Thelittleboycouldnevergetenough;soforthishewascalled"LittleJackRollaround。"
Onenighthehadmadehismotherrollhimabout，tillshefellasleep，andeventhenhekeptcrying，"Rollmearound！rollmearound！"Hismotherpushedhimaboutinhersleep，untilshefelltoosoundlyaslumbering;thenshestopped。ButLittleJackRollaroundkeptoncrying，"Rollaround！rollaround！"
ByandbytheMoonpeepedinatthewindow。Hesawafunnysight：LittleJackRollaroundwaslyinginhistrundle—
bed，andhehadputuponelittlefatlegforamast，andfastenedthecornerofhisweeshirttoitforasail，andhewasblowingatitwithallhismight，andsaying，"Rollaround！rollaround！"Slowly，slowly，thelittletrundle—bedboatbegantomove;itsailedalongthefloorandupthewallandacrosstheceilinganddownagain！
"More！more！"criedLittleJackRollaround;andthelittleboatsailedfasterupthewall，acrosstheceiling，downthewall，andoverthefloor。TheMoonlaughedatthesight;butwhenLittleJackRollaroundsawtheMoon，hecalledout，"Openthedoor，oldMoon！Iwanttorollthroughthetown，sothatthepeoplecanseeme！"
TheMooncouldnotopenthedoor，butheshoneinthroughthekeyhole，inabroadband。AndLittleJackRollaroundsailedhistrundle—bedboatupthebeam，throughthekeyhole，andintothestreet。
"Makealight，oldMoon，"hesaid;"I
wantthepeopletoseeme！"
SothegoodMoonmadealightandwentalongwithhim，andthelittletrundle—
bedboatwentsailingdownthestreetsintothemainstreetofthevillage。Theyrolledpastthetownhallandtheschoolhouseandthechurch;butnobodysawlittleJackRollaround，becauseeverybodywasinbed，asleep。
"Whydon’tthepeoplecometoseeme？"
heshouted。
Highuponthechurchsteeple，theWeather—vaneanswered，"Itisnotimeforpeopletobeinthestreets;decentfolkareintheirbeds。"
"ThenI’llgotothewoods，sothattheanimalsmayseeme，"saidLittleJack。
"Comealong，oldMoon，andmakealight！"
ThegoodMoonwentalongandmadealight，andtheycametotheforest。"Roll！
roll！"criedthelittleboy;andthetrundle—
bedwenttrundlingamongthetreesinthegreatwood，scaringupthechipmunksandstartlingthelittleleavesonthetrees。ThepooroldMoonbegantohaveabadtimeofit，forthetree—trunksgotinhiswaysothathecouldnotgosofastasthebed，andeverytimehegotbehind，thelittleboycalled，"Hurryup，oldMoon，Iwantthebeaststoseeme！"
Butalltheanimalswereasleep，andnobodyatalllookedatLittleJackRollaroundexceptanoldWhiteOwl;andallshesaidwas，"Whoareyou？"
Thelittleboydidnotlikeher，soheblewharder，andthetrundle—bedboatwentsailingthroughtheforesttillitcametotheendoftheworld。
"Imustgohomenow;itislate，"saidtheMoon。
"Iwillgowithyou;makeapath！"saidLittleJackRollaround。
ThekindMoonmadeapathuptothesky，andupsailedthelittlebedintothemidstofthesky。AllthelittlebrightStarsweretherewiththeirnicelittlelamps。Andwhenhesawthem，thatnaughtyLittleJackRollaroundbegantotease。"Outoftheway，there！Iamcoming！"heshouted，andsailedthetrundle—bedboatstraightatthem。HebumpedthelittleStarsrightandleft，alloverthesky，untileveryoneofthemputhislittlelampoutandleftitdark。
"DonottreatthelittleStarsso，"saidthegoodMoon。
ButJackRollaroundonlybehavedtheworse："Getoutoftheway，oldMoon！"
heshouted，"Iamcoming！"
Andhesteeredthelittletrundle—bedboatstraightintotheoldMoon’sface，andbumpedhisnose！
ThiswastoomuchforthegoodMoon;
heputouthisbiglight，allatonce，andlefttheskypitch—black。
"Makealight，oldMoon！Makealight！"shoutedthelittleboy。ButtheMoonansweredneveraword，andJackRollaroundcouldnotseewheretosteer。
Hewentrollingcriss—cross，upanddown，alloverthesky，knockingintotheplanetsandstumblingintotheclouds，tillhedidnotknowwherehewas。
Suddenlyhesawabigyellowlightattheveryedgeofthesky。HethoughtitwastheMoon。"Lookout，Iamcoming！"
hecried，andsteeredforthelight。
ButitwasnotthekindoldMoonatall;
itwasthegreatmotherSun，justcomingupoutofherhomeinthesea，tobeginherday’swork。
"Aha，youngster，whatareyoudoinginmysky？"shesaid。AndshepickedLittleJackRollaroundupandthrewhim，trundle—bedboatandall，intothemiddleofthesea！
AndIsupposeheisthereyet，unlesssomebodypickedhimoutagain。
HOWBROTHERRABBITFOOLEDTHEWHALEANDTHEELEPHANT[1]
[1]AdaptedfromtwotalesincludedintherecordsoftheAmericanFolk—LoreSociety。
OnedaylittleBrotherRabbitwasrunningalongonthesand，lippety，lippety，whenhesawtheWhaleandtheElephanttalkingtogether。LittleBrotherRabbitcroucheddownandlistenedtowhattheyweresaying。Thiswaswhattheyweresaying：——
"Youarethebiggestthingontheland，BrotherElephant，"saidtheWhale，"andIamthebiggestthinginthesea;ifwejointogetherwecanrulealltheanimalsintheworld，andhaveourwayabouteverything。"
"Verygood，verygood，"trumpetedtheElephant;"thatsuitsme;wewilldoit。"
LittleBrotherRabbitsnickeredtohimself。"Theywon’truleme，"hesaid。Heranawayandgotaverylong，verystrongrope，andhegothisbigdrum，andhidthedrumalongwayoffinthebushes。ThenhewentalongthebeachtillhecametotheWhale。
"Oh，please，dear，strongMr。Whale，"
hesaid，"willyouhavethegreatkindnesstodomeafavor？Mycowisstuckinthemud，aquarterofamilefromhere。AndIcan’tpullherout。Butyouaresostrongandsoobliging，thatIventuretotrustyouwillhelpmeout。"
TheWhalewassopleasedwiththecomplimentthathesaid，"Yes，"atonce。
