The Camel and His Master

One night a Camel looked into the tent where his master was lying and said:

"Kind master, will you not let me put my head inside of the door? For the wind blows very cold to-night."

"Oh, yes," said the Man. "There is plenty of room."

So the Camel moved forward and stretched his head into the tent. "Ah!" he said, "this is what I call comfort."

In a little while he called to his master again. "Now if I could only warm my neck also," he said.

"Then put your neck inside," said his master, kindly. "You will not be in my way."

"The Camel did so, and for a time was very well contented. Then, looking around, he said: "If I could only put my forelegs inside I would feel a great deal better."

His master moved a little and said: "You may put your forelegs and shoulders inside, for I know that the wind blows cold to-night."

The Camel had hardly planted his forefeet within the tent when he spoke again:

"Master," he said, "I keep the tent open by standing here. I think I ought to go wholly within."

"Yes, come in," said the Man. "There is hardly room for us both, but I do not want to keep you out in the cold."

So the Camel crowded into the tent. But he was no sooner inside than he said: "You were right when you said there was hardly room for us both. I think it would be better for you to stand outside and so give me a chance to turn round and lie down."

Then, without more ado, he rudely pushed the Man out at the door, and took the whole tent for himself.