able to pull the tree down for you."

Terrapin proceeded on his way to search out the Elephant, and, after
much patient travel, discovered him brooding under a thick shade. To
him at once Terrapin unburdened his breast of its load of grief, and
appealed piteously for his assistance.

"Little Terrapin," replied the kindly Elephant, "your tale is dour. But
though I am strong, there are some things that I cannot do. Miss
Crane's house is built on one of the biggest trees of the forest, and it
would require two score of elephants to drag it down. It is wisdom, and
not strength, that you need. Go you and seek Serpent, and he will
assist you."

Thence Terrapin went to seek Serpent, and, after long seeking, found him
coiled, in many shining folds, in the fork of a sturdy tree.

"Ah, Serpent," he cried, "you are a kinsman of mine, and I have long
sought you. I am in dire distress, my friend," and he proceeded to
inveigh against Miss Crane passionately, and concluded by invoking his
assistance.

"Help me this day," cried Terrapin, "and you shall be my father and my
mother, and all my nearest relations in one."

"It is well," replied the Serpent, in his slow, deliberate manner.
"Miss Crane shall die, and here I make a pact with you. There shall be
no enmity for all future time between your family and mine. Go now, and
rest in peace, for the fate of Crane is fixed."

In the darkness of the night Serpent roused himself from his sleep and,
uncoiling himself, descended the tree and glided noiselessly along the
ground towards Miss Crane's tree. The tall clean shaft could not arrest
those spiring movements, and the Serpent steadily ascended until he
gained the fork. Thence, by an almost imperceptible motion, he advanced
towards the nest. Poor Miss Crane was fast asleep, dreaming of the fall
of Terrapin, while the Serpent folded his extremity around a stout
branch and stood up prepared to strike. Quick as one could wink the
Serpent flung himself upon the bird-queen, and in a moment she lay
crushed and mangled. Then, seizing her body with his jaws, the Serpent
slid down the shaft of the tree and sought Terrapin's house, and laid
her remains before him. Terrapin was overjoyed, and invited Serpent to
share with him the dainty feast which the body of Miss Crane supplied.

From that day to this Serpent and Terrapin have remained close friends,
and neither has ever been known to break the solemn agreement that was
made