Having thus spread terror and confusion in the Eagle's nest, she crept down to the lair of the bristly Wild Sow.
"Your little Porkers," said she, "are in great danger. For the very next time that you take your little family out to feed the Eagle is prepared to swoop down and carry them off."
Leaving consternation behind her in the Sow's lair, the crafty Cat hid herself in the safe recesses of her own hole, stealing out only at night time, with noiseless tread, to find food for herself and Kittens. But all day long she pretended to be in mortal fear, and kept a crafty look-out from her lofty hollow. Meanwhile, the Eagle, fearing destruction, fasted in the top branches; while the Wild Sow, dreading invasion, dared not put her snout out of her lair. Before long the two mothers and their families perished from hunger, and afforded an ample feast for the Cat and her Kittens.
This stupid credulity bears witness to the wide-spread havoc that can be wrought by a man with a false tongue.
(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. II, No. 4.)
THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS
TWO Mules, well laden with packs, were trudging along. One carried panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain. The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the clear toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed with quiet and easy step. All on a sudden Robbers rushed from their hiding-places upon them, and in the scuffle with their owners, wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure, which they
