Three men, the survivors of a shipwreck, had been stuck on a desert island for nearly fifteen years when a silver lantern washed up on the beach. "Give it a rub," said Jim. "There might be a genie in it."

Dave obliged, giving the lamp a vigorous rub with a tattered jacket sleeve. A cloud of smoke began to issue from the lamp and in no time a Genie stood in front of them.

"I am the Genie of the lamp," he said in regulation booming tones. Then, turning to the Dave,who had rubbed the lamp said: "You may have three wishes as your reward for releasing me."

"We'll share the wishes," said Dave. "We'll have one each. You go first Sam."

"I know what I want, "said Sam, "I want to be back in the trout streams of Scotland."

"Your wish is granted," intoned the Genie, and instantly Sam found himself thigh-deep with a fishing rod in his hands.

"I wish I was in the valleys of Wales," said Dave.

"Your wish is granted," the Genie boomed and within seconds, Dave found himself strolling on the green grass of the valleys.

The Genie turned to Jim. "What is your wish?"

"It's going to be awfully quiet around here," said Jim, "I wish the other two were back."