An Egyptian Tale

An Egyptian and an American are seated next to each other on a flight from New York.

The American asks if he would like to play a fun-game.

The Egyptian, tired, just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks.

The American persists and explains that the game is easy and a lot of fun.

He says, "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you
pay me $5, and vice versa."

Again, the Egyptian declines and tries to get some sleep.

The American, now worked up, says, "Okay, if you don't know the answer,
you pay me $5, and if I don't know the answer, I'll pay you $500."

This gets the guy's attention and, figuring there will be no end to this
torment, agrees to the game.

The American asks the first question, "What's the distance from the
earth to the moon?"

The Egyptian doesn't say a word, reaches into his wallet, pulls out a $5
bill, and hands it to the American.

"Okay," says the American, "your turn."

So the Egyptian asks, "What goes up a hill with three legs and comes
down with four?"

The American thinks about it. No answer.

Puzzled, he takes out his laptop computer and searches all his
references. No answer!

He taps into the air-phone with his modem and searches the Internet and
the Library of Congress. No answer.

Frustrated, he sends e-mails to all his friends and coworkers. Checks
the input.

All to no avail! Finally, a long time later, he wakes the Egyptian and
hands him $500.

The Egyptian thanks him and turns back to get his sleep.

The American, more than a little miffed, stirs the Egyptian and asks,
"Well, what's the answer?"

Without a word, the Egyptian reaches into his wallet, hands the American
$5,and goes back to sleep!