And he crew so loud, that a fox in a hole near by was up in an instant thinking: “What a funny thing for a cock to be crowing in the forest! I expect he's lost his way and can't get out again!”
And he began to look for the cock, and after a bit he saw him sitting upon the branch of the tree. “Oho!” thought the fox, “he'd make a fine meal! How can I get him to come down from there?”
So he went up to the tree and said to the cock: “What a splendid cock you are! I've never seen such a fine one all my days! What lovely feathers, just as if they were covered with gold! And your tail! nobody could describe it in words or on paper, it's so beautiful! And what a sweet voice you've got! I could listen to it all day and all night. Do fly down a little closer and let's get to know each other a little better. That reminds me, I've got a christening on at my place to-day, and I shall have plenty of food and drink to offer such a welcome guest. Let's go along to my home.”
“Right you are,” answered the cock, “I'll certainly come, only you must ask my companion too. We always go about together.” “And where is your companion?” asked the fox. “Down below in the tree hollow,” answered the cock. And the fox poked his head into the hole, thinking there was another cock there, when the dog popped his head out and caught Mr. Fox by the nose!