The Fox and the Countryman

A Fox, having been hunted hard and chased a long way, saw a Countryman
at work in a wood and begged his assistance to some hiding-place. The
man said he might go into his cottage, which was close by.

He was no sooner in than the huntsmen came up. "Have you seen a Fox
pass this way?" said they. The Countryman said "No," but pointed at
the same time toward the place where the Fox lay. The huntsmen did not
take the hint, however, and made off again at full speed.

The Fox, who had seen all that took place through a chink in the wall,
thereupon came out and was walking away without a word.

"Why, how now!" said the Countryman, "haven't you the manners to thank
your host before you go?"

"Nay, nay," said the Fox; "if you had been as honest with your finger
as you were with your tongue, I shouldn't have gone without saying
good-bye."



Belling the Cat

A certain Cat that lived in a large country house was so vigilant and
active in the performance of her duties that the Mice, finding their
numbers grievously thinned, held a council with closed doors to
consider what they had best do.