"If not found out," said Muffler. "Crafticus," he added, indignantly,
"such trickery, if practised by all my subjects, would break up my
mighty realm. And, besides, you showed no mercy. I do therefore
sentence you to be struck down by the lion Thunderpeal, my grumbling
uncle, or, if you choose, to be torn in pieces by the tiger Clawnailia,
my cruel cousin, or to the mercy of anyone as cruel-hearted as
yourself, and if you can escape their terrible clutches, good and well.
I am sorry for you, and I am doubly sorry that talent like yours should
be so much abused."

"I bow to your will, O King," said Crafticus meekly.

The fox's wife and children now came forward to bid him farewell
forever. They were beautiful creatures, especially the little foxes,
and their cries were heart-rending. They looked wistfully into the
eyes of the condemned Crafticus, and placed their heads gently and
affectionately beside his drooping head.

When Thunderpeal advanced by the counsellor's request to separate them,
he had much difficulty in pushing them away, and king Muffler's big
heart was touched with sorrow.

Then Crafticus stood alone by the side of Thunderpeal, who waited
impatiently the signal to strike him down.

"O king," said Crafticus, "may I speak one word?"

"You may, but make haste, for my uncle's face is getting dark and
cloudy."

"You gave me my choice of a slayer, O king?"

"I did, but of one as cruel as yourself."

"You placed me in their mercy, O king?"

"I did, and I am very sorry for you, but the law must take its course."

"Then, O king Muffler, I choose my wife."

On hearing this the king's eyes opened wide, while Thunderpeal broke
into a roar of anger, but a flash of Muffler's eyes sent him howling
away. Then the king turned toward his counsellor and said--

"Well, well, isn't Crafticus clever? He catches at words as a lawyer
handles them among mankind. Who would have thought that he would turn
my words in his own favor?" Then Muffler laughed, and said--"he
deserves to escape. After all, it was only a goose, and the goose was
my own, and I can well afford the loss." And he laughed till his mane
shook. "Go, Crafticus," he added, "and be slain by the mercy of your
wife--by one indeed as cruel as yourself when it is a case of geese and
ganders."

Crafticus bowed low and answered--

"I am deeply thankful, O king Muffler, for your justice and sympathy."

"Before you go," said the king, "there i