For the Children.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2401, 16 January 1909, Page 9 (Supplement)

For the Children.

THE FOX AND THE FAITHFUL HORSE. A fanner had a horse that had been an excellent, faithful servant to him, but he was now grown too old po work; so tlio farmer would give him nothing more to eat, and said, l want you no longer, so take yourself jfi out of my stable. I shall not take you hack again until you are stronger chan a lion.” Then he opened loor and turned him adrift. The poor horse was very melancholy, and wandered up and down in the wood, seeking some little shelter from the cold’wind and rain. Presently a fox rnet him. “What’s the matter my friend?” laid he. “Why do you hang down /our head and look so lonely and ad ?” “Ah,” replied the horse, “my master has forgotten all that I have done or liim so many years, and because I •ui no longer work he has turned mo idrift, and says unless I become trongcr than a lion he will not take ,'io back again.” However, the fox bid him be of /jod cheer, and said: “1 will help ypu. Lio down there, ,crotch yourself cut quite stiff, and retend to be dead.” The horse did as he was told, and he fox went straight to the lion who •ivc-d in a cave close by, and said to aim: “A little way off lies a dead horse. Come with me, and you may make an excellent meal of his carcase.” The lion was greatly pleased, and set off immediately; and when they came to the horse the fox said: “You will not be able to eat him comfortably here. I’ll tell you what: f will tie you fast to his tail, and then you can draw him to your den, and eat him at your leisure.” This advice pleased the lion, so ho lay down quietly for the ox to make him fast to the horse. But the fo*3{fc managed to tie his legs together, and bound all so hard and fast that with all bis strength be could not set himself free. 'When the work was done, tho fox clapped the horse on the shoulder, and said, “Jip, Dobbin! Jip!”' Then up ho sprang, 'and dashed off. dragging the lion behind him. The beast began to roar aud bellow, till all the birds of the wood flew away for fright; but the horse Jet him roar oil, and made his way to his master's house. “Here he is, master.” said he. “I have got the better of him.” And when the farmer saw his old servant his heart relented, and ho said, “You diall stay in your stable and be taken care of.”