A certain magnate possessed wealth piled as high as mountains, gold and silver filling his estate, attracting countless merchants who sought loans from him.

On this particular day, the magnate was out on business, when a youth on horseback followed closely behind. When asked his purpose, the youth replied plainly, "I have come to borrow money from you."

The magnate nodded in assent, inviting the youth into his home. By chance, dozens of copper coins lay stacked upon the table. The youth, with practiced ease, began to manipulate the coins, stacking them one by one with remarkable dexterity.

Seeing this, the magnate politely refused the youth’s request for funds and sent him away with courteous farewells.

When questioned about his reasoning, the magnate chuckled, saying, "This fellow is certainly destined for gambling; he is no honest citizen. Observe how he stacks those coins—it is the mark of a seasoned gambler."

A quick inquiry confirmed the truth of the assessment.