THE MAN, THE HARE, THE FOX, AND THE BEAR
Not far from a Hare’s form a Bear once had her den, and Master Lampe often gave himself the treat of visiting the den in Petz’s absence and teasing the little Petzes.
“You dear little birds,” he would say, “do let me hear your enchanting songs!” And he would spit at them, and make all manner of game of them into the bargain.
Whenever Mrs. Petz came home the young ones would bitterly complain how a little Hare had been there making game of them. At this old Petz waxed very angry, and growled, “Just wait once, wait, Master Lampe! I’ll catch you yet and fling you into a hole.”
So Mrs. Petz hid herself in the back of the den, and sure enough along came Master Lampe and began to tease the young bears. No sooner did Mrs. Petz hear him than she sprang upon him from her hiding-place. But, quick as lightning, Lampe was off in the woods, with Mrs. Petz after him. Lampe fled through bush and brier, Petz always close upon his heels.
At last Lampe sprang through a cloven tree and Petz followed him. Unluckily she stuck fast in the narrow cleft and, do what she would, she could not escape from her prison.
Presently a Man came along, and Mrs. Petz implored him thus:
“Ah, Man, do set me free! I know where there is a hollow tree full of honey in the forest; you could bring a great cask and fill it as full as you like.”
“Are you telling the honest truth?” asked the Man.