“WHAT THOU DESERVEST
THAT THOU SHALT HAVE.”
On three sides of the room sat three statues, and at the feet of each statue stood a heavy chest:
The first statue was of gold, and over its head were written these words:
“WHO CHOOSES HERE TAKES THE BEST THAT THE EARTH HAS TO GIVE.”
The second statue was of silver, and over its head was written these words:
“WHO CHOOSES HERE TAKES WHAT THE RICH MAN LOVES.”
The third statue was of dull lead, and over its head was written:
“WHO CHOOSES HERE TAKES WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE.”
The man touched the chest at the feet of the golden statue with the little black stone. And—click! clack!—up flew the lid, and the chest was full of all kinds of precious stones.