The Wolf and the Crane

O NE day a Wolf, who was eating his dinner much too fast, swallowed a bone, which stuck in his throat and pained him very much. He tried to get it out, but could not.

Just then he saw a Crane passing by. "Dear friend," said he to the Crane, "There is a bone sticking in my throat. You have a good long neck; can't you reach down and pull it out? I will pay you well for it."

"I'll try," said the Crane. Then he put his head into the Wolf's mouth, between his sharp teeth, and reaching down, pulled out the bone.

"There!" said the Wolf, "I am glad it is out; I must be more careful another time."

"I will go now, if you will pay me," said the Crane.

"Pay you, indeed!" cried the Wolf. "Be thankful that I did not bite your head off when it was in my mouth. You ought to be content with that."

Gentle, kindly folk sometimes have to learn that kindness must be mixed with caution.