HOW THE FOX
PLAYED HERDSMAN.
Once upon a time there was a little old woman who had a farm of her very own with sheep, and cows, and swine. But the little old woman was so busy making butter and minding the dairy that she had no time to look after the herds.
One fine morning she started out to hire a herdsman. Now she had not gone very far when she met a bear.
“Whither away, Goody?” asked Bruin of the little old woman.
“Oh, I am off to engage a herdsman for my farm,” said Goody in reply.
“Why not hire me, Goody?” asked Bruin.
“Can you call the flocks at evening?” asked the little old woman.
“You should just hear me,” said Bruin, and he called in a very loud and gruff voice, “OW, OW.”
“No, no, I won’t have you,” said the little old woman as soon as she heard his gruff voice, and off she went on her way.