Little Banana Girl

“Give me what you owe me!” demanded the king. “I want a full basket of bananas each time I pass by your house!”

“Your Majesty, the crop has not been good. I only have a small basket of bananas.”

“I will be back at 5 P.M., and I want a large basket!” bellowed the king.

Ashley’s father sadly shook his head. No matter what he did there would never be enough bananas by 5 P.M.

Ashley, being the smart child she was, offered a solution. She suggested that her father hide her in the bottom of the basket, and then cover her with bananas. This would save the family from the anger of the king. She told her father that she would keep in touch with the family as best she could. Her father finally gave in. He placed her in the basket, and covered her with bananas.

At exactly 5 P.M., the king returned. He was pleased to find a basket full of bananas. As he drove off, the father looked on sadly. But he smiled to think of the surprise that would be waiting for the king when he went to use the bananas in the basket.

The servants quickly discovered the basket trick. They hid the girl in the maid’s room. Ashley did well in the castle. All of the servants adored her, as did the king’s son, Prince Patrick. The king was informed, one sad day, of the trick Ashley’s family had played on him. He was so angry that he sent her to kill a dragon in another land. He figured she would never return. But Ashley accomplished the chore. She returned with the dragon’s head. The king told her that whatever she wished would be hers.

She asked for a basket of bananas. However, the prince made the servants place him in the bottom of the basket. He was secretly in love with Ashley. When the trick was discovered, the king had to allow his son to marry Ashley. They lived happily ever after with bananas each week, from their own trees on the palace grounds.