The Man and the Bird

  A MAN with a Shotgun said to a Bird:

  "It is all nonsense, you know, about shooting being a cruel sport. 
I put my skill against your cunning-that is all there is of it.  It
is a fair game."

  "True," said the Bird, "but I don't wish to play."

  "Why not?" inquired the Man with a Shotgun.

  "The game," the Bird replied, "is fair as you say; the chances are
about even; but consider the stake.  I am in it for you, but what
is there in it for me?"

  Not being prepared with an answer to the question, the Man with a
Shotgun sagaciously removed the propounder¹.