"Then，"saidtheRabbit，"Iwilltiethisendofmylongropetoyou，andIwillrunawayandtietheotherendroundmycow，andwhenIamreadyIwillbeatmybigdrum。Whenyouhearthat，pullvery，veryhard，forthecowisstuckverydeepinthemud。"
"Huh！"gruntedtheWhale，"I’llpullherout，ifsheisstucktothehorns。"
LittleBrotherRabbittiedtherope—endtothewhale，andranoff，lippety，lippety，tillhecametotheplacewheretheElephantwas。
"Oh，please，mightyandkindlyElephant，"
hesaid，makingaverylowbow"willyoudomeafavor？"
"Whatisit？"askedtheElephant。
"Mycowisstuckinthemud，aboutaquarterofamilefromhere，"saidlittleBrotherRabbit，"andIcannotpullherout。Ofcourseyoucould。Ifyouwillbesoveryobligingastohelpme——"
"Certainly，"saidtheElephantgrandly，"certainly。"
"Then，"saidlittleBrotherRabbit，"I
willtieoneendofthislongropetoyourtrunk，andtheothertomycow，andassoonasIhavetiedhertightlyIwillbeatmybigdrum。Whenyouhearthat，pull;
pullashardasyoucan，formycowisveryheavy。"
"Neverfear，"saidtheElephant，"I
couldpulltwentycows。"
"Iamsureyoucould，"saidtheRabbit，politely，"onlybesuretobegingently，andpullharderandhardertillyougether。"
ThenhetiedtheendoftheropetightlyroundtheElephant’strunk，andranawayintothebushes。Therehesatdownandbeatthebigdrum。
TheWhalebegantopull，andtheElephantbegantopull，andinajiffytheropetightenedtillitwasstretchedashardascouldbe。
"Thisisaremarkablyheavycow，"saidtheElephant;"butI’llfetchher！"Andhebracedhisforefeetintheearth，andgaveatremendouspull。
"Dearme！"saidtheWhale。"Thatcowmustbestuckmightytight;"andhedrovehistaildeepinthewater，andgaveamarvelouspull。
Hepulledharder;theElephantpulledharder。PrettysoontheWhalefoundhimselfslidingtowardtheland。Thereasonwas，ofcourse，thattheElephanthadsomethingsolidtobraceagainst，and，too，asfastashepulledtheropeinalittle，hetookaturnwithitroundhistrunk！
ButwhentheWhalefoundhimselfslidingtowardthelandhewassoprovokedwiththecowthathedoveheadfirst，downtothebottomofthesea。Thatwasapull！TheElephantwasjerkedoffhisfeet，andcameslippingandslidingtothebeach，andintothesurf。Hewasterriblyangry。Hebracedhimselfwithallhismight，andpulledhisbest。Atthejerk，upcametheWhaleoutofthewater。
"Whoispullingme？"spoutedtheWhale。
"Whoispullingme？"trumpetedtheElephant。
Andtheneachsawtheropeintheother’shold。
"I’llteachyoutoplaycow！"roaredtheElephant。
"I’llshowyouhowtofoolme！"fumedtheWhale。Andtheybegantopullagain。
Butthistimetheropebroke，theWhaleturnedasomersault，andtheElephantfelloverbackwards。
Atthat，theywerebothsoashamedthatneitherwouldspeaktotheother。Sothatbrokeupthebargainbetweenthem。
AndlittleBrotherRabbitsatinthebushesandlaughed，andlaughed，andlaughed。
THELITTLEHALF—CHICK
TherewasonceuponatimeaSpanishHen，whohatchedoutsomenicelittlechickens。Shewasmuchpleasedwiththeirlooksastheycamefromtheshell。One，two，three，cameoutplumpandfluffy;butwhenthefourthshellbroke，outcamealittlehalf—chick！Ithadonlyonelegandonewingandoneeye！Itwasjusthalfachicken。
TheHen—motherdidnotknowwhatintheworldtodowiththequeerlittleHalf—
Chick。Shewasafraidsomethingwouldhappentoit，andshetriedhardtoprotectitandkeepitfromharm。ButassoonasitcouldwalkthelittleHalf—Chickshowedamostheadstrongspirit，worsethananyofitsbrothers。Itwouldnotmind，anditwouldgowhereveritwantedto;itwalkedwithafunnylittlehoppity—kick，hoppity—
kick，andgotalongprettyfast。
OnedaythelittleHalf—Chicksaid，"Mother，IamofftoMadrid，toseetheKing！Good—by。"
ThepoorHen—motherdideverythingshecouldthinkof，tokeephimfromdoingsofoolishathing，butthelittleHalf—Chicklaughedathernaughtily。"I’mforseeingtheKing，"hesaid;"thislifeistooquietforme。"Andawayhewent，hoppity—kick，hoppity—kick，overthefields。
WhenhehadgonesomedistancethelittleHalf—Chickcametoalittlebrookthatwascaughtintheweedsandinmuchtrouble。
"LittleHalf—Chick，"whisperedtheWater，"IamsochokedwiththeseweedsthatIcannotmove;Iamalmostlost，forwantofroom;pleasepushthesticksandweedsawaywithyourbillandhelpme。"
"Theidea！"saidthelittleHalf—Chick。
"Icannotbebotheredwithyou;IamoffforMadrid，toseetheKing！"Andinspiteofthebrook’sbegginghewentaway，hoppity—kick，hoppity—kick。
Abitfartheron，theHalf—ChickcametoaFire，whichwassmotheredindampsticksandingreatdistress。
"Oh，littleHalf—Chick，"saidtheFire，"youarejustintimetosaveme。Iamalmostdeadforwantofair。Fanmealittlewithyourwing，Ibeg。"
"Theidea！"saidthelittleHalf—Chick。
"Icannotbebotheredwithyou;IamofftoMadrid，toseetheKing！"Andhewentlaughingoff，hoppity—kick，hoppity—kick。
Whenhehadhoppity—kickedagoodway，andwasnearMadrid，hecametoaclumpofbushes，wheretheWindwascaughtfast。TheWindwaswhimpering，andbeggingtobesetfree。
"LittleHalf—Chick，"saidtheWind，"youarejustintimetohelpme;ifyouwillbrushasidethesetwigsandleaves，Icangetmybreath;helpme，quickly！"
"Ho！theidea！"saidthelittleHalf—
Chick。"Ihavenotimetobotherwithyou。
IamgoingtoMadrid，toseetheKing。"
Andhewentoff，hoppity—kick，hoppity—
kick，leavingtheWindtosmother。
AfterawhilehecametoMadridandtothepalaceoftheKing。Hoppity—kick，hoppity—kick，thelittleHalf—Chickskippedpastthesentryatthegate，andhoppity—
kick，hoppity—kick，hecrossedthecourt。
ButashewaspassingthewindowsofthekitchentheCooklookedoutandsawhim。
"TheverythingfortheKing’sdinner！"
