When Mr Larry Hutchins was 90 years old, he reflected on the fact that he still didn’t have a will. One day he disguised himself as a homeless man and went to his grocery shop in search of a future heir. However, this proved to be no easy task.
Mr Hutchins was the 90-year-old owner of the largest grocery shop in Texas and a very wealthy man. Outwardly, he looked attractive for his age: brown eyes, silver hair colour. However, business took up all his time, and despite his natural charm, he never had a wife or children.
As the years passed, he became increasingly concerned about inheritance. ‘Who will inherit everything I’ve created if I die?’ – he once pondered.
He was not inclined to charity and did not want to give his fortune to donations. He dreamed of giving everything to someone who would truly appreciate his labours. Nor did he consider leaving an inheritance to a friend, as there are more enemies than friends in business. This he learnt from his own experience.
When all options were exhausted, he called his lawyer, Mr William Carter, and asked for advice.
What do you think about this, William? – He asked. – I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I haven’t been able to make up my mind.
Well, Mr Hutchins, I’m sure you don’t want to donate everything to charity, so that’s out of the question. Do you have any distant relatives?
When you’re an orphan from childhood, nobody wants to take responsibility for you, Will,’ Mr Hutchins recalled sadly. – I came to Texas with next to nothing and spent years building my business. I want to leave it to someone who understands the value of hard work, not just a relative.
I understand, sir. This is a difficult case. Give me a little time and I’ll work something out. Let’s meet on Friday.
Okay, Will,’ Mr Hutchins agreed and hung up. However, after the conversation, he realised that the solution to the problem would not be found soon.
The next day he sat down at the desk in his office and began to compile a list of possible heirs. After a few hours, he realised that not a single name had appeared on the list.
Frustrated, he threw down his pen and was about to leave when an idea struck him. ‘What if I test my employees?’ – he thought. – ‘Perhaps there is one among them who, like me, knows the value of labour.’
The next day he put on old clothes, bought a second-hand cane and glued on an artificial beard. So, disguised, he headed for his shop.
Get out of here, old man! – shouted a cashier named Lynsey. – People like you are not welcome here!
But, ma’am, I just need some food. I haven’t eaten in days, please help me,’ pleaded Mr Hutchins.
Then this isn’t the place for you,’ Lynsey said coldly. – Homeless people like you should be begging on the street, not in high-end shops!
‘Wow, I really do have evil people working for me,’ thought Mr Hutchins. – ‘Maybe there will be a decent person among the customers?’
But he had no luck among the customers either.
Who let that dirty old man in? – exclaimed a woman in the queue. – Stay away from me, you smell awful!
But, ma’am-‘ Mr Hutchins began, but was interrupted.
‘Give him some money and send him out on the street! – the man backed her up.
When he tried again to explain that all he wanted was food, the clerk came up to him.
Go away at once! – she ordered. – The customers are complaining, we can’t let this happen! Who let you in here in the first place? Security should have stopped you!
Yes, Linda,’ added regular customer Mr Drummonds. – Get him out or I’ll never come here again! And tell the guards not to let people like him in here!
Sorry for the inconvenience, sir,’ Linda apologised. – ‘I’ll call security right away.
‘Isn’t there a single kind person in this shop?’ – Mr Hutchins thought bitterly as he was about to leave. But at that moment a voice sounded:
Get away from the old man!
Mr Hutchins turned round and saw his administrator Lewis. The young man was only 25 years old, had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties and was one of the youngest employees in the shop.
Lewis, do you really think Mr Hutchins would approve of such a man being here? – Lynsey asked contemptuously.
I know Mr Hutchins better than you do, Lynsey,’ Lewis replied. – So get on with your work before I report your behaviour to him.
He then turned to Mr Hutchins.
‘I apologise for the rudeness of my staff, sir. Please come with me.
Lewis took the basket and began to fill it with groceries, then paid for them from his pocket and handed them to Mr Hutchins.
The old man’s eyes filled with tears.
Thank you, young man,’ he said in a trembling voice. – May I ask you a question?
‘Certainly, sir,’ Lewis smiled.
Why did you go against all odds for a homeless man? You could have just thrown me out and your boss would never have known about it.
I came here to look for a job once,’ Lewis explained. – I had nothing. Not even a roof over my head. But Mr Hutchins gave me a chance. He paid for a small flat on the condition that I worked hard. That’s when I realised how important it was to be kind.
Mr Hutchins smiled. ‘You’ve found your heir, Larry,’ he thought. He thanked Lewis and left.
Seven years later, when Mr Hutchins passed away, Lewis received a call from a lawyer. It turned out that the businessman had left him his entire fortune and a short letter explaining why he had chosen him.
What does this story teach us?
- Be kind and respect others. Lewis’s behaviour is a perfect example of this.
- Goodness is returned. Lewis’s sincerity and hard work touched Mr Hutchins and he made him his heir.
