"What if some one should need help while the rope is down?" cried the
people. "We must find something to take its place."

So one of the men cut a long grapevine and fastened it to the great
bell.

It was in the springtime, and green shoots and leaves hung from the
grapevine rope.

Near Atri, there lived a rich old soldier.

This soldier owned a horse that had been with him through many battles.

The horse had grown old and lame, and was no longer able to work.

So his cruel master turned him out into the streets to get his living as
best he could.

"If you cannot find enough to eat, then you may die," said the miser;
"you are of no use to me."

The old horse went limping along; he grew thinner and thinner.

At length he limped up to the tower where the bell of justice hung.

His dim eyes saw the green shoots and the fresh leaves of the
grapevine.

Thinking they were good to eat, he gave a pull at the vine.