Check Your Cheque

by

Sam Loschiavo

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The well-dressed man entered the fashionable jewellery store. A clerk approached and asked, "May I be of service, sir?"

The man replied, "Yes, I am looking for a diamond ring."

"We have a large selection. Is there anything in this showcase that appeals to you?"

The man gave the display a cursory and disdainful glance and replied, "I'm looking for something better."

"One moment, please," The clerk went to the rear where he opened the safe, removed a tray of exquisite diamonds, and returned. After carefully inspecting them, the customer said, "I'll take that one."

"You have excellent taste, sir. That stone is flawless and sells for $10,000.00." Without hesitation the man wrote a cheque for that amount.

"I'll have to verify this, sir. Please wait." He telephoned the bank and was assured that the cheque was valid. When the clerk returned, the man said, "I'm offended that you didn't trust me so I'll take my business elsewhere."

The clerk, seeing a handsome commission vaporizing, was abjectly apologetic as he followed the man to the door. The man turned and said, "You seem genuinely sorry so I've decided to give you the business after all."

The grateful clerk wrapped the diamond, handed it to the customer who returned the cheque.

Two days later the bank phoned to say that the cheque was invalid. The customer had given the clerk a different cheque.