So the poor bear waited until it was almost morning.
Just then some dogs began to bark on the bank of the river.
The bear was so afraid that he jumped up quickly and pulled with all his might, but his tail was frozen fast in the ice.
He pulled and pulled until at length the tail was broken short off.
Mr. Fox ran away laughing and laughing at the trick he had played upon Mr. Bear.
Bears' tails have been short ever since.
German Folk Tale