An American tourist couple, both sociologists, were walking
the streets of a small town in Saudi Arabia. It was nearing
the middle of the day and they didn't want to miss lunch at
their ramshackle hotel - the only one in town and which
always served meals promptly. They came upon an old herder
perched on a stool beside his camel. "Excuse me, sir," the
man asked, "but could you tell me the time?"
The old man glanced at them, spat in the dirt, then turned and
reached under his camel and hefted the animal's testicles.
After a moment, he released them. "It is 10 minutes before
noon," he replied. The couple exchanged confused looks,
thanked the man and hurried back to their hotel, arriving
just in time for the meal.
Later that day, the wandering couple found themselves again
on the same street and spied the old herder perched beside
his camel, apparently unmoved. Curious as to how he could
tell time by fondling his animal's balls---an old Muslim
craft?-- they approached him and asked again, "Sir, can you
tell us the time?" They watched closely as he again reached
up and grabbed the camel's jewels, seemingly judging their
weight, then pronounced, "It is half-past four."
The couple excitedly exchanged looks. The woman blurted,
"Oh, sir! That is an amazing ability you have! Could you
show us how you do it?!?
"Surely," the herder responded tiredly, and motioned them to
squat beside him. "Now, grasp his balls gently and lift them
up to his belly." The woman did so while her companion
watched. "What now?", she inquired.
"Now," said the old man, "look over there, can you now see
the clock in the far tower?"
