Lucky saucer

In front of the local butcher’s, an art connoisseur noticed a mangy little kitten lapping up milk from a saucer. The saucer, he realized with a start, was a rare and precious piece of pottery. It was, in fact, a collector’s item.

He strolled into the store and offered two dollars for the cat. “He’s not for sale,” said the butcher.

“Look,” said the collector, “that cat is dirty and scabby, but I’m an eccentric. I prefer cats that way. I’ll raise my offer to 10 dollars.”

“It’s a deal,” said the proprietor, and pocketed the 10 dollars immediately.

“For that amount of money I’m sure you won’t mind throwing in the saucer,” said the connoisseur. “The kitten seems so happy drinking from it.”

“I can’t do that,” said the butcher firmly. “That’s my lucky saucer. From that saucer, so far this week, I’ve sold 18 cats.”