Page:Folk Tales from Tibet (1906).djvu/94

66 the Hare explained to him that the best plan would be for him to slip his head through the handle of the jar, in which case it would be quite easy for him to drag the jar along with him. So the Wolf put his head through the handle of the jar, and all three made ready to start.

"Well now, Brother Fox and Brother Wolf," said the Hare in a genial tone of voice, "it is nearly time for us to be off. How are you both feeling? Have you had a good dinner? Are your bellies full?" "Couldn't be fuller," replied the Wolf, rubbing his stomach with one paw. "I have done very well."

"Well, then," said the Hare, "as we have feasted well and feel happy and contented, let's have a song before starting."

"Certainly, Brother Hare," replied the Wolf. "Will you begin?"

"I would with pleasure," answered the Hare, "but really, the fact is, I can't recollect a single song at this moment. Perhaps Brother Fox will oblige us."

"I am very sorry, Brother Hare," answered the Fox, "but I am afraid I don't know any songs. I am sure Brother Wolf sings beautifully."

"Yes," joined in the Hare. "Pray, Brother Wolf, let us hear you sing?"

"No, no, please," said the Wolf modestly, scratching his ear with one paw. "I am a very poor singer, you really must excuse me."

But the Fox and the Hare pressed him, and presently he began to sing. At the first sound of his voice the men in the next room stopped their feasting, and saying