And all the time he was thinking, “Crocodiles shut their eyes when they open their mouths wide.”
“Come along and make haste, Monkey,” said the crocodile.
“I’m caught, that is sure, for I must leap your way. Well, as you say, I cannot escape you, Crocodile. Open your mouth. Oh, wider than that, please, if I am to leap into it. Wider! There! Here I go! Ready!”
Before the crocodile knew what was happening, the monkey gave three bounds—first to the top of the crocodile’s head,—then to the bank,—then to his tree. Away he whisked to the topmost branch.
“Thank you, Mr. Crocodile,” he called.
THE HILLMAN AND THE HOUSEWIFE
One day a hillman knocked at the door of a selfish housewife.
“Can you lend me a saucepan, good mother?” said he. “There’s a wedding in the hill, and all the pots are in use.”
“Is he to have one?” asked the servant girl who had opened the door.