An Ohio man was having a lot of trouble piloting a one-tent show through
the Middle West. He lost a number of valuable animals by accident and
otherwise. Therefore, it was with a sympathetic mien that one of the
keepers undertook the task of breaking the news of another disaster. He
began thus:
"Mr. Smith, you remember that laughin' hyena in cage nine?"
"Remember the laughing hyena?" demanded the owner, angrily. "What the
deuce are you driving at?"
"Only this, Mr. Smith: he ain't got nothing to laugh at this morning."