Louie buys a parrot, and he names him Max. He brings Max back to his house and puts the bird and his cage in the corner of his living room.
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Right away, Louie notices
something unusual. The parrot has its two wings clasped, and it is reciting Bible quotes and singing hymns.
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Louie is astounded. "How did you learn to pray like that?"
"My former owner was a priest,
and he taught me everything he knew," Max said.
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"Wow! You're a very special bird. My friends won't believe it!"
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The
following Sunday. Louie brings Max to church with him.
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"You won't believe this," Louie tells his buddies, "my bird can recite Bible quotes and sing all the hymns in the service!"
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There was a clamoring among his friends. "No way!" one guy exclaimed.
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"You don't believe me?!!" Louie replied. "Wananna bet?"
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Even on this holy Sabbath day, there was a frenzy of wagering on whether or not Max, the parrot, could pray.
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It was time for Max to show what he could do. "Go ahead," said Louie to his talented pet, "start praying!"
Not a single word came out of Max's beak.Â
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The parrot was silent.
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Louie was humiliated and had to pay hundreds of dollars to the winners of this 'sure thing' bet.
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When the two got back to the house, Louie said to Max, "WHAT HAPPENED?!! Why wouldn't you show everyone what you could do?"
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Max replied with a smile on his tiny parrot beak, "Louie," He explained patiently, "this was only the setup. Can you imagine how high the odds will be on Christmas?!!"