As two men were walking by the seaside at low water they saw an Oyster,
and they both stooped at the same time to pick it up. Immediately, one
pushed the other away, and a dispute ensued.
A third Traveller coming along at the time, they determined to refer
the matter to him, as to which of the two had the better right to the
Oyster.
While they were each telling his story the Arbitrator gravely took out
his knife, opened the shell and loosened the Oyster.
When they had finished, and were listening for his decision, he just as
gravely swallowed the Oyster, and offered them the two halves of the
shell. "The Court," said he, "awards you each a Shell. The Oyster
will cover the costs."