Always Leave them Laughing
It is easy to overlook how impactful simple humor can be. In fact, the right joke could help you build rapport in a job interview or, potentially, help you avoid punishment for a blatant crime. As the teller of this heist story indicates, that may be the reason why the Molasses Hat Gang got nothing more than a charge of disorderly conduct.
This story is also a lesson for anyone faced with an odd request from a stranger. When in doubt, it’s best not to fulfill requests as strange as filling a hat with molasses. As was true in this 1870s story, you might end up with that hat on your head while thieves make off with your goods.