The BridgeOne morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I am looking for a few days work" he said, "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? "Yes," said the older brother, "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at the farm, that's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between is. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence - an 8 foot fence - so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The carpenter said, "I think that I understand the situation, show me the nails and the post hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all day, measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job, the farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all - it was a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother was coming across, his hands outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I have said and done". The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge and then they met in the middle, taking each others hand, they turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No wait! Stay a few days, I've got lots of projects for you, said the older brother." "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build." Author Unknown HOME BACK  NEXT
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