He flies about only at night-time, hating
and pursuing the mouse for having made the
hole into which the little bird crept.
And the little bird also keeps out of sight, for he
fears lest the other birds should punish him for
his cunning. He hides in the hedges, and when he
thinks himself quite safe, he sings out: ``I am
king! I am king!''
And the other birds in mockery call out: ``Yes,
yes, the hedge-king! the hedge-king!''
THE DOVE WHO SPOKE TRUTH
BY ABBIE FARWELL BROWN
The dove and the wrinkled little bat once went on
a journey together. When it came toward night
a storm arose, and the two companions sought
everywhere for a shelter. But all the birds were
sound asleep in their nests and the animals in their
holes and dens. They could find no welcome
anywhere until they came to the hollow tree
where old Master Owl lived, wide awake in the
dark.
``Let us knock here,'' said the shrewd bat; ``I
know the old fellow is not asleep. This is his
prowling hour, and but that it is a stormy night
he would be abroad hunting.--What ho, Master
Owl!'' he squeaked, ``will you let in two storm-
tossed travelers for a night's lodging?''
Gruffly the selfish old owl bade them enter, and
grudgingly invited them to share his supper. The
poor dove was so tired that she could scarcely eat,
but the greedy bat's spirits rose as soon as he saw
the viands spread before him.
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