"'AN ELEPHANT!' HE CRIED."
The elephant was greatly shocked at this disrespectful tone; but the small practice he had had in the use of his trunk prevented him from seeking to avenge himself.
"Thoroughly—as you see," he replied, strutting.
"Is it long since you asked this favour?" inquired the beggar, maliciously.
"No," replied the elephant; "a few days ago only; as an old rabbit, I had incontestable claims. I have really only changed in form: my colour remains the same; my ears, instead of standing up, now fall down—that is the only difference."
"The idiot!" thought the beggar; "he does not even believe himself to have been changed!"
"Tell me, my dear fellow," said Alméric, who was greatly amused by the rabbit's stupidity, "don't you find your ordinary habits somewhat deranged?"
"You remind me," replied the rabbit, as if suddenly struck by an idea: "I am afraid I shall find my increased bulk inconvenient, on returning to my burrow this evening."