a fox, having been hunted hard and chased a long way, saw a countryman at work in a wood and begged his assistance to some hiding-place. the man said he might go into his cottage, which was close by.

he was no sooner in than the huntsmen came up. "have you seen a fox pass this way?" said they. the countryman said "no," but pointed at the same time toward the place where the fox lay. the huntsmen did not take the hint, however, and made off again at full speed.

the fox, who had seen all that took place through a chink in the wall, thereupon came out and was walking away without a word.

"why, how now!" said the countryman, "haven't you the manners to thank your host before you go?"

"nay, nay," said the fox; "if you had been as honest with your finger as you were with your tongue, i shouldn't have gone without saying good-bye."