shesaid。"Iwasneedingachicken！"AndsheseizedthelittleHalf—Chickbyhisonewingandthrewhimintoakettleofwateronthefire。
TheWatercameoverthelittleHalf—
Chick’sfeathers，overhishead，intohiseye;Itwasterriblyuncomfortable。ThelittleHalf—Chickcriedout，——
"Water，don’tdrownme！Staydown，don’tcomesohigh！"
ButtheWatersaid，"LittleHalf—Chick，littleHalf—Chick，whenIwasintroubleyouwouldnothelpme，"andcamehigherthanever。
NowtheWatergrewwarm，hot，hotter，frightfullyhot;thelittleHalf—Chickcriedout，"Donotburnsohot，Fire！Youareburningmetodeath！Stop！"
ButtheFiresaid，"LittleHalf—Chick，littleHalf—Chick，whenIwasintroubleyouwouldnothelpme，"andburnedhotterthanever。
JustasthelittleHalf—Chickthoughthemustsuffocate，theCooktookthecoveroff，tolookatthedinner。"Dearme，"
shesaid，"thischickenisnogood;itisburnedtoacinder。"AndshepickedthelittleHalf—Chickupbyonelegandthrewhimoutofthewindow。
Intheairhewascaughtbyabreezeandtakenuphigherthanthetrees。Roundandroundhewastwirledtillhewassodizzyhethoughthemustperish。"Don’tblowmeso？Wind，"hecried，"letmedown！"
"LittleHalf—Chick，littleHalf—Chick，"
saidtheWind，"whenIwasintroubleyouwouldnothelpme！"AndtheWindblewhimstraightuptothetopofthechurchsteeple，andstuckhimthere，fast！
Therehestandstothisday，withhisoneeye，hisonewing，andhisoneleg。Hecannothoppity—kickanymore，butheturnsslowlyroundwhenthewindblows，andkeepshisheadtowardit，tohearwhatitsays。
THELAMBIKIN[1]
[1]FromIndianFairyTales。ByJosephJacobs（DavidNutt）。
Onceuponatimetherewasawee，weeLambikin，whofrolickedaboutonhislittletotterylegs，andenjoyedhimselfamazingly。
NowonedayhesetofftovisithisGranny，andwasjumpingwithjoytothinkofallthegoodthingsheshouldgetfromher，whenwhomshouldhemeetbutaJackal，wholookedatthetenderyoungmorselandsaid，"Lambikin！Lambikin！
I’llEATYOU！"
ButLambikinonlygavealittlefriskandsaid，——
"ToGranny’shouseIgo，WhereIshallfattergrow;
Thenyoucaneatmeso。"
TheJackalthoughtthisreasonable，andletLambikinpass。
ByandbyhemetaVulture，andtheVulture，lookinghungrilyatthetendermorselbeforehim，said，"Lambikin！
Lambikin！I’llEATYOU！"
ButLambikinonlygavealittlefrisk，andsaid，——
"ToGranny’shouseIgo，WhereIshallfattergrow;
Thenyoucaneatmeso。"
TheVulturethoughtthisreasonable，andletLambikinpass。
AndbyandbyhemetaTiger，andthenaWolfandaDogandanEagle，andallthese，whentheysawthetenderlittlemorsel，said，"Lambikin！Lambikin！
I’llEATYOU！"
ButtoallofthemLambikinreplied，withalittlefrisk，——
"ToGranny’shouseIgo，WhereIshallfattergrow;
Thenyoucaneatmeso。"
AtlasthereachedhisGranny’shouse，andsaid，allinagreathurry，"Granny，dear，I’vepromisedtogetveryfat;so，aspeopleoughttokeeptheirpromises，pleaseputmeintothecorn—binATONCE。"
SohisGrannysaidhewasagoodboy，andputhimintothecorn—bin，andtherethegreedylittleLambikinstayedforsevendays，andate，andate，andate，untilhecouldscarcelywaddle，andhisGrannysaidhewasfatenoughforanything，andmustgohome。ButcunninglittleLambikinsaidthatwouldneverdo，forsomeanimalwouldbesuretoeathimonthewayback，hewassoplumpandtender。
"I’lltellyouwhatyoumustdo，"saidMasterLambikin;"youmustmakealittledrumikinoutoftheskinofmylittlebrotherwhodied，andthenIcansitinsideandtrundlealongnicely，forI’mastightasadrummyself。"
SohisGrannymadeanicelittledrumikinoutofhisbrother’sskin，withthewoolinside，andLambikincurledhimselfupsnugandwarminthemiddleandtrundledawaygayly。SoonhemetwiththeEagle，whocalledout，——
"Drumikin！Drumikin！
HaveyouseenLambikin？"
AndMr。Lambikin，curledupinhissoft，warmnest，replied，——
"Fallenintothefire，andsowillyouOnlittleDrumikin！Tum—pa，tum—too！"
"Howveryannoying！"sighedtheEagle，thinkingregretfullyofthetendermorselhehadletslip。
MeanwhileLambikintrundledalong，laughingtohimself，andsinging，——
"Tum—pa，tum—too;
Tum—pa，tum—too！"
Everyanimalandbirdhemetaskedhimthesamequestion，——
"Drumikin！Drumikin！
HaveyouseenLambikin？"
Andtoeachofthemthelittleslybootsreplied，——
"Fallenintothefire，andsowillyouOnlittleDrumikin！Tum—pa，tum—too！"
Tum—pa，tum—too！tum—pa，tum—too！"
Thentheyallsighedtothinkofthetenderlittlemorseltheyhadletslip。
AtlasttheJackalcamelimpingalong，forallhissorrylooksassharpasaneedle，andhe，too，calledout，——
"Drumikin！Drumikin！
HaveyouseenLambikin？"
AndLambikin，curledupinhissnuglittlenest，repliedgayly，——
"Fallenintothefire，andsowillyouOnlittleDrumikin！Tum—pa——"
Buthenevergotanyfurther，fortheJackalrecognizedhisvoiceatonce，andcried，"Hullo！you’veturnedyourselfinsideout，haveyou？Justyoucomeoutofthat！"
WhereuponhetoreopenDrumikinandgobbledupLambikin。
THEBLACKBERRY—BUSH[1]
[1]FromCeliaThaxter’sStoriesandPoemsforChildren。
Alittleboysatathismother’sknees，bythelongwesternwindow，lookingoutintothegarden。Itwasautumn，andthewindwassad;andthegoldenelmleaveslayscatteredaboutamongthegrass，andonthegravelpath。Themotherwasknittingalittlestocking;herfingersmovedthebrightneedles;buthereyeswerefixedonthecleareveningsky。
Asthedarknessgathered，theweeboylaidhisheadonherlapandkeptsostillthat，atlast，sheleanedforwardtolookintohisdearroundface。Hewasnotasleep，butwaswatchingveryearnestlyablackberry—bush，thatwaveditsonetall，dark—redsprayinthewindoutsidethefence。
