The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

Chapter 17
The Special Interest Carnival
The sun was setting as Jonathan returned to the steps of the
library. To his delight, the town came to life after dark; people began
milling about in the square. More and more people streamed toward
a magnifi cent carnival tent standing near the GLIB.
Gawking at the lights, sights, and sounds, Jonathan wandered
over to the spectacular tent. A colourful sign overhead read:
“CARNIVAL OF SPECIAL INTERESTS.”
A striking woman wearing a tight, garishly-coloured costume
sprang out of the crowd and shouted to all: “Hear ye, hear ye!
For the thrill of a lifetime, step right up to the Carnival of Special
Interests.” She spotted Jonathan, whose eyes opened wide with
surprise, and grabbed his arm. “Everyone is a winner, young man.”
“What’s it cost?” asked Jonathan.
“Bring in ten kayns and walk out with a fabulous prize!” she
replied. The woman gestured widely to the crowd, “Hear ye, hear
ye! The Carnival of Special Interests will make you rich!”
Not having enough money, Jonathan waited until the woman
was busy with others and then crept around to the back of the tent.
He lifted the edge of the canvas to peer inside. People sat on stands
along the sides of the tent. In the middle, ushers in uniform directed
participants to chairs arranged in a large circle. Ten participants
stood or kneeled behind their chairs expectantly. Then, half the
candles were snuffed, a drum rolled, and hidden trumpets blared
a fanfare. A brilliant lamp fl ashed on a handsome man wearing a
shiny black suit and silk top hat. He bowed low to the circle of ten.
“Good evening,” said the man, fl ashing a gleaming white-toothed
smile. “I am the Circle Master! Tonight, you fortunate ten will be
the lucky winners in our remarkable game. All of you will win. All
of you will leave happier than when you entered. Please be seated.”
With that and a swift fl ourish of his white-gloved hand, the Circle
Master collected one kayn from each participant. No one hesitated.