl's door. "What is it?" Carl demanded. The messenger explained....
"It's about old Hans. He died last night in his sleep."
Author Unkown
