Three brothers live in a village: the wealthy one, the moderately prosperous one, and the poor one with a large family. One day, Christ, disguised as a beggar, visits the village seeking shelter. The rich brother refuses him harshly, while the second brother offers a polite but empty excuse. The poor brother, however, welcomes the beggar into his home, sharing food and warmth, and even caring for his horse. The beggar, grateful, promises to return the kindness and tells the poor man he can find him by following the silver tracks of his cart. The next morning, the poor man discovers silver bolts and golden horseshoes left behind by the beggar. He plans to return them but is too busy with his family responsibilities. The rich brothers, upon hearing of the beggar's treasures, decide to follow the silver tracks. Each encounters strange sights along the way, including fighting animals and men suffering from their own vices. The first brother steals silver bolts from a beautiful silver bridge, only to find they turn into wood. The second brother, seeking golden bolts, faces the same fate with golden bolts turning to wood. Years pass, and the poor man, now alone after losing his family, remembers his promise to the beggar. He follows the silver tracks, witnessing the same strange sights. Eventually, he reaches a magnificent garden where the beggar welcomes him. The poor man returns the silver bolts and golden horseshoes, and they share stories. The beggar explains that the suffering creatures he saw were once humans who lived selfishly. After a meal, the poor man steps outside to check on his donkey but finds it missing. He returns to his village, only to discover that time has passed, and he is forgotten. Feeling lost, he returns to the beggar, who welcomes him back into the garden. The beggar reveals himself as Christ, and the poor man realizes he has entered Paradise, where he will stay forever in happiness.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Religious Allegory