In need of an assassin, the C.I.A. narrows the position down to three applicants. They are called in for a final test.

The first is given a 9mm and told, “Your wife is in the next room. Take this gun and shoot her, andthe job is yours.” He enters, only to return five minutes later, saying that he just can’t kill his wife.

The second applicant is given the same gun, and told the same thing. He returns, sobbing, ten minutes later. “I’m sorry, I just can’t kill themother of my children…” He leaves and the final applicant is called in.

He is given the gun and told what he must do. He takes the gun and enters the room. Before the door swings shut, the interviewers hear a series of gun shots followed by painful screaming and the sound of breaking furniture. Finally the man emerges, bloody and drenched in sweat.

“Why didn’t you tell me you put blanks in that gun? I had to beat the bitch to death with the chair!”