The man had begun his...
Illustration
The man had begun his journey across the desert, confident that he had enough water and supplies to complete the journey. He had not planned on getting confused about directions, but he soon discovered that he was taking much longer to make the trip than originally planned. Fortunately, he was able to make some navigational corrections and was soon back on track headed towards his destination. Unfortunately, the extra time used in the searing heat had depleted his supply of water. He kept searching the horizon for a sign of water, but there was none.
Finally, in the distance, he saw what looked like a small oasis --a few trees and a small structure of some kind. As he approached, he found the structure to be an old water pump with an insulated container of water chained to it. Overhead, a weathered sign read, "Free Water!" If the person before you was trusting, you should have water to prime the pump. Drink your fill, then leave pump-priming water for the next person. Remember, the water is free, so you don't have to be greedy."
--Thompson
Finally, in the distance, he saw what looked like a small oasis --a few trees and a small structure of some kind. As he approached, he found the structure to be an old water pump with an insulated container of water chained to it. Overhead, a weathered sign read, "Free Water!" If the person before you was trusting, you should have water to prime the pump. Drink your fill, then leave pump-priming water for the next person. Remember, the water is free, so you don't have to be greedy."
--Thompson
