Tossing the ball up and then catching it,she was always careful not to drop it for the idea of losing this precious gift was quite terrible. As the birds sang the princess hummed a tune and wandered toward the pond that lay just ahead. She made a game up of how many times she could catch the ball, in a row. Nine . . . ten . . . eleven . . . and on the twelfth toss, she bobbled the ball and then watched with a grimace as the golden sphere fell. It hit the mossy grass with a thud and then "KERPLUNK!"

The ball had fallen into the dark water of the pond. On the verge of tears, the princess knelt, looking sadly into the depths of the pond. "Oh, how shall I get my lovely golden ball?"

Just then, a few feet away, something green rose to the surface. It's huge eyes staring at the startled girl. They stared

at one another for a few moments and then the frog asked why the princess was so sad. "I have lost my golden ball. It rests at the bottom of the pond." She sighed. "I would give anything to have it back." Her bottom lip came out in a big pout, but it then dawned on the princess that this creature had just spoken to her. The frog's wide mouth curled up at the corners as he saw a chance to help. "I could get the ball for you, M'Lady." The frog said, spotting the princess's royal tiara and hoping that a reward was in the offing. The girl clasped her hands anxiously and bid the frog to do so in a very polite manner.

"If I do, would you take me in and make me yours, M'Lady?" The frog asked.

"Yes, Yes. Anything. Just please get my ball." She answered.

"Take care of me? Feed me?" The creature added, just to make sure the deal was made.

"Yes, of course." She said with a bit of impatience. Craning her neck to see if the golden ball was at all visible, the princess saw the frog slowly sink down and then watched the water stir as he dove down. Rubbing her fingers with eagerness, she saw the glint of gold and then the frog appeared with the golden ball extended upwards in it's hand. As she giggled with glee and took the shiny sphere from the frog, even the idea of saying thank you seemed distant and she stood up admiring her returned treasure. "Oh how wonderful. I shall have to be more careful from now on." She said and turned away. The frog swam to the grassy edge of the pond, awaiting her gratitude, but none came. The girl trotted off and the frog pulled himself onto land, calling after her.

"Princess. You said you would take me with you."