The Elephant

A class teacher asks her pupils to name an animal that begins with the letter "E". A number of hands are raised but one tiny hand shoots up above the rest.
"Yes," the teacher says, pointing to the excited pupil.
"Elephant,” came the reply.
"Very good, Nelson." Then the teacher asks for an animal that begins with a "T". The same boy jumps up, whipping his hand in the air.
Already impressed, the teacher chooses him again. "Yes, Nelson."
"Two elephants," the boy said, half smiling.
"No, that is wrong," the teacher says and the boy sits down, bowing his head in shame. She then asks for an animal that begins with an “M”.
With the hands that go up, little Nelson is still among, though not as anxious. However, the teacher feels sorry for him and wants him to redeem himself.
"Yes, Nelson," she says. "Name an animal that begins with the letter 'M'."
"Maybe an elephant."