All Texans like to say that Texas is the best state in the United States and Texans are the smartest people in the country. But everyone knows that one day even the smartest person can find himself in a stupid position.
But if the Texan is made a fool, he will have enough sense to laugh at himself. So when Wichita Falls residents are in a good mood, they always tell a funny story about how they once fell for the bait. And they end their story with a good-natured smile. They believe that only fools do not know how to laugh at themselves.
This happened at a time when Wichita Falls was a cattle town. Then their life, their business was cattle and horses. Successful buffalo hunters gathered there to trade, buy and waste money.
One day a British officer rode into the city. It was a handsome man riding a handsome horse. He introduced himself as Captain Henry of Navarre. Well, just like the famous French king Henry IV of Navarre.
So, he walked around the city, holding his head high, in conversation and manner he behaved like a real gentleman, and everyone took him for an important bird.
He very soon made it clear that he had come to purchase riding horses for the British army. Lots of horses. And he promised good money for good horses.
In clear English with excellent pronunciation, he told the horsemen of the city that he had been sent to Wichita Falls with another officer to complete this transaction. However, his companion was delayed in New Orleans, since the city was quarantined due to smallpox.
- No one compares to you when it comes to horse breeding! “You are famous horsemen,” he told the Texans. “So I came to you so that you would select for me a thousand of the fastest horses.” First I will inspect them, and then wait for my partner to complete the deal. He should soon be released from New Orleans, and he will take over all financial settlements.
The whole city was alarmed and rejoiced. The men rejoiced that a big deal was coming up, and the women that they had the good fortune to entertain such a prominent officer, who spoke such excellent English and was so elegantly brought up. What is there in English, even in French!
Two thousand residents of Wichita Falls, almost every single one, were simply fascinated by him. He was invited to all the houses, and was given water, food, and entertainment.
When he inadvertently noticed that he had run out of the money that had been given to him, and he was spending it widely, treating everyone, the city fathers ordered special coupons to be printed for him, with which he could pay. And a government financial official who happened to be in the city put a state seal on them so that the captain of Navarre would use them as
money. And while this brilliant officer wasted money left and right, people were scouring around and buying horses at any price. Soon the city was filled with horses. There were not enough stables, so any cover had to be used.
Wichita Falls had not seen such great turmoil and excitement since the days of Buntin, who with his entire brood of fearless children rushed into the city, like the famous cowboy Pecos Bill, riding wild bobcats.
And on Friday, exactly three weeks after the captain arrived in the city, he announced that he was ready to conduct a review.
“Gentlemen,” he said to the men gathered around him, “bring all your horses to one place, and we’ll schedule a review for next Monday morning.” The quarantine in New Orleans has already been lifted, so my partner will be here any day now.
Hundreds of horses made their way to Wichita Falls over Saturday and Sunday. All colors, sizes and articles. They were led by cowboys, and their owners walked proudly alongside. The gathering was in the city center.
Never before had Wichita Falls seen such a collection of fine horses. The clatter of hooves, the stomping of feet, cheerful neighing, shouts - the city was buzzing.
The morning of the long-awaited Monday has arrived. Almost all the men of the city were milling around this gigantic herd. Everyone was just waiting for the captain of Navarre.
We waited... we waited... The sun had already risen high above our heads, it became hot, the cowboys and horses began to show restlessness. But their owners, who were also waiting, were even more worried... And, having waited, they sent a whole deputation to the hotel where the captain of Navarre was staying.
However, the captain of Navarre was not at the hotel!
The owner told them that the captain had left on Sunday evening, but promised to return early on Monday morning.
No, the captain of Navarre never returned... The good townspeople and lovely ladies were left with their noses and were beside themselves with anger.
But some time passed, and the ladies were already saying:
“But still, he was a true gentleman and such a handsome man!”
The men had no choice but to smile wryly and... remain silent.
Well, they fell for the bait themselves and treated it like true Texans - with a grin!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru