'Am I a fool,' cried the Tortoise, 'to open my mouth? Not I! Come now, convey me!'
'Thereupon the Geese took up the stick; the Tortoise held fast with his mouth, and away they flew. The country people, observing this strange sight, ran after.
'Ho! ho!' cried one, 'look at the flying Tortoise!'
'When he falls we'll cook and eat him here,' said another.
'No; let us take him home for dinner!' cried a third.
'We can light a fire by the pool, and eat him,' said the first.
'The Tortoise heard these unkind remarks in a towering passion. 'Eat me!—eat ashes!' he exclaimed, opening his mouth—and down he fell directly, and was caught by the countrymen.—Said I not well,' concluded the Goose-Minister, 'that to scorn counsel is to seek destruction?'
'You have well said,' replied King Silver-sides, disconsolately.
'Yes, your Majesty,' interposed the Crane, who was just returned, 'if the Fort had been cleared, Night-cloud could not have fired it, as he did, by the Vulture's instigation.'
'We see it all,' sighed the King, 'but too late!'