Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/107

Rh away, a Cat came, thinking to make a meal of the young birds, of which there were several. The nestlings were so much afraid of the Cat that they made noise enough to arouse the Vulture.

Who is there?' croaked he.

"The Cat, seeing the Vulture, thought his end was surely come. He knew he couldn't get away, so had to use his wits. Drawing nearer, he said:

Honored sir, I wish you a very good morning.'

Who are you?' asked the Vulture.

I am a Cat.'

Go away at once, Cat, or I will kill you,' said the Vulture.

"The Cat then begged the Vulture to listen to what he had to say, and afterward decide whether he should live or die.

"To this the Vulture consented, and so the Cat began:

I live near the River Ganges, eating no flesh and doing many things by way of penance. The birds that often visit me have said so much in your praise that I have come here, hoping to learn wisdom from