There was once an old man who lived on the edge of the frontier.
One day, his horse ran away.
“Such bad luck,” the neighbors said.“Maybe,” the old man replied.
The next morning, the horse returned — bringing with it three wild horses.
“How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.“Maybe,” said the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the wild horses. He was thrown, and broke his leg.
“What misfortune,” said the neighbors.“Maybe,” answered the old man.
The day after, military officials came to draft young men into the army. Seeing the son’s broken leg, they passed him by.
“How fortunate,” the neighbors said.“Maybe,” said the old man.