“Now it seems to me,” answered the turtle as he started to turn around, “you would be very apt to desert me when I most needed your support, so I say good-bye.”
Going back to his canoe he tumbled in and paddled down the stream, once more singing.
A fox barked and waving his brush signalled the singing turtle.
“I will be your follower for I am a cunning warrior,” said the fox.
Pushing the canoe ashore the turtle flopped out and ambled up to the fox.
“Now warrior,” said he, “show me your excellence.”
The fox gave a sudden spring and was out of sight before the turtle could turn to look, then bounding back asked if he were not skillful indeed.
“Your feet may be swift,” replied the turtle, “but I see no signs of a warrior in you,” and pushing his way over the pebbles he reseated himself in his canoe. Paddling out into midstream he resumed his singing and after some time was hailed again. Landing he found a new volunteer in the form of a skunk.
“Well now what can you do,” said the turtle looking at the handsome creature before him.
Without moving from his tracks the skunk gave a satisfactory demonstration of his ability, to the turtle’s great delight.