Chinese Merry Tales (1909)/The Dog is a Teacher

Chapter XXII.— The Dog is a Teacher.  ( 狗坐館.)

THERE was a man who was an adept in telling lies. One day he said to his relative: "We have an ox 30 feet long in our home; it can go 1,000 li a day. There is also a cock that can announce the watch of the night. Whatever the watch of the night, he is able to crow the number of the watch. There is still a dog who can read and write." His relative was quite anxious to see these, and said: "There is such valuable livestock in your home; some day I must go to your home to satisfy my curiosity." The owner of the animals went home and said to his wife: "What shall I do? Without intention I have told a lie. Our relative will be here to-morrow. Tell me how you would answer him." His wife said: "Never mind, to-morrow you go your way; surely I will know how to answer him." The next day the relative actually came and asked: "Is our cousin at home?" His wife replied: "Your relative has ridden to Yunnan on the ox early this morning. He will return in a few days." The visitor again asked: "There is in your residence a cock that can announce the watch of the night; where is it?" It was just midday when this question was asked, and the cock crowed. The mistress pointed to the cock and said: "There it is; it not only can announce the time, but if a stranger comes, it will also announce his arrival." The relative again said: "The reading dog; fetch him that I may see him." The wife replied: "I do not wish to fool you. As we are poor, I have ordered him to teach in a school."

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