ere she
could hear quite clearly the sounds of the battle. When all was quiet
again she crept gently out, and stole round the corner.

'"Well, lion, have you killed her?" asked she, running swiftly up the
path.

'"Killed her, indeed!" answered the lion sulkily, "it is she who has
nearly killed me. I never knew a donkey could kick like that, though I
took care she should carry away the marks of my claws."

'"Dear me! Fancy such a great fat creature being able to fight," cried
the hare. "But don't vex yourself. Just lie still, and your wounds will
soon heal," and she bade her friend good bye, and returned to her
family.

* * * * *

'Two or three weeks passed, and only bare places on the donkey's back
showed where the lion's claws had been, while, on his side, the lion had
recovered from his illness and was now as strong as ever. He was
beginning to think that it was almost time for him to begin hunting
again, when one morning a rustle was heard in the creepers outside, and
the hare's head peeped through.

'"Ah! there is no need to ask how you are," she said. "Still you mustn't
overtire yourself, you know. Shall _I_ go and bring you your dinner?"

'"If you will bring me that donkey I will tear it in two," cried the
lion savagely, and the hare laughed and nodded and went on her errand.

'This time the donkey was much further than before, and it took longer
to find her. At last the hare caught sight of four hoofs in the air, and
ran towards them. The donkey was lying on a soft cool bed of moss near a
stream, rolling herself backwards and forwards from pleasure.

'"Good morning," said the hare politely, and the donkey got slowly on to
her legs, and looked to see who her visitor could be.

'"Oh, it is _you_, is it?" she exclaimed. "Come in and have a chat. What
news have you got?"

'"I mustn't stay," answered the hare; "but I promised the lion to beg
you to pay him a visit, as he is not well enough to call on you."

'"Well, I don't know," replied the donkey gloomily, "the last time we
went he scratched me very badly, and really I was quite afraid."

'"He was only trying to kiss you," said the hare, "and you bit him, and
of course that made him cross."

'"If I were sure of _that_," hesitated the donkey.

'"Oh, you may be quite sure," laughed the hare. "I have a large
acquaintance among lions. But let us be quick," and rather unwillingly
the donkey set out.

'The lion saw them c