​

 

To overcome the problem of petty pilfering the dock yard had a security guard on the gate keeping an eye on the departing workers.

 

Everyday Bill pushed his wheel barrow through the gate and when the guard lifted the covering mat and saw that it was empty he let him through. Many a day this game played out with Bill going happily on his way. Some years later, after they’d retired they met by chance.

 

“Ah, Bill,” the guard said. “It’s always been a puzzle to me. When we were working on the dock what were you actually pilfering?”

 

“Wheelbarrows.”