An Arab diplomat visiting the US for the first time was being wined and dined by the State Department. The Grand Emir was unused to the salt in American  foods ( French fries, cheeses, salami, anchovies, etc.) and was constantly  sending his manservant Abdul to fetch him a glass of water.

Time and again,  Abdul would scamper off and return with a glass of water, but then came the time when he returned empty-handed.

"Abdul, you son of an ugly camel, where is  my water?" demanded the Grand Emir.

"A thousand pardons, O Illustrious  One," stammered the wretched Abdul, "A  man is sitting on the well."