"Whatareyouthinkingabout，mydarling？"shesaid，smoothinghissoft，honey—coloredhair。
"Theblackberry—bush，mamma;whatdoesitsay？Itkeepsnodding，noddingtomebehindthefence;whatdoesitsay，mamma？"
"Itsays，"sheanswered，`Iseeahappylittleboyinthewarm，fire—lightedroom。
Thewindblowscold，andhereitisdarkandlonely;butthatlittleboyiswarmandhappyandsafeathismother’sknees。
Inodtohim，andhelooksatme。I
wonderifheknowshowhappyheis！
"`See，allmyleavesaredarkcrimson。
Everydaytheydryandwithermoreandmore;byandbytheywillbesoweaktheycanscarcelyclingtomybranches，andthenorthwindwilltearthemallaway，andnobodywillrememberthemanymore。
Thenthesnowwillsinkdownandwrapmeclose。Thenthesnowwillmeltagainandicyrainwillclotheme，andthebitterwindwillrattlemybaretwigsupanddown。
"`Inodmyheadtoallwhopass，anddrearynightsanddrearydaysgoby;butinthehappyhouse，sowarmandbright，thelittleboyplaysalldaywithbooksandtoys。Hismotherandhisfathercherishhim;henestlesontheirkneesintheredfirelightatnight，whiletheyreadtohimlovelystories，orsingsweetoldsongstohim，——thehappylittleboy！AndoutsideIpeepoverthesnowandseeastreamofruddylightfromacrackinthewindow—
shutter，andInodoutherealoneinthedark，thinkinghowbeautifulitis。
"`AndhereIwaitpatiently。Itakethesnowandtherainandthecold，andIamnotsorry，butglad;forinmyrootsIfeelwarmthandlife，andIknowthatastoreofgreennessandbeautyisshutupsafeinmysmallbrownbuds。Dayandnightgoagainandagain;littlebylittlethesnowmeltsallaway;thegroundgrowssoft;
theskyisblue;thelittlebirdsflyovercrying，"Itisspring！itisspring！"Ah！
thenthroughallmytwigsIfeeltheslowsapstirring。
"`Warmergrowthesunbeams，andsoftertheair。Thesmallbladesofgrasscreepthickaboutmyfeet;thesweetrainhelpsswellmyshiningbuds。MoreandmoreIpushforthmyleaves，tilloutIburstinagaygreendress，andnodinjoyandpride。Thelittleboycomesrunningtolookatme，andcries，"Oh，mamma！thelittleblackberry—bushisaliveandbeautifulandgreen。Oh，comeandsee！"AndIhear;andIbowmyheadinthesummerwind;andeverydaytheywatchmegrowmorebeautiful，tillatlastIshakeoutblossoms，fairandfragrant。
"`Afewdaysmore，andIdropthewhitepetalsdownamongthegrass，and，lo！thegreentinyberries！CarefullyIholdthemuptothesun;carefullyIgatherthedewinthesummernights;slowlytheyripen;
theygrowlargerandredderanddarker，andatlasttheyareblack，shining，delicious。IholdthemashighasIcanforthelittleboy，whocomesdancingout。Heshoutswithjoy，andgatherstheminhisdearhand;andherunstosharethemwithhismother，saying，"Hereiswhatthepatientblackberry—bushboreforus：seehownice，mamma！"
"`Ah！thenindeedIamglad，andwouldsay，ifIcould，"Yes，takethem，dearlittleboy;Ikeptthemforyou，heldthemlonguptosunandraintomakethemsweetandripeforyou;"andInodandnodinfullcontent，formyworkisdone。Fromthewindowhewatchesmeandthinks，"Thereisthelittleblackberry—bushthatwassokindtome。IseeitandIloveit。Iknowitissafeouttherenoddingallalone，andnextsummeritwillholdripeberriesupformetogatheragain。"’"
Thentheweeboysmiled，andlikedthelittlestory。Hismothertookhimupinherarms，andtheywentouttosupperandlefttheblackberry—bushnoddingupanddowninthewind;andthereitisnoddingyet。
THEFAIRIES[1]
[1]ByWilliamAllingham。
Uptheairymountain，Downtherushyglen，Wedaren’tgoa—huntingForfearoflittlemen。
Weefolk，goodfolk，Troopingalltogether;
Greenjacket，redcap，Andwhiteowl’sfeather！
DownalongtherockyshoreSomemaketheirhome——
TheyliveoncrispypancakesOfyellowtide—foam;
SomeinthereedsOftheblackmountain—lake，Withfrogsfortheirwatch—dogs，Allnightawake。
HighonthehilltopTheoldKingsits;
Heisnowsooldandgray，He’snighlosthiswits。
WithabridgeofwhitemistColumbkillhecrosses，OnhisstatelyjourneysFromSlieveleaguetoRosses;
OrgoingupwithmusicOncoldstarrynights，TosupwiththeQueenOfthegayNorthernLights。
TheystolelittleBridgetForsevenyearslong;
WhenshecamedownagainHerfriendswereallgone。
Theytookherlightlyback，Betweenthenightandmorrow;
Theythoughtthatshewasfastasleep，Butshewasdeadwithsorrow。
TheyhavekepthereversinceDeepwithinthelake，Onabedofflag—leaves，Watchingtillshewake。
Bythecraggyhillside，Throughthemossesbare，Theyhaveplantedthorn—trees，Forpleasurehereandthere。
IsanymansodaringAsdigthemupinspite，HeshallfindtheirsharpestthornsInhisbedatnight。
Uptheairymountain，Downtherushyglen，Wedaren’tgoa—huntingForfearoflittlemen。
Weefolk，goodfolk，Troopingalltogether;
Greenjacket，redcap，Andwhiteowl’sfeather！
THEADVENTURESOFTHELITTLEFIELDMOUSE
Onceuponatime，therewasalittlebrownFieldMouse;andonedayhewasoutinthefieldstoseewhathecouldsee。Hewasrunningalonginthegrass，pokinghisnoseintoeverythingandlookingwithhistwoeyesallabout，whenhesawasmooth，shinyacorn，lyinginthegrass。Itwassuchafineshinylittleacornthathethoughthewouldtakeithomewithhim;soheputouthispawtotouchit，butthelittleacornrolledawayfromhim。Heranafterit，butitkeptrollingon，justaheadofhim，tillitcametoaplacewhereabigoak—treehaditsrootsspreadallovertheground。Thenitrolledunderabigroundroot。
LittleMr。FieldMouserantotherootandpokedhisnoseunderaftertheacorn，andtherehesawasmallroundholeintheground。Heslippedthroughandsawsomestairsgoingdownintotheearth。
