_Tiger._ This way. Now do you understand? [_Tiger jumps into cage._]
_Jackal._ Yes, I understand now. And I think we had better leave you just where you are. [_Locks cage door._]
CHARACTERS—_Lion_, _Fox_, _Elephant_, _Tiger_, _and_ _Other Animals_
_Elephant._ A story-teller for the lion. He wants one who will tell him stories one after another without stopping. It’s a task indeed.
_Camel._ Yes, yes, and he will put us to death if we fail to find some one who can do so.
_Tiger._ He’s king, and they say the king kills when he will. I do not know what we shall do.
_Fox._ Let me think. I have it—Tell the king you have found the story-teller that he wished for.
_Lion._ So, Mr Fox, you are to tell me stories without ceasing.
_Fox._ There was once a fisherman who went to sea. He had a large net. He spread it out far and wide. One day a great many fish got into the net. Just as the fisherman was about to draw it up, the cords broke, and a small hole was made in the side of the net. Now, this hole was just large enough for one fish to slip through at a time. So, one fish got out—[_Fox stops._]
_Fox._ Then two fishes got out. [_Fox stops._]
_Fox._ Then three escaped. [_Fox stops._]
_Lion._ [_Impatiently._] Yes, yes! but the story? I tell you, go on with the story. What then?
_Lion._ Come, come, sir, you are not telling me anything new.
_Fox._ O King! Each lot of fishes was different from the rest.—Then the hole grew a little larger and—
_Fox._ Why, your majesty, what can be more wonderful than for fish to escape in lots, each lot greater than the other by one?
_Lion._ [_Impatiently._] How long will it take all those fishes to get out?
_Fox._ O King Lion, it was a large net—there were thousands and thousands of fishes in it.—Then the hole grew a little larger and—
_Lion._ Stop, stop! I can not stand this. Leave my court at once—anything to stop those fishes.
_Fox._ [_To animals._] Fear not, I have saved you all. The tyrant won’t try that plan again.
_Child._ Traveler, what lies over the hill? Traveler, tell to me. I am only a child from the window sill, Over I can not see.
_Traveler._ Child, there’s a valley over there, Pretty and wooded and shy, And a little brook that says, “Take care,
_Traveler._ A little town And a towering hill again; More hills and valleys up and down And a river now and then.