A tramp who had tramped many miles along a rough outback track came to a small pub named 'George and the Dragon' and made his way around the back in search of a handout.

Before he had time to ask, the publican's wife came on the scene and gave the tramp the greatest verbal thrashing of his life.

She called him a lazy good-for-nothing loafer and added if he was hoping to get even a crust of bread he could forget it.

The tramp heard her out in silence, then just stood there.

"Well," she snapped, "now what is it you want?" 

"I was wondering," said the man, "if I could have a word with George?"