Walking along, I came upon a great golden gate and could go no further. Sitting just outside the gate was a man reading a book. As I approached he neither looked up nor greeted me, but continued reading his book. I stood a few moments admiring the workmanship of the gate. Not wanting to interrupt the man and his reading.. I softly and politely asked, 'Excuse me, but what is this beautiful gate for?'

'This is the gate to hell' the man answered.

'Oh', I replied, 'But it is beautiful'.

'Yes', he answered and resumed his reading. I stood several moments admiring the gate, and wondering what book the man was reading.

After a bit the man looked up and said 'Would you please be so kind as to hold my book for a moment?'

'Why yes!' I answered, appreciating very much that he finally acknowledged me and even needed my assistance.

The man stood up, took a large key ring from his pocket and unlocked the gate.

'Please put my book on that little stool inside the gate so I can lock the gate again' he said.

'Of course, no problem' I answered, enjoying ever so much being helpful. I stepped inside the gate and left the book right on the stool where he had asked me to. He locked the gate, and reached inside for his book.

'Thank you,' he said.

'You're welcome' I answered.

He resumed reading his book. I stood a while longer admiring the gate and wondering what book he was reading that seemed to absorb him so entirely. After a bit, he said,

'You may go on now. I do have great difficulty concentrating on my reading with someone looking over my shoulder.'

'Of course, I am so sorry!' I replied, a bit embarrassed at my imposition, and journeyed on.