Theacornwasrollingdown，withasofttappingsound，aheadofhim，sodownhewenttoo。Down，down，down，rolledtheacorn，anddown，down，down，wenttheFieldMouse，untilsuddenlyhesawatinydooratthefootofthestairs。
Theshinyacornrolledtothedoorandstruckagainstitwithatap。Quicklythelittledooropenedandtheacornrolledinside。TheFieldMousehurriedasfastashecoulddownthelaststairs，andpushedthroughjustasthedoorwasclosing。Itshutbehindhim，andhewasinalittleroom。Andthere，beforehim，stoodaqueerlittleRedMan！Hehadalittleredcap，andalittleredjacket，andoddlittleredshoeswithpointsatthetoes。
"Youaremyprisoner，"hesaidtotheFieldMouse。
"Whatfor？"saidtheFieldMouse。
"Becauseyoutriedtostealmyacorn，"
saidthelittleRedMan。
"Itismyacorn，"saidtheFieldMouse;
"Ifoundit。"
"No，itisn’t，"saidthelittleRedMan，"Ihaveit;youwillneverseeitagain。"
ThelittleFieldMouselookedallabouttheroomasfastashecould，buthecouldnotseeanyacorn。Thenhethoughthewouldgobackupthetinystairstohisownhome。Butthelittledoorwaslocked，andthelittleRedManhadthekey。Andhesaidtothepoormouse，——
"Youshallbemyservant;youshallmakemybedandsweepmyroomandcookmybroth。"
SothelittlebrownMousewasthelittleRedMan’sservant，andeverydayhemadethelittleRedMan’sbedandsweptthelittleRedMan’sroomandcookedthelittleRedMan’sbroth。AndeverydaythelittleRedManwentawaythroughthetinydoor，anddidnotcomebacktillafternoon。
Buthealwayslockedthedoorafterhim，andcarriedawaythekey。
Atlast，onedayhewasinsuchahurrythatheturnedthekeybeforethedoorwasquitelatched，which，ofcourse，didn’tlockitatall。Hewentawaywithoutnoticing，——hewasinsuchahurry。
ThelittleFieldMouseknewthathischancehadcometorunawayhome。Buthedidn’twanttogowithoutthepretty，shinyacorn。Whereitwashedidn’tknow，sohelookedeverywhere。Heopenedeverylittledrawerandlookedin，butitwasn’tinanyofthedrawers;hepeepedoneveryshelf，butitwasn’tonashelf;hehuntedineverycloset，butitwasn’tinthere。
Finally，heclimbeduponachairandopenedawee，weedoorinthechimney—
piece，——andthereitwas！
Hetookitquicklyinhisforepaws，andthenhetookitinhismouth，andthenheranaway。Hepushedopenthelittledoor;
heclimbedup，up，upthelittlestairs;hecameoutthroughtheholeundertheroot;
heranandranthroughthefields;andatlasthecametohisownhouse。
Whenhewasinhisownhousehesettheshinyacornonthetable。Iguesshesetitdownhard，forallatonce，withalittlesnap，itopened！——exactlylikealittlebox。
Andwhatdoyouthink！Therewasatinynecklaceinside！Itwasamostbeautifultinynecklace，allmadeofjewels，anditwasjustbigenoughforaladymouse。
SothelittleFieldMousegavethetinynecklacetohislittleMouse—sister。Shethoughtitwasperfectlylovely。Andwhenshewasn’twearingitshekeptitintheshinyacornbox。
AndthelittleRedManneverknewwhathadbecomeofit，becausehedidn’tknowwherethelittleFieldMouselived。
ANOTHERLITTLEREDHEN[1]
[1]Adaptedfromtheverseversion，whichisgivenhereasanalternative。
OnceuponatimetherewasalittleRedHen，wholivedonafarmallbyherself。
AnoldFox，craftyandsly，hadadenintherocks，onahillnearherhouse。ManyandmanyanightthisoldFoxusedtolieawakeandthinktohimselfhowgoodthatlittleRedHenwouldtasteifhecouldoncegetherinhisbigkettleandboilherfordinner。
Buthecouldn’tcatchthelittleRedHen，becauseshewastoowiseforhim。Everytimeshewentouttomarketshelockedthedoorofthehousebehindher，andassoonasshecameinagainshelockedthedoorbehindherandputthekeyinherapronpocket，whereshekeptherscissorsandasugarcooky。
AtlasttheoldFoxthoughtupawaytocatchthelittleRedHen。Earlyinthemorninghesaidtohisoldmother，"HavethekettleboilingwhenIcomehometo—
night，forI’llbebringingthelittleRedHenforsupper。"Thenhetookabigbagandslungitoverhisshoulder，andwalkedtillhecametothelittleRedHen’shouse。
ThelittleRedHenwasjustcomingoutofherdoortopickupafewsticksforkindlingwood。SotheoldFoxhidbehindthewood—
pile，andassoonasshebentdowntogetastick，intothehouseheslipped，andscurriedbehindthedoor。
InaminutethelittleRedHencamequicklyin，andshutthedoorandlockedit。"I’mgladI’msafelyin，"shesaid。
Justasshesaidit，sheturnedround，andtherestoodtheuglyoldFox，withhisbigbagoverhisshoulder。Whiff！howscaredthelittleRedHenwas！Shedroppedherapronfulofsticks，andflewuptothebigbeamacrosstheceiling。Theresheperched，andshesaidtotheoldFox，downbelow，"Youmayaswellgohome，foryoucan’tgetme。"
"Can’tI，though！"saidtheFox。Andwhatdoyouthinkhedid？HestoodonthefloorunderneaththelittleRedHenandtwirledroundinacircleafterhisowntail。Andashespun，andspun，andspun，faster，andfaster，andfaster，thepoorlittleRedHengotsodizzywatchinghimthatshecouldn’tholdontotheperch。Shedroppedoff，andtheoldFoxpickedherupandputherinhisbag，slungthebagoverhisshoulder，andstartedforhome，wherethekettlewasboiling。
Hehadaverylongwaytogo，uphill，andthelittleRedHenwasstillsodizzythatshedidn’tknowwhereshewas。Butwhenthedizzinessbegantogooff，shewhiskedherlittlescissorsoutofherapronpocket，andsnip！shecutalittleholeinthebag;thenshepokedherheadoutandsawwhereshewas，andassoonastheycametoagoodspotshecuttheholebiggerandjumpedoutherself。Therewasagreatbigstonelyingthere，andthelittleRedHenpickeditupandputitinthebagasquickasawink。Thensheranasfastasshecouldtillshecametoherownlittlefarm—
