The "Thing"

An old Arab has been living close to New York City for more than 40 years. He would love to plant potatoes in his garden, but he is alone, old and weak. His son is in college in Paris, so the old man sends him an e-mail and explains the problem:

  Beloved son, I am very sad, because I can't plant potatoes in my garden this spring. I am sure, if only you were here, you'd help me and dig up the garden for me. I love you.
 
 Father
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The following day, the old man receives a response e-mail from his son:
 
  Beloved father, please don't touch the garden. It's there that I have hidden the 'thing'. I love you too.
 
 Ahmed
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  At 4pm the next day, the US Army, the Marines, the FBI, the CIA and the Rangers visit the house of the old man, take the whole garden apart, search every inch, but can't find anything.
 Disappointed they leave the house. One day later, the old man receives another e-mail from his son:
 
  Beloved father, I hope the garden is dug up by now and you can plant your potatoes. That's all I could do for you from here.
 
 Love,
 
 Ahmed