"I have been at Offemborough," said the Wolf, "where I have tasted human flesh. There everyone is dying of thirst, and the people are too weak to protect themselves. That is why I am late." At this the Lion laughed heartily.
"I know," said he, "how water can be procured for the inhabitants of this city."
"But how can this be done?" the Wolf inquired.
"It is easy enough," said the Lion, in his positive way; "take a small piece of the root of this very tree under which we are standing, and strike three times on the rock in the middle of the city, saying:
"'Come, gentle Dew, from the skies,
Refreshing Fountains rise,
Oh, Rivers! greet men's eyes!'
and immediately water, fresh and clear as crystal will flow, and it will flow in sufficient abundance to satisfy the needs of all."
"You are wise," said the Wolf. "Can you not give me some other useful information?"
"Yes," said the lion, "I can tell you a remedy that will cure all sorts of maladies and infirmities."