house，andshewentinandlockedthedoorwiththebigkey。
TheoldFoxwentoncarryingthestoneandneverknewthedifference。My，butitbumpedhimwell！Hewasprettytiredwhenhegothome。Buthewassopleasedtothinkofthesupperhewasgoingtohavethathedidnotmindthatatall。Assoonashismotheropenedthedoorhesaid，"Isthekettleboiling？"
"Yes，"saidhismother;"haveyougotthelittleRedHen？"
"Ihave，"saidtheoldFox。"WhenI
openthebagyouholdthecoveroffthekettleandI’llshakethebagsothattheHenwillfallin，andthenyoupopthecoveron，beforeshecanjumpout。"
"Allright，"saidhismeanoldmother;
andshestoodclosebytheboilingkettle，readytoputthecoveron。
TheFoxliftedthebig，heavybaguptillitwasovertheopenkettle，andgaveitashake。Splash！thump！splash！Inwentthestoneandoutcametheboilingwater，allovertheoldFoxandtheoldFox’smother！
Andtheywerescaldedtodeath。
ButthelittleRedHenlivedhappilyeverafter，inherownlittlefarmhouse。
THESTORYOFTHELITTLERIDHIN[1]
[1]FromHoraceE。Scudder’sDoingsoftheBodleyFamilyinTownandCountry（Houghton，Mifflin&Co。）。
Therewasonce’tuponatimeAlittlesmallRidHin，OffinthegoodouldcountryWhereyeesha’nivirbin。
Niceandquietshureshewas，Andnivirdidanyharrum;
Shelivedalaneallbeherself，Andworkeduponherfarrum。
Therelivedouto’erthehill，Inagreatdino’rocks，Acrafty，shly，andwickedOuldfollyivaFox。
ThisrashkillivaFox，HetukitinhisheadHe’dhavethelittleRidHin：
So，whinhewinttobed，HelaidawakeandthaughtWhatafoinething’twadbeTofetchherhomeandbileherupForhisouldmarmandhe。
Andsohethaughtandthaught，UntilhegrewsothinThattherewasnothin’leftofhimButjisthisbonesandshkin。
ButthesmallRidHinwaswise，Shealwayslockedherdoor，Andinherpocketpitthekey，TokeeptheFoxoutshure。
ButatlasttherecameaschameIntilhiswickedhead，AndhetukagreatbigbagAndtohismithersaid，——
"Nowhavethepotallbilin’
AginthetimeIcome;
We’llatethesmallRidHinto—night，ForshureI’llbringherhome。"
AndsoawayhewintWidthebaguponhisback，An’upthehillandthroughthewoodsSaftlyhemadehistrack。
An’thinhecamealang，Crapingasshtill’samouse，TowherethelittlesmallRidHinLivedinhershnugouldhouse。
An’outshecomeshersel’，Jistashegotinsight，Topickupshtickstomakeherfire：
"Aha！"saysFox，"allright。
"Begorra，now，I’llhaveyeesWidoutmuchthroublemore;"
An’inheshlipsquiteunbeknownst，An’hidesbe’indthedoor。
An’thin，aminuteafther，IncomesthesmallRidHin，An’shutsthedoor，andlocksit，too，An’thinks，"I’msafelyin。"
An’thinshetarnsaroundAn’looksbe’indthedoor;
ThereshtandstheFoxwidhisbigtailShpreadoutuponthefloor。
Dearme！shewassoscharedWidsuchawondroussight，Shedroppedherapronfulofshticks，An’flewupinafright，An’lightedonthebameAcrossontoptheroom;
"Aha！"saysshe，"yedon’thaveme;
Yemayaswellgohome。"
"Aha！"saysFox，"we’llsee;
I’llbringyeesdownfromthat。"
SoouthemarcheduponthefloorRightunderwhereshesat。
An’thinhewhiruledaround，An’roundan’roundan’round，Fashteran’fashteran’fashter，Aftherhistailontheground。
UntilthesmallRidHinShegotsodizzy，shure，Widlookin’attheFox’stail，Shejistdroppedonthefloor。
An’Foxhewhippedherup，An’pitherinhisbag，An’offhestartedallalone，Himandhislittledag。
AlldayhetrackedthewoodUphillan’downagain;
An’widhim，shmotherin’inthebag，ThelittlesmallRidHin。
SorraaknowsheknowedAwhereshewasthatday;
Saysshe，"I’mbiledan’ateup，shure，An’what’llbetopay？"
Thinshebetho’thersel’，An’tukherschissorsout，An’shnippedabigholeinthebag，Soshecouldlookabout。
An’’foreouldFoxcouldthinkSheleptrightout——shedid，An’thinpickedupagreatbigshtone，An’poppeditininstid。
An’thinsherinsoffhome，Heroutsidedoorshelocks;
Thinksshe，"Youseeyoudon’thaveme，Youcrafty，shlyouldFox。"
An’Fox，hetuggedawayWidthegreatbighivyshtone，Thimpin’hisshouldersverybadAshewintinalone。
An’whinhecameinsightO’hisgreatdino’rocks，Jistwatchin’forhimatthedoorHeshpiedouldmitherFox。
"Haveyethepota—bilin’？"
SayshetoouldFoxthin;
"Shurean’itis，mechild，"saysshe;
"HaveyethesmallRidHin？"
"Yes，jisthereinmebag，AsshureasIshtandhere;
OpenthelidtillIpitherin：
Openit——niverfear。"
Sotherashkillcutthesthring，An’hildthebigbagover;
"NowwhenIshakeitin，"sayshe，"Doyepitonthecover。"
"Yis，thatIwill;"an’thinTheshtonewintinwidadash，An’thepotoybilin’watherCameoverthemker—splash。
An’schalted’embothtodeath，Sotheycouldn’tbrathenomore;
An’thelittlesmallRidHinlivedsafe，Jistwhereshelivedbefore。
THESTORYOFEPAMINONDASANDHISAUNTIE[1]
[1]ASouthernnonsensetale。
EpaminondasusedtogotoseehisAuntie’mosteveryday，andshenearlyalwaysgavehimsomethingtotakehometohisMammy。
Onedayshegavehimabigpieceofcake;
nice，yellow，richgold—cake。
Epaminondastookitinhisfistandhelditallscruncheduptight，likethis，andcamealonghome。Bythetimehegothometherewasn’tanythingleftbutafistfulofcrumbs。HisMammysaid，——
"Whatyougotthere，Epaminondas？"
"Cake，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
"Cake！"saidhisMammy。"Epaminondas，youain’tgotthesenseyouwasbornwith！That’snowaytocarrycake。Thewaytocarrycakeistowrapitallupniceinsomeleavesandputitinyourhat，andputyourhatonyourhead，andcomealonghome。Youhearme，Epaminondas？"
"Yes，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
NextdayEpaminondaswenttoseehisAuntie，andshegavehimapoundofbutterforhisMammy;fine，fresh，sweetbutter。
