Auditor #1.430x10 ^ 3 was counting protons. This was scut work. All protons are completely indistinguishable and there is absolutely no way to mark them. He was counting very quickly because the protons were very frisky and he was trying not to count the same one twice.

Auditor #2.1600x10 ^ 4 was charged with counting electrons and running into the same problem. He called out to Auditor #1.430x10 ^ 3, "How are you keeping track?"

"Damn," snapped Auditor #1.430x10 ^ 3, "now you've made me lose count!"

"Sorry," said Auditor #2.1600x10 ^ 4, "can’t you keep track either?"

Auditor #1.430x10 ^ 3 ignored him as he tried to rethink the problem. Humph! The real trouble was these confounded Humans.

"Why do they ask these questions?" He groaned, realizing that he could only start counting again.

Auditor #2.1600x10 ^ 4 still hadn't started with the electrons yet and imprudently suggested that it was an interesting question.

Auditor #1.430x10 ^ 3 cast a dark look in Auditor #2.1600x10 ^ 4’s direction.

"Look 10 ^ 4, this 10 ^ 3 might just get you reassigned to photons -- no, make that neutrinos if you cause me to lose count one more time.

"Sheesh," thought Auditor #2.1600x10 ^ 4, "it's just like a 10 ^ 3 to pull rank."

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