The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

Chapter 31
Whose Brilliant Idea?
ooray? Hooray!” shouted a man at the top of his lungs.
“HStartled, the elderly men and women stared in amazement
at this loud disruption. The intruder was perfectly groomed, sporting
a fi nely trimmed moustache and wearing the latest gentleman’s
fashion. He charged into the room, heading an entourage of men
dressed in sleek dark suits, all carrying briefcases. They fawned
over him as if their lives depended on him. Their leader strode over
to the table for a cup of coffee, impatiently brushing off his followers
with a haughty wave of his hand. Sheep-like, they withdrew to
a corner of the room to await his summons.
“Congratulations,” said Jonathan, “for whatever you’re
celebrating.” Jonathan felt compelled to pour coffee for this dandy,
while studying the sharp lines and precision of his clothing. “Do
you mind my asking why you’re so happy?”
“Not at all,” the gentleman said proudly. “Thanks for the coffee.
Ow! It’s hot! Take a note of that, Number Two,” he said to a
follower who rushed up and pulled a notepad from his pocket.
Setting the coffee back down, the gentleman stuck his hand out to
Jonathan saying, “My name’s George Selden. What’s yours?”
“Jonathan. Jonathan Gullible. Pleased to meet you.”
George shook Jonathan’s hand fi rmly. “Jonathan, today my
riches are assured. I just won a decisive vote.”
“What vote?”
“By a vote of three to two, the High Court confi rmed my letter
patent for sharpmetalonastick.”
“What’s a letter patent?” asked Jonathan.
Thrusting his chest out proudly George declared, “It’s only the
most valuable piece of paper on Corrumpo. The Council issued
a letter giving me exclusive use of a revolutionary new idea for
cutting timber. No one may use sharpmetalonastick without my
permission. I’ll be fi lthy rich!”