Died of Double-Trouble

The sacred people tree of Burma is believed to be inhabited by spirits. Small houses are built beside each tree to make the spirits more comfortable. Pilgrims donate rent money lest the spirits be evicted. Believe it or not.

In a moment I'll tell you about a king who died of double trouble. King Yasala Rakatisa who ruled the kingdom of Ceylon for seven years was overjoyed when he discovered that he had a double.

The king appointed him Dormat of his palace. Whenever the king was in a merry mood, he would swap clothes and places with the doorman. He could then laugh at his courtiers and ministers of state offering homage to the false king.

Then one day, during the next masquerade, the double decided to take advantage of his temporary authority. He ordered the real king seized and executed on the spot. Believe it or not. Short story. Today, Robert Louis Stevenson.