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The Appointment

W. Somerset Maugham tells the story of a servant in Baghdad who sees the Angel of Death in the marketplace.

Frightened, he runs home to his master.

“I have seen the Angel of Death in the bazaar!!” he exclaimed.  “I must flee to Samarra where he cannot find me.”  And he packed his belongs and left.

That afternoon, the master went to the bazaar and there he the Angel of Death.

“Why did you frighten and threaten my servant this morning? he asked.

“Oh no!” replied the Angel of Death.  “I was just surprised.  I was amazed to find him in Baghdad for I have an appointment with him tomorrow in Samarra."

 

Fate always has the final word.

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