A man and his friend have a falling out, leading to a confrontation where the man expresses his disappointment, claiming he has been deceived. The friend reacts dismissively and departs. Shortly after, both men die and find themselves before a celestial Justice of the Peace. The justice reviews their past and discovers a record of their quarrel. When asked who was at fault, the man accuses his friend of speaking ill of him behind his back. The justice probes further, inquiring about the friend's behavior towards others. The man reveals that the friend had a reputation for being malicious. The justice questions the man's judgment in choosing such a friend, implying that he bears responsibility for his own choices. Ultimately, the justice declares the man a fool for his poor selection of companionship, resulting in his condemnation. Meanwhile, the friend remains unpunished, laughing in the darkness as he awaits his own trial for other offenses. The narrative explores themes of accountability, the nature of friendship, and the consequences of one's choices.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1890 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Satire