The Tiger, in his turn, was very much surprised--for the Donkey's voice
seemed to penetrate the earth. But as soon as he collected his wits he
crouched as if to spring upon the Donkey and make a meal of him.

The Self-respecting Donkey did not run. He moved with a slow, firm, and
kingly step toward the Tiger. Then he dropped his head again, in such a
way that his ears looked like great proclamations of wisdom and power.

"Br-a-a-a!"

His voice was truly terrible. The Tiger again quailed.

"Oh, Beast of the Voice of the Thunder-winds," said he, "thou canst
dispute with me and the Lion the kingship among animals!"

The Donkey brayed again in a more terrible voice than before. "If you
will accompany me into the wood," said he, "thou shalt see all animals
flee from us."

The Tiger felt complimented by an association with the animal who had
gained his voice from the thunder, and shortly they entered the wood.

The animals all fled when they saw them coming--not from the Donkey,
but from the Tiger. Even the Raven dared not speak, and the Lion slunk
back among the rocks; because a Tiger and a Donkey, together, might
more than equal his terrifying roar.

"See," said the Donkey, "all nature flees before us. Now walk behind
me, and I will show you the secret of my power."