Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/239

 Rh "All right," said Sharp-Sense, "have it as you will."

Accordingly, beginning the next morning, they all three set forth daily, each for his own feeding ground, returning to their common home at night. One day the Jackal led the Deer aside and whispered, "Friend Deer, in one corner of this wood there is a field full of sweet young wheat. Come with me and I will show you." So the Deer followed the Jackal, and learned where the wheat field lay. And after this he returned every day to eat the tender green wheat. At last the owner of the field spied the Deer, and set a snare for him; and the next time that the Deer came to the field he found himself caught in a strong net. After struggling vainly for some time the Deer lifted up his voice and lamented:

"Here I am, caught fast in this net, and it will truly be the net of death for me if no friend comes to my rescue!"

Presently, Small-Wit, the Jackal, who had been lurking near by, made his appearance, and said to himself with a chuckle, "Oho! My scheme begins to bear fruit. When the Deer is cut up, his bones and his gristle and his blood will fall to my share and will make me many delicious dinners!" At this moment the Deer caught sight of Small-Wit and called out joyfully, "Oh, my friend, this is indeed fortunate! If you will only gnaw through the meshes of this net I shall be free!"

Small-Wit made no answer, but examined the net very carefully. "The net will certainly hold," he muttered to himself. Then, turning to the Deer he added, "My good friend, these strings, as you see, are made of raw-hide; and since this is a fast day it would be a sin for me even to gnaw them. To-morrow morning, if you still wish me to, I shall be very glad to help you."