On the road they met a Scorpion. Said the Scorpion—
"Whither away, Mrs. Sparrow and Mr. Rat?"
Said the Hen Sparrow, "My friend Mr. Rat is pulling me along in my carriage of straw to punish a cruel boy who threw a stone at my husband and killed him."
"Quite right too," said the Scorpion. "May I come and help you? I have a beautiful sting in my tail."
"Oh, please do! come and get in," said the Sparrow.
In got the Scorpion, and away they went. By-and-by they saw a Snake.
"Good day, and God bless you," says the Snake. "Where are you going, may a mere reptile ask?"
"Mr. Scorpion and I are going to punish a cruel boy who threw a stone and killed my husband."
"Shall I come and help you?" asked the Snake. "I have fine teeth in my head to bite with."
"The more the merrier," replied Mrs. Sparrow. So in he got. They had not gone far before who should meet them but a Wolf.