IV.
THE TURTLE WHO COULDN'T STOP TALKING
A turtle lived in a pond at the foot of a hill. Two young wild Geese, looking for food, saw the Turtle, and talked with him. The next day the Geese came again to visit the Turtle and they became very well acquainted. Soon they were great friends.
"Friend Turtle," the Geese said one day, "we have a beautiful home far away. We are going to fly back to it to-morrow. It will be a long but pleasant journey. Will you go with us?"
"How could I? I have no wings," said the Turtle.
"Oh, we will take you, if only you can keep your mouth shut, and say not a word to anybody," they said.
"I can do that," said the Turtle. "Do take me with you. I will do exactly as you wish."
