We was very well satisfied with this business, and Tom allowed it was worth twice the trouble it took, because he said NOW she couldn’t ever count them spoons twice alike again to save her life; and wouldn’t believe she’d counted them right if she did; and said that after she’d about counted her head off for the next three days he judged she’d give it up and offer to kill anybody that wanted her to ever count them any more.
– Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 37. Huck and Tom confuse and deceive Aunt Sally with tricks, such as continually stealing and replacing spoons. But all in a good cause – to distract her so they can free slave Jim.