Jack’s Deal with The Devil

Every camp has its stories, and every Traveller Stopping Place has its warnings… This one is about a man they called Jack, a cousin from way back: a man who could talk the hair off a horse, sharp with cards, even sharper with words - but not always wise with his soul. Jack was known for his luck: cards, horses, dice; it didn’t matter what game he played, Jack would win. Folks used to say the Devil himself must’ve been sitting on his shoulder; and maybe they were right. One night, Jack was walking the back road between Perth and Crieff, the moon bright as a silver shilling. He’d been in the pub, playing cards, and left with more money than sense: pockets full, heart proud. On the way home, a big black car rolled up beside him, a Rolls Royce, shining like it didn’t belong to this world. The window wound down, and a voice, smooth as smoke, said:

“Evening, Jack. Fancy making a deal?” Now, Jack being who he was, didn’t think twice.

“What kind of deal?” he asked.

The man smiled, eyes glinting red in the dark:

“One that’ll make you rich forever. All I need is your soul.” Jack laughed: “Take it then! What good’s a soul when it can’t feed a family.” The man handed him a bundle of money, crisp, clean - too clean.

“When the year’s up,” he said, “I’ll come for what’s mine.” And with that, the car vanished into the mist. For a whole year, Jack lived like a king:

new trailer, the best horses, whisky on the table every night; but he’d forgotten the bargain - until the night the year was up. A storm came down hard that evening, the wind tearing at the trailers, dogs howling like they knew. Jack sat in his trailer, counting his winnings, when he heard it: three knocks on the door. Bang. Bang. Bang. He froze. Didn’t move, didn’t breathe. The knocks came again, louder. BANG. BANG. BANG. He whispered, “Go away,” but the door creaked open on its own, slow as a coffin lid. Standing there was the same man from the Rolls Royce, dressed in black, hat tipped low, smiling that same cruel smile. “I’ve come for my payment, Jack.” Jack fell to his knees: “Give me one more chance! One more year!” The man paused, half-turning. “I’ll give you until I knock three times tonight” he said. “If you can stand the knocks without opening the door, you’ll be free.” Then he vanished. Jack sat in silence. The wind died. The night went still. Then: Bang. He jumped, heart hammering, but held his ground. A minute later BANG. The trailer shook. The stoves fire flickered out. Then came the third BANG. Louder than thunder. And silence. They say the next morning, the trailer door was wide open. Jack was gone. All that was left was the smell of sulphur and the shape of two

footprints burned into the ground. Some say it was the Devil that took him. Others say Jack still walks, trying to find someone to play cards with - a man looking for another deal - to pay what he owes.

If ever you find yourself alone on a dark road and a stranger sidles up, offering you a hand of cards or a lift in a black motorcar, remember Jack and let dread be your companion. There are deals in this world that carry a cost more terrible than money, a debt that drags your soul into shadows you’ll never escape. The devil is patient, cunning, and he knows the shape of your desires; he’ll dangle riches, luck, love - whatever your heart aches for - until your greed blinds you, and you reach for his bait with trembling hands.

Many have felt the thrill of easy fortune, their pockets suddenly heavy, their dreams bright. But when the true price comes due, it’s never coins spilled across a table, it’s the hollow echo of your own soul slipping into the dark, never to return. Some bargains leave nothing behind, but the stench of brimstone and footprints scorched into the ground.

So, beware: temptation wears many faces, and the Devil is not the only one hungry for the fool who can’t resist. When the offer seems too sweet, the road too easy - hold tight to your soul. For in the end, the cost is everything, and terror awaits behind every knock you answer in the night.

Retold with respect by

Tommy Bennett