The Fox and His Cousin

The she-wolf had a baby wolf, and she asked the fox to be the godfather. “After all, he is a close relative,” she said, “he is clever and talented; he can teach my little son and help him in the world.” The fox looked honest and said, “Dear Mrs.

Gossip, thank you for the honor. I will behave so well that you will be glad you asked me.” He enjoyed the party and had fun. Afterwards he said, “Dear Mrs. Gossip, we must take care of the child. It needs good food to grow strong.

I know a sheepfold where we can get a tasty bite.” The wolf liked the idea, and she went with the fox to the farmyard. He pointed to the fold from far away and said, “You can sneak in there without being seen.

Meanwhile I will look on the other side for a chicken.” But he did not go there. Instead he sat down at the edge of the forest, stretched his legs, and rested. The she-wolf crept into the stable.

A dog was lying there, and it barked so loudly that the farmers came running. They caught the wolf and poured a strong burning liquid, made for washing, over her skin. At last she escaped and dragged herself outside. There lay the fox, pretending to be hurt. He said, “Oh, dear Mrs.

Gossip, I have had such bad luck! The farmers attacked me and broke all my limbs. If you do not want me to lie here and die, you must carry me away.” The she-wolf could barely walk herself, but she was so worried about the fox that she lifted him onto her back and slowly carried him, safe and sound, all the way to her house.

Then the fox shouted, “Goodbye, dear Mrs. Gossip! I hope the roasting did you good!” He laughed loudly and bounded away.