The wealthy can occasionally be remarkably generous fellows! For instance, Jack was practically throwing money around without a second thought…
Generous Jew
Jack was regarded as an exceptionally generous guy. It was both an ordinary thing and a peculiarity at the same time.
Millionaires often engage in various forms of philanthropy. They donate money to orphans, the disabled, the starving, and other social groups whose lives have fallen on difficult times. Yet, Jack was Jewish – and therein lay the unusual matter…
A Monument for Generosity
Relatives condemned the generous banker who gave money away left, right, and centre. Some branded him a fool, others deemed him mad, while a few claimed he was unworthy of belonging to the Jewish people. Yet Jack paid no heed to any of them, collectively or individually, and continued to donate funds to all those in need.
One fine day, when the total sum of the renowned philanthropist’s donations reached an utterly extravagant number of zeros, a monument was erected in his honour. The bronze statue was exceptionally lavish! Moreover, it was meticulously adorned with the finest gilding. The monument was placed directly opposite the casino owned by the banker.
No Luck in Casino
At the gambling establishment owned by the generous Jew, many ended up fortunate, however peculiar that may seem. The clientele was diverse, ranging from affluent individuals to casual visitors who, having received a bonus at work, decided to ‘blow’ it, though deep down they hoped to multiply their funds. Some succeeded.
Morton was the exception to the rule—that small fraction of people who never seemed to catch a break. It appeared that benevolent Jack was unwilling to grant them even a single dollar for reasons known only to himself. Nevertheless, Morton encountered the same misfortune in other casinos. At Jack’s establishment, however, he occasionally managed to secure modest winnings—though these were too meagre to boast about, because they would become a subject of ridicule.
The Life of a rabbit for a Lucky Spin
Morton endeavoured to employ various strategies, yet it was as if he were cursed! Nothing proved effective, including the Martingale system, which some casinos vehemently banish players for attempting. It was then that Morton first contemplated talismans: four-leaf clovers, rabbit’s feet, and other such trinkets believed by the superstitious to possess magical properties that bring Luck.
However, when Fortuna turns her back, nothing can avail. Morton might as well have carried not just a single foot, but an entire rabbit in his pocket—one he shamelessly slaughtered in pursuit of a substantial win. If only the animal rights advocates had witnessed this, the hapless gambler would undoubtedly have been dragged through every court, from the municipal to the Hague tribunal!
Just a Little More…
Once, Morton settled himself at a slot machine. That evening, a tournament was taking place, and every patron seated at the one-armed bandit yearned to hit the jackpot. The grand prize was reserved for the individual who achieved the highest winnings.
Morton spent an entire hour at the machine, yet he only managed to earn a laughable sum. Frustrated, he left in a fit of expletives, and another player took his place. The moment that young man spun the reels, the machine delivered all that it had “reserved” for Morton. Had he placed just one more bet, fortune could have smiled upon him! Witnessing the player’s determination, Lady Luck decided to lend her favour; however, alas, he fled and missed his opportunity. Do not repeat Morton’s mistake—remain steadfast in your pursuit of your goals, and fortune will surely favour you!
