One morning, there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a  man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he  said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and that I could  help with?" 

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you.  Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother!  Last week, there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee, and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better.  See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence.  An 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see his place, or his face, anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails, and the post-hole digger, and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."  The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset, when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, with handrails, and  all!  And, the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched... "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge,  after all I've said and done."   The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.