"Done," cried the donkey.
Forthwith the party of animals set out for the mountains. Suddenly, however, the donkey paused and said, "Oh, but look here. Who will place this range of mountains upon my back? Surely I can not be expected to do the loading also."
Here was a great question. The party consulted. At length the ox said, "We will have to ask some men to shovel the mountain upon the donkey's back."
Most of the others clapped their hoofs or their paws and cried, "Ah, that is the thing."
The horse, however, shook his head doubtfully. "I don't know about these men. They are very sly. They will introduce some deviltry into the affair."
"Why, how silly," said the donkey. "Apparently you do not understand men. They are the most gentle, guileless creatures."
"Well," retorted the horse, "I will doubtless be able to escape since I am not to be encumbered with any mountains. Proceed."
The donkey smiled in derision at these observations by the horse.
Presently they came upon some men who were labouring away like mad, digging ditches, felling trees, gathering fruits, carrying water, building huts.
"Look at these men, would you," said the horse. "Can you trust them after this exhibition of their depravity? See how each one selfishly—"