The race began at once. The Tiger started off, covering yards at each bound. When he reached the top of the first hill he looked back in contempt for the Tortoise.
"Where are you, Tortoise?"
"Here I am," replied the first Tortoise. "Don't waste time chattering but get on your way."
Astounded that his competitor had displayed such a fine turn of speed the Tiger resumed the race without a moment's delay. In a few bounds he had reached the next hill, only to find (as he thought) the Tortoise waiting for him with a few mocking words for his slothfulness.
The Tiger lost heart and leapt forward in desperation, but the effort was too much for him. He was soon out of breath and collapsed in a heap long before his goal was in sight.
The fable of the Tiger and the Toad is very similar to the foregoing.
One day the Toad said to the Tiger:
"Will you run a race with me?"