Odditorium

An unusual caravan of travelers slipped into town under the cover of night. It wasn’t until the next morning that the residents noticed a new encampment along the river bank which ran through the center of town. People were brimming with curiosity as they made their way to the campsite. Signs lined the pathway, depicting odd-looking creatures of all shapes and sizes. An enormous banner hanging between the two main tents welcomed one and all to the Odditorium.

A man walking on stilts, dressed in a top hat and tails, greeted the growing crowd. Everyone waited anxiously to hear what he had to say. Once most of the townsfolk arrived, the unusually dressed man started his speech.

“Welcome one and all to the world’s only Odditorium. We are known as the Collectors of Unusual Things and, for a mere dollar, you can observe nature at its quirkiest. Have you ever seen a two-legged cow or a three-headed chicken? You will find them inside these tents. Included in your admission price are displays of Ancient Egyptian artifacts brought from thousands of miles away for your viewing pleasure. Now, for the price of admission, you may spend the day marveling at these and many more rarities. My associates will be happy to collect your entry fees.”

“Hang on now, mister. I don’t recall your outfit being issued a permit for this show. I would know since I’m the Mayor.”

Multiple boos sounded from inside the crowd as the man on stilts pulled something from his pocket and bent over to speak with the city leader in a hushed voice.

“Mr. Mayor, will this cover our permit fees?” The man in charge of the camp handed him a golden egg.

At first, the city father looked skeptically at the egg, but when he took it in his hand, the weight convinced him the egg was indeed actually gold.

“This will do nicely, sir. How did you come by such a prize if you don’t mind me asking?”

“We have a goose that lays them, of course. As you wander through our camp, you will see many unusual and valuable items that we and our ancestors have collected over the years. My brethren and I travel around the globe searching for treasures, so we may display them in towns such as yours. Naturally, we only show precious items like our golden goose to special guests such as you. This normally takes place the night we are ready to move on to the next town. Would you and some of your ministers like to join us for a private tour on our last night in town?”

“It would be an honor, sir, but I don’t think I’ll be bringing anyone with me. There is no need to expose these valuable items to more people than necessary.”

“You’re very considerate, Mayor. We never bring the rare treasures into town. On our last day here, I’ll send you the location where you are to meet us. Until then, good sir, enjoy the exhibits. The three-headed chicken will make you laugh.”

The encampment remained on the riverbanks for five days. On day five, true to his word, the group leader sent the mayor a message about the time and location of their meeting. The mayor, true to his nature, organized some local militiamen for a raid on the designated location. As the clock in the town square struck midnight, the mayor, along with his raiders, descended on the meeting place.

The collectors had also spent the day preparing for a raid, just not the one the mayor was planning. They hid on the hills above the town and watched as the mayor moved out for his attack. When the time was right, they descended on the town, taking everything they could steal. The town’s people could not defend themselves.

Later that evening, while dividing up their loot, one man asked their leader how he had conned the mayor.

“Remember the rock you dipped in molten gold? I told him we had a goose that laid golden eggs. Greed always loses in the end.”