BLACK ROBBERS (A True Story)

For anyone who didn't see the episode of David
Letterman's show where this story was told, read this:
(And remember it's a true story...)

On a recent weekend in Atlantic City, a woman won a
Bucketful of quarters at a slot machine.

She took a break from the slots for dinner with her
Husband in the hotel dining room.

But first she wanted to stash the quarters in her
Room.

'I'll be right back and we'll go to eat' she told her
Husband and carried the coin-laden bucket to the
Elevator.

As she was about to walk into the elevator she noticed two men already aboard.

Both were black. One of them was very tall and had an intimidating figure.

The woman froze. Her first thought was: 'These two are going to rob me.'

Her next thought was: 'Don't be a bigot, they look
Like perfectly nice gentlemen.' But racial stereotypes are powerful, and fear immobilized her.

Avoiding eye contact, she turned around stiffly and faced the elevator doors as they closed..

A second passed, and then another second, and then another. Her fear increased!

The elevator didn't move.

Panic consumed her.

'My God' she thought, I'm trapped and about to be
Robbed!

Her heart plummeted.

Perspiration poured from every pore.

Then one of the men said, 'Hit the floor.'

Instinct told her to do what they told her.

The bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out
Her arms and collapsed on the elevator floor. A shower
of coins rained down on her.

'Take my money and spare me', she prayed.

More seconds passed.

She heard one of the men say politely, 'Ma'am, if
You'll just tell us what floor you're going to, we'll
Push the button.'

The one who said it had a little trouble getting the
Words out.

He was trying mightily to hold in a belly laugh.

The woman lifted her head and looked up at the two
Men.

They reached down to help her up.

Confused, she strug gled to her feet. 'When I told my
Friend here to hit the floor,' said the average sized
one, I meant that he should hit the elevator button
For our floor. I didn't mean for you to hit the floor,
Ma'am.'

He spoke genially.

He bit his lip.

It was obvious he was having a hard time not laughing.

The woman thought: 'My God, what a spectacle I've made
Of myself.'

She was too humiliated to speak.

The three of them gathered up the strewn quarters and
Refilled her bucket.

When the elevator arrived at her floor they then
Insisted on walking her to her room.

She seemed a little unsteady on her feet, and they
Were afraid she might not make it down the corridor..

At her door they bid her a good evening.

As she slipped into her room she could hear them
Roaring with laughter as they walked back to the
Elevator.

The woman brushed herself off. She pulled herself
Together and went downstairs for dinner with her
Husband.

The next morning flowers were delivered to her room; a
Dozen roses.

Attached to EACH rose was a crisp one hundred-dollar
Bill.

The card said: 'Thanks for the best laugh we've had in
Years.

It was signed: Eddie Murphy & Michael Jordan.