Mental institution

    Darryl and Harold were in a mental institution. The place had an unusual annual contest, picking two of the bestpatients and giving them two questions. If they got them correct, they were deemed¹ cured and free to go.
    Darryl was called into the doctor's office first and asked if he understood that he'd be free if he answered thequestions correctly. Darryl said "yes" and the doctorproceeded. "Darryl, what would happen if I poked² out oneof your eyes?"Darryl said, "I'd be half blind.""That's correct. What if I poked out both eyes?""I'd be completely blind." The doctor stood up, shookDarryl's hand, and told him he was free to go.
    On Darryl's way out, as the doctor filled out the paperwork, Darryl mentioned the exam to Harold, who was seated in the waiting room. He told him what questions were going to be asked and gave him the answers.
    So Harold went into the doctor's office when he wascalled. The doctor went thru the formalities and thenasked, "What would happen if I cut off one of your ears?"Remembering what Darryl had told him, he answered, "I'dbe half blind."The doctor looked a little puzzled, but went on. "What if I cut off the other ear?""I'd be completely blind," Harold answered.
    "Harold, can you explain how you'd be blind?""My hat would fall down over my eyes."

1 deemed   

v.认为，相信( deem的过去式和过去分词 )；想

参考例句：

• The evening was deemed a great success. 大家认为这次晚会非常成功。
• They deemed the young clergyman a miracle of holiness. 他们一心认为这年轻的牧师是神圣的奇迹。 来自英汉文学 - 红字

2 poked   

v.伸出( poke的过去式和过去分词 )；戳出；拨弄；与（某人）性交

参考例句：

• She poked him in the ribs with her elbow. 她用胳膊肘顶他的肋部。
• His elbow poked out through his torn shirt sleeve. 他的胳膊从衬衫的破袖子中露了出来。 来自《简明英汉词典》