A Friend of Satan
A clergyman who was an enthusiastic geologist always carried his specimens about in a handkerchief such as navvies use to carry their dinners in. One day, as he was returning home with the handkerchief full of specimens, he saw a navvy seated at the top of a well swearing vigorously because he could not make the windlass work.
“My friend,” said the clergyman gravely, “do you know Satan?”
“Satan,” said the man; “who’s he? Wait a moment, sir,” he added, “I’ll ask my mate. Bill,” he called, “do you know Satan?”
The answer came from down the well: “No. Why?”
“Well,” said the one at the top, eyeing the handkerchief, “there’s a bloke up here wot’s got his dinner!”