The scene is a four engine airliner. The pilot’s voice comes across the intercom: “Those of you on the left side of the plane have probably noticed that one of our engines has failed. Do not be alarmed. We can still fly on three engines, but we will probably arrive about fifteen minutes late.”
A few minutes later the pilot’s calm voice was heard again: “Those of you on the right side of the plane are probably aware that a second engine has failed. Do not be alarmed. We can make it on two engines, though we will probably be at least 30 minutes late now.”
A few minutes later the pilot spoke to the passengers: “It has just come to my attention that a third engine has failed. Please do not be alarmed. We can make it to the airport on one engine. However, we will arrive approximately 45 minutes late.”
One passenger turned to another and said, “Boy, I hope that fourth engine doesn’t fail, or we could be up here all night!”
Reprinted from Grace Drops, Volume 7 (2009).