The Clever Gambler

Some time ago, when gambling was still illegal in the state of Massachusetts, four old friends were sitting in the back of a small New England general store, quietly playing poker, when the sheriff suddenly burst through the door.

“Gambling again, eh?” he barked. “This time, I’m taking you all in to teach you a lesson.”

The first man quickly protested, “Not me, sheriff—I just stopped by for a chat.”

The second man chimed in, “Wasn’t playing,…