an unlucky fox, having fallen into a well, was able, by dint of great efforts, just to keep his head above water.

while he was struggling there and sticking his claws into the side of the well, a wolf came and looked in. "what! my dear brother," cried he, with affected concern, "can it really be you that i see down there? how cold you must feel! how long have you been in the water? how came you to fall in? i am so pained to see you. do tell me all about it!"

"the end of a rope would be of more use to me than all your pity," answered the fox.

"just help me to get my foot on solid ground once more, and you shall have the whole story."