Baseball Bat Purchase

After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks, and insane regulations at the department of motor vehicles, I stopped at a toy store to pick up a gift for my son. I brought my selection - a baseball bat - to the cash register.

- Cash or charge? - the clerk asked.

- Cash - I snapped.

Then, apologizing for my rudeness, I explained:

- I've spent the afternoon at the motor-vehicle bureau.

- Shall I giftwrap the bat? - the clerk asked sweetly.

- Or are you going back there?