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IN THE MARGIN: GATE

The Beetle and the Painted Door

A Beetle found two holes in a garden wall. Above one was painted a little sun, and above the other a skull.

“The choice is plain,” said the Beetle, and entered beneath the sun.

Inside, a Spider thanked him for choosing correctly.

“Who painted the sun?” asked the Beetle.

“I did,” said the Spider. “The flies had begun avoiding the skull.”