The Magical Beggar's Box

One day a generous stranger passed by a beggar and deposited generously into his box.

In an instant and from nowhere unattainable objects he desired most — a pair of magnificent shoes and watch — appeared, but were strangely giant. The beggar motioned the stranger to take them.

Startled, the stranger collected the enormous shoes and watch then departed uncertainly. Onlookers gazed in amazement at what they were certain was a trick.

With each passing contributor the same curious events repeated, only with different objects and varying in size.

Word of the magical beggar's box spread, and before long crowds of hungry prospectors massed, anxious to profit from the wonder in their midst.

Some thought the opulence of the gifts reflected the donation size, so deposited small fortunes. They became bitter when small plastic pens or a gentle breeze or nothing at all appeared, and angrily retrieved it. The deposit though slipped as if liquid through their hands, returning to the box.

Others thought it was the happiness of their expression, so gave with an outward cheer — but quickly learned it was not so.

Others still thought it was mere chance, like a strange lottery.

It appeared the greedy received little, and the unsuspecting generous received richly.

But soon the generous grew jealous of what each other received, comparing amongst themselves. They questioned the truth the box told. And their rewards stopped. Soon no one gave for the begging man but for themselves.

The magical box no longer worked, and over time the people questioned if the strange events had happened at all.