A man is walking down the street feeling really down and out about his recent divorce settlement. His ex-wife got the house, his car, and all his money. All he has left is 5-dollar bills in his pocket. As he crosses the street he notices a pawnshop and walks in.  He walks up and down the isles looking at this and that, not really finding that prized possession. The owner asks the man if he can be helped, and the man replies he is just browsing around.  The man is about ready to call it quits when, he notices what appears to be a bronzed rat sitting on a shelf. He asks the owner "How much for this bronzed rat?"

The owner replies "3 bucks for the rat, and $1,000 for the story."

The man thinks to himself for a moment, studies the rat some more, then pulls out his wallet and removes $3.

"Are you sure you don't want the story too? It's a good one" says the owner.

"Nope, just the rat, please" says the man.

The man walks out of the store with his bronzed rat and proceeds to walk to his hotel. All of a sudden he has this feeling he is being watched, so he turns around and notices several large rats that appear to be following him. He continues to walk another block or two. He turns around and now there are a dozen or so rats following him. Now he is getting a little nervous. Another block goes by, and sure enough there are at least 4 dozen rats chasing after him.

Now he is in a panic and starts running toward the ocean. When he reaches the water he throws the bronzed rat as far out into the ocean as he can. The 87 rats following him all jump into the water like lemmings and drown. The man is relieved.

Later that day the man wanders back into the pawn shop. The owner recognizes him and asks "I'll bet you're back to buy the story, aren't you?"

The man replies "No, I don't even care about the story."

"I was wondering if you have any bronzed lawyers for sale?"