An Arab
diplomat visiting the U.S. 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.