The Ballad of James 'Umbrella Jim' Miner

'Umbrella Jim' was the sneakiest scoundrel west of the Missisip'! Usin' the shell game and sleight of hand, of yer purse he'd gyp. He'd set up shop 'neath an umbrella whether inside or under an oak. Usin' three thimbles and a ball he cleaned the jeans of many a bloke! 'Umbrella Jim' was a renown huckster as well as bein' quite witty. He'd warm up his potential victims by singin' this delightful ditty: "A little bit of fun now and then, Is relished by the best of men! Select yer shell! The one you choose, If right you win, if not, you lose! But I'll warn ye, yer chances are mighty slim, Of winnin' a prize from Umbrella Jim!" 'Twas his regular trade to deceive the eye with sleight of hand. He was very adept at what he did and his every move was planned. The fate of 'Umbrella Jim' as far as I can tell is unknown, But I'd bet some sucker saw him hung from an oak, if truth be known! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) 2014 All Rights Reserved