Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/110

94 had happened, and the poor old Vulture was sentenced to death, and accordingly was executed."

"Now you have my story," said Sharp-sense, the Crow, "and this is why I warn you not to become friendly with people about whom you know nothing."

Then said the Jackal, "When you first met the Deer neither of you knew anything about the other; how is it, then, that you are such friends now? I know I am only Small-wit, the Jackal, but the Deer is my friend, and I hope you will be also."

"Don't let us talk so much," said the Deer, "let us all be friends and live happily together."

"All right," said Sharp-sense, "just as you say."

In the morning each of them started early for his own feeding-ground, returning in the evening, as was their custom. One day the Jackal said to the Deer, "Come with me, and I will show you where there is a field full of sweet young wheat."

The Deer went with him, and he certainly enjoyed the feast which he found ready. But