“What is that?” sneeringly asked the Driver-ant.
“You cannot cut a piece of skin off the back of that man’s hand, and drop it down here,” replied the Small-ant.
“Can’t I? All of you wait and see,” said the Driver-ant.
Away he climbed up the man until he reached the back of his hand. At the first bite of the strong mandibles, the man started, and, looking down at his hand, saw the Driver-ant, picked it off, and dropped it dead at his feet right among the waiting crowd of ants.
The Small-ant then climbed to the place, and gently, softly, with great patience he worked round a piece of skin until it was loose, and he was able to drop it to the ground. The waiting throng of ants proclaimed him the winner, for he had done by his gentleness and patience what the other had failed to do by his strength and fierceness.
III
How the Animals imitated the Gazelle
and brought Trouble upon Themselves
Once upon a time a Leopard gave birth to seven cubs, and she asked the Jackal to act as nurse for her while she was away hunting.
Shortly after the departure of the Leopard the Gazelle arrived, and said to the Jackal: “Let us eat one of the cubs and then you will have six left.”
“What shall I do when the Leopard returns?” asked the Jackal.
“Oh! I will help you,” quickly promised the Gazelle.