A ventriloquist who retired from show business decided to try the rural life, so he went to inspect a farm that was for sale. The farmer was taking him around, and the ventriloquist, who loved practical jokes, couldn't resist playing a little prank. As they walked through the barnyard, a cow standing by the fence suddenly spoke - or seemed to. "Your hands are awfully cold when you milk me in the morning," the cow said. The farmer gave the cow a startled look. Then a passing chicken complained, "I wish you'd collect the eggs sooner." The farmer seemed a bit stricken. The ventriloquist didn't say a word, and they continued walking on. As they approached some sheep, the farmer said, "Don't believe anything these sheep say. They're terrible liars.