An American who had recently arrived from the United States entered an aristocratic bar a few days ago in the after-midnight hours and asked the waiter for a cocktail.

"Impossible, sir," answered the waiter, who happened to speak a little English.

"Well, then, give me whisky and soda."

"Sorry, sir, but not even that."

"The devil!" shouted the American angrily. "I want to drink! Give me any kind of liquor."

"I am sorry," said the waiter again, with an expression of genuine grief at being unable to satisfy a customer of whom he would have received a good tip. "I can give you absolutely nothing because we must close. The hour is getting late, and there is a policeman outside."

"What the devil!" exclaimed the American in anger. "Is such a thing allowed in a civilized country? Why don't you also pass a prohibition law so that people may drink any time they choose?"