A man walked into a NY antique store and saw a fascinating sculpture: a
brass rat.

He asked the shop-owner the price.

"Well," the owner said, "the
rat itself is just $75, but you would want the book it comes with, it's very
important and costs $200 more."

"Well," says the man - "I'll take the rat-I
really don't need the book right now."

"Ok, it's your choice, but you'll be
back" said the owner, handing the rat to the customer.

The customer left and
put the rat in the rear window of his small compact.

As he drove down the
FDR drive past Harlem he saw something amazing.

Rats were starting to run
after his car.

First a few,
than more and more, pouring out of buildings, sewers and abandoned lots, a
multitude, millions of rats were running after his car, from all sides.

Finally they began swarming over the car itself, intent on reaching the
brass rat.

The driver, fearing for his life pointed the car towards the East
River and jumped out.

To his amazement, the millions of
rats followed the car right into the river and drowned!

The man headed
straight back to the antique shop.

"I knew you'd be back," said the owner -
"I bet you want to buy the book, now, right?"

"Fuck the book," said the
man - "you got any brass niggers?"