The Patriot and the Banker
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A PATRIOT who had taken office poor and retired rich was introduced at a bank where he desired to open an account. "With pleasure," said the Honest Banker; "we shall be glad to do business with you; but first you must make yourself an honest man by restoring what you stole from the Government." "Good heavens!" cried the Patriot; "if I do that, I shall have nothing to deposit with you." "I don't see that," the Honest Banker replied. "We are not the whole American people." "Ah, I understand," said the Patriot, musing. "At what sum do you estimate this bank's proportion of the country's loss by me?" "About a dollar," answered the Honest Banker. And with a proud consciousness of serving his country wisely and well he charged that sum to the account. |
