The Auction

Death was last seen in the auction room looking worried.

But who wouldn't be? He had a lifetime of savings on that little gold box. Granted, he had been around for 1,284 lifetimes, but $100 million was still $100 million.

And that jerk Life just kept outbidding him. They had gone round and round for three days, the price steadily climbing. The other attendees were reduced to observers in a neverending duel between Life and Death. All over a little golden box about the size of a novel.

Only three people in the room even knew what was inside that box. And that's how they wanted it. If everyone knew, there might be offers to sell their children to get their hands on this.

And now the bidding had come to a halt. Life was contemplating Death's latest bid. Death could feel the prespiration running down his spine. How he was sweating, even he didn't know. Death never sweats.

Suddenly, Life pointed at Death and said "Double."

That word almost knocked Death over. He couldn't match that! Not without mortgaging Hell itself. For a moment he considered it. But no, that was impossible.

He sat down heavily, feeling dejected and defeated as the auctioneer's gavel fell. Life took the gold box from its stand, then did the worst thing Death could imagine.

He opened it.

Right there in front of everyone.

Inside was a worn, ancient manuscript. The greatest book never published. Inside its pages was hidden the secret to cheat Death of the fee every human must pay.

Death seethed and sprang to his feet. This was the last straw!