Reggie owned an elephant, but the cost of feeding it was getting out of hand. Then he got an idea. He had seen elephants lift one leg, and even two legs. Once in a circus hed even seen an elephant lift three legs in the air and stand on just one.

So Reggie announced to the world that hed pay ten thousand dollars to anyone who could make his elephant stand in the air on no legs. However, each person who wanted to try would have to pay a hundred dollars.

People came from near and far. They tried everything from coaxing to hypnotism, but no one could make the elephant rise up in the air.

Then one day a blue convertible drove up and a little man got out and addressed Reggie: Is it true that youll pay ten thousand dollars if I make your elephant get off all four legs?

Yes, Reggie said, but youve got to pay one hundred dollars to try.

The little man handed Reggie a hundred-dollar bill. Then he went back to he car and took out a metal club. Then he walked behind the elephant and swung hard, hitting the elephant smack on the balls. The elephant let out a roar and flew up into the air.

After the little man had collected his ten thousand dollars, Reggie was very depressed. Hed only taken in eight thousand dollars and now hed not only lost a couple of grand but still had the problem of feeding and housing the elephant.

Suddenly Reggie got another inspiration. He knew that elephants could move their heads up and down, but he had never seen one move from side to side. So he announced that he would pay ten thousand dollars to anyone who could make his elephant move his head from side to side. However, each person who wanted to try had to pay one hundred dollars.

People came from near and far. They paid their hundred and they tried, but, of course, none succeeded.

Then just when things were going well, a familiar blue convertible drove up and the little man came out. He addressed Reggie: Is it true that youll pay me ten thousand dollars if I can make your elephant move his head from side to side?

Yes, said Reggie, but youve got to pay a hundred dollars to try.

The little man handed Reggie the hundred dollars. Then he returned to his car and took out his metal club. He walked up to the elephant.

Do you remember me? he asked.

The elephant nodded by shaking his head up and down.

Do you want me to do it again?

The elephant quickly shook his head … Noooo!