An Arab diplomat
visiting the US for the first time was being
wined and dined
by the State Department. The Grand Emir was
unused to the
salt in American foods (french fries, cheeses,
salami, anchovies
etc.) and was constantly sending his manservant
Abdul to fetch
him a glass of water.
Time and again,
Abdul would scamper off and return with a glass
of water, but
then came the time when he returned empty-handed.
"Abdul, you son
of an ugly camel, where is my water?" demanded
the Grand Emir.
"A thousand pardons,
O Illustrious One," stammered the wretched
Abdul, "white
man sit on well"