Hearing this, Brother Wolf paused, turned around, and said:
"Why do you laugh, little Snail?"
"Why do I laugh?" exclaimed Mr. Snail.
"Yes," said Brother Wolf. "Do you see anything ridiculous about me?"
"No, Brother Wolf," said Mr. Snail; "on the contrary, you make a very fine appearance. You have on your Sunday clothes, and you are handsome indeed. No, Brother Wolf, you are not at all ridiculous."
"Why, then, this laughter?" inquired Brother Wolf. "Answer me at once, for I am in a hurry. Speak this instant, or it will not be well for you."
"Do not get angry, Brother Wolf; it is not worth while. I only laughed to see you running so fast when neither dogs nor men were pursuing you. Where are you going in such a hurry?"
"I am going to the city," said Brother Wolf.