There once was a man named John. He constantly boasted to all he met, he could hold his breath even after they had reached death. He’d say he had lungs of steel, and endless breath, and none could defeat him in this test of brawn. Well no one had heard of ole John and many just passed him on by thinking him a fool. Others would laugh at him and say he was just trying to gain fame but if he wanted fame he’d have to try a bit harder.

Oh no! you’re just not that brave, he would boast. You’re afraid you’ll come up blue in the face. Well you’re right! You’re afraid to lose and so you shant even try!

Well one man came forward and he called John’s bluff. I been in the navy ten years and I’ll take on your boast. I can hold my breath longer ‘en you, ya old goat! Old John he just laughed and laughed, he couldn’t believe what he’d heard. Someone was finally willing to try out his game.

So the two went on down to the lake and half the town came to see. They were all curious to find out just who the winner would be. The two men swam out into the lake, eyeing one another scornfully. All the town looked on with eager eyes as the men ducked down below the surface.

Well three minutes passed and the crowd glanced around nervously. The two men below still were doing wonderfully though. Old John didn’t feel a thing and his adversary was fine to go for two more minutes at least. Four minutes came around and passed, then five. At nearly five and a half minutes John’s adversary came up panting for air! John had won and everyone was sure he’d pop up then himself… but he didn’t.

They all stared dismayed as the water never rippled nor broke. The man whom challenged John ducked down and tried to find him. He saw John and he looked fine, even gave him a little wave. He tried to urge John up but he shook his head and gently pushed him away.

The challenger and all the town stayed on the shore for many hours. Every so often someone would go in to see. Well they grew tired of waiting and John refused to resurface, so they all went home.

A year later the challenger was sitting in the bar and old John, grey haired and wrinkled walks in drenched. I showed you didn’t I boy! The man just stared at him in disbelief.