in China."

"In the stories of my country animals talk," said Sky-High.

"Tell us some of your stories in which animals talk," said Lucy,
clapping her hands.

"Animals always talk, everywhere," said Sky-High. "In China we interpret
what they say."

The word "interpret" was rather a big one for Lucy. But as Sky-High was
given to using unexpected words, the little girl was herself beginning
to indulge in a larger vocabulary.

So Sky-High began to relate an old Chinese household story.


THE SELF-RESPECTING DONKEY.

There was once a Donkey who had great respect for himself, as many
people do. Such wear good clothes. You may know what a man thinks of
himself by the clothes he wears. We Chinese moralize in our stories
as we go along. We tell _think_-tales.

One day the Self-respecting Donkey went out into some green meadows
near a wood, and was eating grass when a Tiger appeared on the verge
of the meadow. The Self-respecting Donkey was very much surprised,
but did not lose his dignity. So he uttered a deep bray.

"Br-a-a-a!"