A duck waddled into a pub and ordered a beer and a ham sandwich. The bartender blinked. “Wait—you’re a duck!”

“That’s obvious,” the duck said.

“And you talk!”

“And you listen well,” said the duck. “Now, about that beer and sandwich?”

“Oh, right,” said the bartender, pouring the beer. “We don’t get many ducks here. What brings you by?”

“I’m working on the construction site nearby,” the duck replied, “I’m a plasterer.”

The bartender was surprised but said nothing as the duck pulled out a newspaper, ate his sandwich, and left. This happened every day for two weeks.

Then the circus came to town.

The circus manager stopped by the pub. “I hear you know a talking duck? He’d be a star in our show!”

The next day, the bartender told the duck, “Great news! The circus wants you!”

“The circus?” asked the duck, puzzled.

“Yes, with the big tent, cages, and trailers.”

The duck frowned. “Why would they need a plasterer?”