Library / Fantastic Fables

The Faithful Cashier

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

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Satire of bank fraud and churchgoing hypocrisy.

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The Faithful Cashier

The Cashier of a bank having defaulted was asked by the Directors what he had done with the money taken.

"I am greatly surprised by such a question," said the Cashier; "it sounds as if you suspected me of selfishness. Gentlemen, I applied that money to the purpose for which I took it; I paid it as an initiation fee and one year's dues in advance to the Treasurer of the Cashiers' Mutual Defence Association."

"What is the object of that organisation?" the Directors inquired.

"When any one of its members is under suspicion," replied the Cashier, "the Association undertakes to clear his character by submitting evidence that he was never a prominent member of any church, nor foremost in Sunday-school work."

Recognising the value to the bank of a spotless reputation for its officers, the President drew his check for the amount of the shortage and the Cashier was restored to favour.

What is he mocking?
Churchgoing bank officers embezzle, and their directors hush it up to protect appearances.

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Discussion questions

  1. What does the story reveal about the relationship between reputation and integrity?
  2. How might the Cashier's actions reflect real-world scenarios in workplaces?
  3. In what ways can society encourage or discourage integrity among individuals?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Traveler and Fortune