This ancient shaggy dog was published on the groaners listserv.

While spending a quiet day relaxing and staring out the window, Joe hears the phone. He answers and hears, “I am the viper, and I am coming.” Joe was aghast and bewildered.

The next day he received a similar phone message, “I am the viper and in two days I will arrive.” Joe was jittery. Who, or what, is this viper?

So for two days Joe’s life was miserable. He couldn’t sleep or eat. He just sat watching the hours pass. By the time the second day had arrived Joe was a bundle of nerves. His hair was messed, clothes wrinkled, and he hadn’t shaved in days.

Then the doorbell rings. Joe realizes he must face reality and conquer his fears. He throws open the door only to see a small man dressed in overalls, holding a bucket and squeegee.

“Who the heck are you?” exclaims Joe.

“I am the viper, vich vindow vould you like me to do first?”

Howell Gwin says, “So ancient, it was a skit at Church camp in the mid-50’s.”