Brother Tiger rushed to his home, and in a very short time he arrived.
"Wife, wife!" he exclaimed, "get an axe. In order to have the honor of dancing with the great Queen of the Birds, one must appear before her without a head."
"My poor husband," said Mrs. Tiger, "I really believe you are losing your mind or that you are making fun of me."
"No, no!" said Brother Tiger, "it is the etiquette of the court. All the other guests were dancing without heads. Get the axe, wife! The Queen awaits me."
Mrs. Tiger did not want to obey; but when she saw that her angry husband was disposed to show his sharp claws, she took the sharp axe and cut off his head with one blow. It is needless to say that Brother Tiger expired instantly. The good news was carried to the Queen of the Birds by two green paroquets, and when the announcement was made the birds took their heads from under their wings. All the other animals in the forest were invited to the feast, and Mother Sheep and her son were special guests. They were still in mourning, and therefore did not take part in the dance, but they received special attention and consideration on all sides, and the wonderful orchestra kept up its playing.
Now, big sheep and little children, let me whisper something in your ears: It is better not to open your mouths at all than to be too familiar with people you do not know well.
IX
"JUMP IN MY SACK!"
In a barren and an unproductive country there lived, a long time ago, a father and his twelve children. A terrible famine came on the country, and the unfortunate father said to his sons: