A man is crawling through the Sahara desert when he is approached by another man riding on a camel. When the rider gets close enough, the crawling man whispers through his sun-parched lips, "Water... please... can you give... water..."
    "I'm sorry," replies the man on the camel, "I don't have any water with me. But I'd be delighted to sell you a necktie."
    "Tie?" whispers the man. "I need *water*."
    "They're only four dollars apiece."
    "I need *water*."
    "Okay, okay, say two for seven dollars."
    "Please! I need *water*!", says the man.
    "I don't have any water, all I have are ties," replies the salesman, and he heads off into the distance.
    The man, losing track of time, crawls for what seems like days. Finally, nearly dead, sun-blind and with his skin peeling and blistering, he sees a restaurant in the distance. Summoning the last of his strength he staggers up to the door and confronts the head waiter.
    "Water... can I get... water," the dying man manages to stammer.
    "I'm sorry, sir, ties required."