The Frog and the Loan
A frog decided to go to the bank and get a loan. He went to the first teller window available, hopped up on the counter, and asked the teller her name.
"Patty Black," the young woman answered. "How can I help you?"
The frog replied, "Miss Black, I am here to get a loan."
Somewhat appalled at such a request, the young woman responded, "Listen, Mr. Frog, we don't give frogs loans around here."
The frog answered, "But I have collateral!" He reached in his pocket and brought out a beautiful shiny blue trinket.
The teller still had no idea what to do. So she asked the frog to follow her to the president's office.
"This frog wants us to give him a loan," she told the bank president. "I told him we do not loan money to frogs, but he insists that he has a valuable trinket to offer as collateral."
Before the president could reply, the frog jumped on the president's desk, reached in his pocket and again displayed a shiny blue trinket.
"Mr. President, sir, I have collateral. See?" the frog pleaded.
A great smile came across the face of the president as he examined the treasure. The president looked up and said, "It's a knick- knack, Patty Black - give the frog a loan!"
Originally published November 14, 2002.
