"But, at last, a little leak started, and our water dripped away, drop by drop; but not in sufficient volume to carry us with it.
"When the waters had receded, so as to make the stream very low, back came that artful kingfisher, to dive for us in the shallow pools.
"And now, what the drouth had not destroyed that tempter has gorged himself upon.
"'Oh-h-h! Boo-hoo-hoo!'"
The frogs freely forgave him because he cried.
But the problem remained, how was the supply of water to be renewed.
At this juncture, an earnest, meek-eyed polliwog flopped feebly, and said: "Show me the place where these waters leak away."
Astonished at her manner, the sobbing trout indicated the spot.
"Drag me thither by my tail!" exclaimed the heroine, resolutely.
Then the frogs used their last remaining strength to do as she bade them, and waited, in exhausted surprise, to see what would happen next.