Epaminondaswrappeditupinleavesandputitinhishat，andputhishatonhishead，andcamealonghome。Itwasaveryhotday。Prettysoonthebutterbegantomelt。Itmelted，andmelted，andasitmelteditrandownEpaminondas’forehead;
thenitranoverhisface，andinhisears，anddownhisneck。Whenhegothome，allthebutterEpaminondashadwasONHIM。HisMammylookedathim，andthenshesaid，——
"Law’ssake！Epaminondas，whatyougotinyourhat？"
"Butter，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas;
"Auntiegaveittome。"
"Butter！"saidhisMammy。"Epaminondas，youain’tgotthesenseyouwasbornwith！Don’tyouknowthat’snowaytocarrybutter？Thewaytocarrybutteristowrapitupinsomeleavesandtakeitdowntothebrook，andcoolitinthewater，andcoolitinthewater，andcoolitinthewater，andthentakeitonyourhands，careful，andbringitalonghome。"
"Yes，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
Byandby，anotherday，EpaminondaswenttoseehisAuntieagain，andthistimeshegavehimalittlenewpuppy—dogtotakehome。
Epaminondasputitinsomeleavesandtookitdowntothebrook;andtherehecooleditinthewater，andcooleditinthewater，andcooleditinthewater;thenhetookitinhishandsandcamealonghome。
Whenhegothome，thepuppy—dogwasdead。HisMammylookedatit，andshesaid，——
"Law’ssake！Epaminondas，whatyougotthere？"
"Apuppy—dog，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
"APUPPY—DOG！"saidhisMammy。"Mygracioussakesalive，Epaminondas，youain’tgotthesenseyouwasbornwith！
Thatain’tthewaytocarryapuppy—dog！
Thewaytocarryapuppy—dogistotakealongpieceofstringandtieoneendofitroundthepuppy—dog’sneckandputthepuppy—dogontheground，andtakeholdoftheotherendofthestringandcomealonghome，likethis。"
"Allright，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
Nextday，EpaminondaswenttoseehisAuntieagain，andwhenhecametogohomeshegavehimaloafofbreadtocarrytohisMammy;abrown，fresh，crustyloafofbread。
SoEpaminondastiedastringaroundtheendoftheloafandtookholdoftheendofthestringandcamealonghome，likethis。
（Imitatedraggingsomethingalongtheground。）WhenhegothomehisMammylookedatthethingontheendofthestring，andshesaid，——
"Mylawsa—massy！Epaminondas，whatyougotontheendofthatstring？"
"Bread，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas;
"Auntiegaveittome。"
"Bread！！！"saidhisMammy。"O
Epaminondas，Epaminondas，youain’tgotthesenseyouwasbornwith;youneverdidhavethesenseyouwasbornwith;youneverwillhavethesenseyouwasbornwith！NowIain’tgwinetellyouanymorewaystobringtruckhome。Anddon’tyougoseeyourAuntie，neither。I’llgoseehermyownself。ButI’lljusttellyouonething，Epaminondas！YouseetheseheresixmincepiesIdonemake？YouseehowIdoneset’emonthedoorsteptocool？
Well，now，youhearme，Epaminondas，YOUBECAREFULHOWYOUSTEPONTHOSEPIES！"
"Yes，Mammy，"saidEpaminondas。
ThenEpaminondas’MammyputonherbonnetandhershawlandtookabasketinherhandandwentawaytoseeAuntie。Thesixmincepiessatcoolinginarowonthedoorstep。
Andthen，——andthen，——EpaminondasWAScarefulhowhesteppedonthosepies！
Hestepped（imitate）——right——in——
the——middle——of——every——one……
And，doyouknow，children，nobodyknowswhathappenednext！Thepersonwhotoldmethestorydidn’tknow;nobodyknows。
Butyoucanguess。
THEBOYWHOCRIED"WOLF！"
Therewasonceashepherd—boywhokepthisflockatalittledistancefromthevillage。Oncehethoughthewouldplayatrickonthevillagersandhavesomefunattheirexpense。Soherantowardthevillagecryingout，withallhismight，——
"Wolf！Wolf！Comeandhelp！Thewolvesareatmylambs！"
Thekindvillagerslefttheirworkandrantothefieldtohelphim。Butwhentheygottheretheboylaughedatthemfortheirpains;therewasnowolfthere。
Stillanotherdaytheboytriedthesametrick，andthevillagerscamerunningtohelpandgotlaughedatagain。
Thenonedayawolfdidbreakintothefoldandbegankillingthelambs。Ingreatfright，theboyranforhelp。"Wolf！Wolf！"
hescreamed。"Thereisawolfintheflock！
Help！"
Thevillagersheardhim，buttheythoughtitwasanothermeantrick;noonepaidtheleastattention，orwentnearhim。Andtheshepherd—boylostallhissheep。
Thatisthekindofthingthathappenstopeoplewholie：evenwhentheytellthetruthnoonebelievesthem。
THEFROGKING
DidyoueverheartheoldstoryaboutthefoolishFrogs？TheFrogsinacertainswampdecidedthattheyneededaking;
theyhadalwaysgotalongperfectlywellwithoutone，buttheysuddenlymadeuptheirmindsthatakingtheymusthave。
TheysentamessengertoJoveandbeggedhimtosendakingtoruleoverthem。
Jovesawhowstupidtheywere，andsentakingwhocouldnotharmthem：hetossedabiglogintothemiddleofthepond。
AtthesplashtheFrogswereterriblyfrightened，anddoveintotheirholestohidefromKingLog。Butafterawhile，whentheysawthatthekingnevermoved，theygotovertheirfrightandwentandsatonhim。Andassoonastheyfoundhereallycouldnothurtthemtheybegantodespisehim;andfinallytheysentanothermessengertoJovetoaskforanewking。
Jovesentaneel。
TheFrogsweremuchpleasedandagooddealfrightenedwhenKingEelcamewrigglingandswimmingamongthem。Butasthedayswenton，andtheeelwasperfectlyharmless，theystoppedbeingafraid;
andassoonastheystoppedfearingKingEeltheystoppedrespectinghim。
SoontheysentathirdmessengertoJove，andbeggedthattheymighthaveabetterking，——akingwhowasworthwhile。
