A PERSON with a Wart¹ on His Nose met a Person Similarly Afflicted²,
and said:

  "Let me propose your name for membership in the Imperial Order of
Abnormal Proboscidians, of which I am the High Noble Toby and
Surreptitious Treasurer³.  Two months ago I was the only member. 
One month ago there were two.  To-day we number four Emperors of
the Abnormal Proboscis⁴ in good standing⁵ - doubles every four weeks,
see?  That's geometrical progression - you know how that piles up. 
In a year and a half every man in California will have a wart on
his Nose.  Powerful Order!  Initiation⁶, five dollars."

  "My friend," said the Person Similarly Afflicted, "here are five
dollars.  Keep my name off your books."

  "Thank you kindly," the Man with a Wart on His Nose replied,
pocketing the money; "it is just the same to us as if you joined. 
Good-by."

  He went away, but in a little while he was back.

  "I quite forgot to mention the monthly dues," he said.

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