Alois &amp; Catherine B

You know, Catherine, you really saved my hide. If not for you, I would have bought that phony coin!

So, I just wanted to say: money thanks! Really, I coin't begin to express my gratitude!

There's no need to thank me, Alois. It was nothing.

But I am a little worried about you.

You just immediately believed what he was saying. You're way too trusting.

I wish you'd be a little more skeptical about people, that's all.

Hm... Yes, you make a good point. I'll try to be more cautious from now on.

Traveler enters the scene

Um, excuse me, sir. I'm terribly sorry to interrupt...

Good day, ma'am. Do you need something?

I'm afraid so. You see, I'm a humble traveler, and a pickpocket stole all my money.

I don't have enough to get home, and I have nowhere to sleep tonight.

Please, sir, spare a little money to help me?

I'm so sorry about your troubles. I don't have much on me, but here...

Alois, no! Not so fast.

You there, traveler. Tell me your name.

I'd like to take an official statement from you so that we can investigate this theft.

Once we ascertain exactly what happened, then we will lend you some money. How does that sound?

Traveler
...

Traveler leaves the scene

And she's gone.

Wh-what? You don't mean she was trying to...

Yes, she was. That's a common trick for cheats to pull. They pluck at your heartstrings so that you'll give them your money.

You just said you'd be more careful too! You really are an easy mark, Alois.

How embarrassing.

Why are you so quick to trust people?

I've always believed that to earn others' trust, you have to be trusting.