“‘That we will decide after I have numbered the crocodiles,’ the hare suggested.
“The crocodile was satisfied, and bade the hare come to the same place next morning to do the counting. Of course the little animal was on hand bright and early.
“There stretched an unbroken line of crocodiles, a floating bridge to the mainland!
“The little hare lost no time hopping across it, you may be sure. As he reached the last crocodile and prepared to jump to shore, his heart was so full of pride at the success of his ruse that he could not resist crying aloud:
“‘How I have fooled you big creatures! I wished for a bridge to the mainland, and you have served my need!’ Then he jumped.
“The last crocodile opened his wide jaws and closed them again with a snap. The hare was too quick to be caught, but the monster’s teeth touched him and tore off most of his fur! As the poor thing limped away, a crocodile called after him:
“‘You see what happens when you trifle with creatures stronger than yourself!’
“The little hare did not know much, but he felt that he was learning. He had no heart to explore the beauties of the mainland now, but crawled under a bush by the roadside and wished that some one would tell him how to cure his wounds.
“After some time he heard the noise of many people on the road. He crept out to see what was coming, and beheld a crowd of young men, carrying burdens as if they were on a journey. They were all tall and handsome, and wore beautiful clothes fit for princes.
“One of them spied the little hare and cried: ‘Well, friend, why do you look so sad?’