Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/129

Rh This the trembling fishes begged him to do, that is, all but one of them, who said:

"It is most unusual that a crane should take any thought for fishes, and I think that you mean to eat us, one by one."

"That I do not," said the Crane. "If you do not believe what I say, send one of your number with me, and he shall come back and tell you that I am to be trusted."

They thought this was all right, and so selected their sharpest fish, one whom they considered could not be outwitted, and handed him over to the Crane.

The Crane took him in his bill and let him go in the other pool, and he showed the fish all over it. Then he carried him back to the others who were entirely satisfied, and said they were ready to go with him.

Then the Crane took them, one after another, and having eaten them, returned to report that he had safely deposited each in the pond.

At last only the Crab was left, and he asked to be taken, too. Now the Crane coveted the tender flesh of the Crab, and perhaps the latter saw a greedy look in his