John’s family toils up the road. “The way wasn’t so steep for my father,” he grumbles, again. His wife remains silent.
“Make way!” they hear behind them. They step aside. A hundred horses, mules, and camels pass, laden with treasure. Finally, a rich man pauses his golden elephant. “May I show you something?” he asks.
In awe, John says “Certainly!”
The rich man hands him a spyglass. “Look behind us.”
John complies. He sees a multitude: disheveled, battered, and angry. They climb the road, but keep sliding back.
“Beware, my friend,” the rich man urges. “They come to rob you.”