a beautiful morning to be out. I am sorry to see you looking so
poorly this bright day. I happen to be a doctor. As you know, a
good doctor can tell at sight when one is sick. If you were well,
you would not have been turned out to pasture. You know that there
is much work to be done at this time of the year. Your master must
think that you are not able to work.

"Now, my friend, be frank with me; tell me what ails you, that I
may cure you. I have been to the best schools in the country.
There I learned about diseases of every kind and a sure cure for
every disease. If you have no money to pay my bill, do not let
that trouble you. We can settle that later."

The horse looked at the wolf out of the corner of his eye and
said, "Now that I think of it, I believe that something is wrong
with the bottom of my left hind foot."

All the time the wolf had been looking for a good chance to spring
upon the horse, but the horse did not let him get out of his sight
for an instant.

When the horse told of his trouble the wolf replied, "Yes, I
understand just what is the matter. There are many others having
that same trouble this year. I have had as many as twenty cases.
All are doing well. Let me look at your foot. Raise it now,
please, care--"

At this instant the horse raised his foot, and with it gave the
wolf such a terrible kick in his face that he fell heavily to the
ground. The horse went on feeding.