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 222 When the Jackal heaid this his heart was overcome with fear. He stole away very softly and went to live henceforth with his own species.

(Panchatantra. Vol. IV. Chapter 5.)

THE TWO FISHES AND THE FROG

N a certain Pond there once dwelt two Fishes named respectively, Satabuddhi, or Hundred-Wits, and Sahasrabuddhi, or Thousand-Wits. These two Fishes formed a close friendship with a Frog named Ekabuddhi, or Single-Wit; and they formed a habit of meeting on the shore of the Pond for pleasant talks and discussions, after which the two Fishes would return to the water. One day, when the three had thus come together to converse, some Fishermen, with fishing nets in hand, passed by and stopped for a moment just at sunset. When the Fishermen saw the Pond they said to one another:

"This Pond seems well stocked with fish, and there is very little water in it. Let us come back again to-morrow." Having thus spoken they continued on their way toward home.

When the three friends heard this speech, which came upon them like a thunder-clap, they held council together. The Frog said, "Listen, dear Hundred- Wits and Thousand-Wits! What is best for us to do? Shall we run away or shall we stay?"

Upon hearing this, Thousand-Wits laughed, and said, "Dear Single-Wit! Do not let yourself be frightened at overhearing a few chance words! It is not likely that the Fishermen will ever come back at all. But if they do come, then thanks to my many wits, I will save you and myself too, for I know all of the water-ways in the depths of the Pond."