Then the Mouse-deer spoke. "I see," he said, "that it is no use depending on you others. You boast, but when the time comes for action, you have no courage. I will stay at home, and secure this giant of whom you are all afraid."
When his companions had gone away the next morning, the Mouse-deer tied a bandage round his forehead and lay down.
Soon the Giant came, and shouted: "Who's there?"
"Only me," said the Mouse-deer, groaning with pain. "Come up, whoever you may be."
The Giant climbed up the rickety ladder, and saw the Mouse-deer lying with his head bandaged.
"What is the matter with you?" asked the Giant.
"I have a headache," was the answer.
"Whatever has given you the headache?" asked the Giant.
"Can't you guess?" said the Mouse-deer. "It is the smell of this fish in these jars. It is so strong, it is enough to make anyone ill. Don't you feel ill yourself?"
"I think I do," said the Giant. "Cannot you give me some medicine?"