Itwastoomuch;Jovewasangryattheirstupidityatlast。"Iwillgiveyouakingsuchasyoudeserve！"hesaid;andhesentthemaStork。
AssoonastheFrogscametothesurfacetogreetthenewking，KingStorkcaughttheminhislongbillandgobbledthemup。
Oneafteranothertheycamebobbingup，andoneafteranotherthestorkatethem。
Hewasindeedakingworthyofthem！
THESUNANDTHEWIND
TheSunandtheWindoncehadaquarrelastowhichwasthestronger。Eachbelievedhimselftobethemorepowerful。
Whiletheywerearguingtheysawatravelerwalkingalongthecountryhighway，wearingagreatcloak。
"Hereisachancetotestourstrength，"
saidtheWind;"letusseewhichofusisstrongenoughtomakethattravelertakeoffhiscloak;theonewhocandothatshallbeacknowledgedthemorepowerful。"
"Agreed，"saidtheSun。
InstantlytheWindbegantoblow;hepuffedandtuggedattheman’scloak，andraisedastormofhailandrain，tobeatatit。Butthecolderitgrewandthemoreitstormed，thetighterthetravelerheldhiscloakaroundhim。TheWindcouldnotgetitoff。
NowitwastheSun’sturn。Heshonewithallhisbeamsontheman’sshoulders。
Asitgrewhotterandhotter，themanunfastenedhiscloak;thenhethrewitback;
atlasthetookitoff！TheSunhadwon。
THELITTLEJACKALANDTHEALLIGATOR
ThelittleJackalwasveryfondofshell—
fish。Heusedtogodownbytheriverandhuntalongtheedgesforcrabsandsuchthings。Andonce，whenhewashuntingforcrabs，hewassohungrythatheputhispawintothewaterafteracrabwithoutlookingfirst，——whichyounevershoulddo！Theminuteheputinhispaw，SNAP！
——thebigAlligatorwholivesinthemuddowntherehaditinhisjaws。
"Oh，dear！"thoughtthelittleJackal;
"thebigAlligatorhasmypawinhismouth！Inanotherminutehewillpullmedownandgobblemeup！WhatshallI
do？whatshallIdo？"Thenhethought，suddenly，"I’lldeceivehim！"
Soheputonaverycheerfulvoice，asifnothingatallwerethematter，andhesaid，——
"Ho！ho！CleverMr。Alligator！SmartMr。Alligator，totakethatoldbulrushrootformypaw！I’llhopeyou’llfinditverytender！"
TheoldAlligatorwashiddenawaybeneaththemudandbulrushleaves，andhecouldn’tseeanything。Hethought，"Pshaw！I’vemadeamistake。"SoheopenedhismouthandletthelittleJackalgo。
ThelittleJackalranawayasfastashecould，andasheranhecalledout，——
"Thankyou，Mr。Alligator！KindMr。
Alligator！SOkindofyoutoletmego！"
TheoldAlligatorlashedwithhistailandsnappedwithhisjaws，butitwastoolate;thelittleJackalwasoutofreach。
AfterthisthelittleJackalkeptawayfromtheriver，outofdanger。Butafteraboutaweekhegotsuchanappetiteforcrabsthatnothingelsewoulddoatall;
hefeltthathemusthaveacrab。Sohewentdownbytheriverandlookedallaround，verycarefully。Hedidn’tseetheoldAlligator，buthethoughttohimself，"IthinkI’llnottakeanychances。"Sohestoodstillandbegantotalkoutloudtohimself。Hesaid，——
"WhenIdon’tseeanylittlecrabsonthelandImostgenerallyseethemstickingoutofthewater，andthenIputmypawinandcatchthem。Iwonderifthereareanyfatlittlecrabsinthewatertoday？"
TheoldAlligatorwashiddendowninthemudatthebottomoftheriver，andwhenheheardwhatthelittleJackalsaid，hethought，"Aha！I’llpretendtobealittlecrab，andwhenheputshispawin，I’llmakemydinnerofhim。"Sohestucktheblackendofhissnoutabovethewaterandwaited。
ThelittleJackaltookonelook，andthenhesaid，——
"Thankyou，Mr。Alligator！KindMr。
Alligator！YouareEXCEEDINGLYkindtoshowmewhereyouare！Iwillhavedinnerelsewhere。"Andheranawaylikethewind。
TheoldAlligatorfoamedatthemouth，hewassoangry，butthelittleJackalwasgone。
FortwowholeweeksthelittleJackalkeptawayfromtheriver。Then，onedayhegotafeelinginsidehimthatnothingbutcrabscouldsatisfy;hefeltthathemusthaveatleastonecrab。Verycautiously，hewentdowntotheriverandlookedallaround。HesawnosignoftheoldAlligator。Still，hedidnotmeantotakeanychances。Sohestoodquitestillandbegantotalktohimself，——itwasalittlewayhehad。Hesaid，——
"WhenIdon’tseeanylittlecrabsontheshore，orstickingupoutofthewater，Iusuallyseethemblowingbubblesfromunderthewater;thelittlebubblesgoPUFF，PUFF，PUFF，andthentheygoPOP，POP，POP，andtheyshowmewherethelittlejuicycrabsare，soIcanputmypawinandcatchthem。IwonderifIshallseeanylittlebubblesto—day？"
TheoldAlligator，lyinglowinthemudandweeds，heardthis，andhethought，"Pooh！THAT’Seasyenough;I’lljustblowsomelittlecrab—bubbles，andthenhewillputhispawinwhereIcangetit。"
Soheblew，andheblew，amightyblast，andthebubblesroseinaperfectwhirlpool，fizzingandswirling。
ThelittleJackaldidn’thavetobetoldwhowasunderneaththosebubbles：hetookonequicklook，andoffheran。Butashewent，hesang，——
"Thankyou，Mr。Alligator！KindMr。
Alligator！YouarethekindestAlligatorintheworld，toshowmewhereyouare，sonicely！I’llbreakfastatanotherpartoftheriver。"
TheoldAlligatorwassofuriousthathecrawleduponthebankandwentafterthelittleJackal;but，dear，dear，hecouldn’tcatchthelittleJackal;heranfartoofast。
Afterthis，thelittleJackaldidnotliketoriskgoingnearthewater，soheatenomorecrabs。Buthefoundagardenofwildfigs，whichweresogoodthathewentthereeveryday，andatetheminsteadofshell—fish。
NowtheoldAlligatorfoundthisout，andhemadeuphismindtohavethelittleJackalforsupper，ortodietrying。Sohecrept，andcrawled，anddraggedhimselfoverthegroundtothegardenofwildfigs。
Therehemadeahugepileoffigsunderthebiggestofthewildfigtrees，andhidhimselfinthepile。
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