THE FOX’S PLAN
Tiger. [To fox in a net.] So you are here. Caught!
Fox. Only to help you, Tiger.
Tiger. To help me? How is that?
Fox. Why, the other day you said you could not get enough men to eat. So I got into this net. When the men come to take me you may get the men.
Tiger. A fine plan! Can I believe you?
Fox. Believe me. Hide in the bushes close by. I’ll show you the men when they come.
Tiger. Can I believe you?
Fox. Believe me, Tiger. Here comes one now. Quick! Behind the bushes! [Tiger hides.]
Hunter. [To fox.] So here you are. Caught!
Fox. Only to help you, Hunter.
Hunter. To help me? How is that?
Fox. Why, the other day you said you could not get the tiger who has been killing and eating your cattle. So I got into this net to-day that you may have him.
Hunter. A fine plan. Can I believe you? But how will I get him?
Fox. Believe me, Hunter. [Quietly.] He came here to eat me up, but he saw you coming. He is now behind the bushes. Let me out of this net, and I will take you right to him.
Hunter. Can I believe you?
Fox. Believe me, Hunter. Only let me out, and you’ll see. [Hunter lets fox out.] Come! [Calling out loud.] Now, Sir Tiger, here is the hunter; and, Mr. Hunter, there is your tiger. I have kept my word to both; you must settle the matter between yourselves.
Hunter. Alas! Alas!