nted me. Further, I am not to stay here all
day. I have asked a kinsman of mine, to whom I have communicated the
secret of holding up the water, to relieve me from time to time. Of
course he will also get a pension, and have other privileges. I expect
him here shortly."

"Ah, Reynard, may I relieve you, then? May I hope to get a pension,
and other privileges? You know what a sad lot is mine, especially in
winter."

"Certainly," said the Fox, "but you must get a long rope, that I may
come up and let you down."

So the Wolf got a rope. Up came the Fox, and down went the Wolf; when
the former observed, with a laugh, "My dear sir, you may remain there
till doomsday, or till the owner of the well throws up your carcass,"
and left the place.

"Alas!" said the Wolf, when it was too late, "_greed hath its meed!_"

The Fawn and the Little Tiger

A Fawn met a little Tiger, and said: "What fine stripes you have!"

The little Tiger said: "What fine spots you have!"

Then the Fawn said: "It would be such a nice thing if you and I were to
live together as friends. We might then roam through the woods as we
like, and be so happy!"

"I think so too," said the Tiger.

The two joined hands, and went out for a long walk. It was breakfast
time. The Fawn saw some fine grass in the lawn, and said to himself:
"One should first see his friend fed and then feed." So he turned to
the Tiger and said, "Will you have some of this fine grass for your
breakfast?"

The Tiger put his nose to the grass but could not bring himself to feed
upon it, because it was against his nature; so he replied, "I am so
sorry, I cannot eat it!"

Then the Fawn said: "Allow me to go home for one moment and ask mamma
for something that would suit you for breakfast."

So the Fawn went home and told the Hind of the happy friendship he had
formed, and of all that had happened since.

The Hind replied, "Child, how lucky it is that you have come away! You
must know the Tiger is the most deadly enemy we have in the woods."

At these words the Fawn drew near to his dam and trembled.

The Hind said: "_It is indeed lucky to get away from the wicked at the
first hint!_"

The Fox and the Villagers

A Fox that had long been the dread of the village poultry yard was one
day found lying breathless in a field. The report went abroad that,
after all, he had been caught and killed by some one. In a moment,
everybody in the village came out to