Part 10 (1/2)

_Do not depend on the promises of those whose interest it is to deceive you._

_Take what you can get when you can get it._

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE FOX AND THE LION

A very young Fox, who had never before seen a Lion, happened to meet one in the forest. A single look was enough to send the Fox off at top speed for the nearest hiding place.

The second time the Fox saw the Lion he stopped behind a tree to look at him a moment before slinking away. But the third time, the Fox went boldly up to the Lion and, without turning a hair, said, ”h.e.l.lo, there, old top.”

_Familiarity breeds contempt._

_Acquaintance with evil blinds us to its dangers._

THE LION AND THE a.s.s

A Lion and an a.s.s agreed to go hunting together. In their search for game the hunters saw a number of Wild Goats run into a cave, and laid plans to catch them. The a.s.s was to go into the cave and drive the Goats out, while the Lion would stand at the entrance to strike them down.

The plan worked beautifully. The a.s.s made such a frightful din in the cave, kicking and braying with all his might, that the Goats came running out in a panic of fear, only to fall victim to the Lion.

The a.s.s came proudly out of the cave.

”Did you see how I made them run?” he said.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

”Yes, indeed,” answered the Lion, ”and if I had not known you and your kind I should certainly have run, too.”

_The loud-mouthed boaster does not impress nor frighten those who know him._

THE DOG AND HIS MASTER'S DINNER

A Dog had learned to carry his master's dinner to him every day.

He was very faithful to his duty, though the smell of the good things in the basket tempted him.

The Dogs in the neighborhood noticed him carrying the basket and soon discovered what was in it. They made several attempts to steal it from him. But he always guarded it faithfully.

Then one day all the Dogs in the neighborhood got together and met him on his way with the basket. The Dog tried to run away from them. But at last he stopped to argue.