A Fox once happened to fall into a deep well.
He tried in every way to get
out, but at
last began to think that it was
impossible,
and that he must die there, a prisoner. While
he was thinking how sad that would be, a Goat
came and looked down the well, wishing that
he could get some water. He soon saw the
Fox.
"Hulloa," said the Goat,
"is that water
good?"
"It is the best I ever tasted," answered
the
Fox. "It is cool, and clear,
and delicious.
Come down and try it."
"I will," said the Goat, "for
I am nearly
dead with thirst."
So he jumped down,
and drank as much
water as he wanted.
"Oh, how refreshing!" cried
he.
"Yes," said the Fox; "and now, if
you have
finished drinking, let me ask how you expect
to get out of this well again."
"Oh, I don't know," replied the Goat.
"How
do you expect to get out?"
"That is what I have been wondering
about
for the last hour," said the Fox, "and have
just now thought of a good plan. If you will
put your forefeet high up on the wall, I
will
climb up your back, and so get out, and then,
of course, I can help you out."
"Very well," said the
Goat, who was a
simple creature, "that is a good
plan. How
I wish I had your brains, to be sure." He
put
his forefeet on the wall, and the Fox
easily
climbed out, and started to go on his
way.
"Wait a moment," said the Goat;
"you
forgot to help me out."
"You foolish fellow!"
said the Fox; "you
ought to have thought how you would get out,
before you jumped down. Look before you
leap. Good by! I have business
that must be
seen to," and off he ran.
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