here is much work to be
done at this time of the year. Your master must think that you are not
able to work.

"Now, my friend, be frank with me; tell me what ails you, that I may
cure you. I have been to the best schools in the country. There I
learned about diseases of every kind and a sure cure for every disease.
If you have no money to pay my bill, do not let that trouble you. We
can settle that later."

The horse looked at the wolf out of the corner of his eye and said,
"Now that I think of it, I believe that something is wrong with the
bottom of my left hind foot."

All the time the wolf had been looking for a good chance to spring upon
the horse, but the horse did not let him get out of his sight for an
instant.

When the horse told of his trouble the wolf replied, "Yes, I understand
just what is the matter. There are many others having that same trouble
this year. I have had as many as twenty cases. All are doing well. Let
me look at your foot. Raise it now, please, care--"

At this instant the horse raised his foot, and with it gave the wolf
such a terrible kick in his face that he fell heavily to the ground.
The horse went on feeding.

As soon as the wolf was able to get up, he went groaning out of the
field. He was cured of one thing, but the medicine was very bitter.

THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT

There was once a terrible war between the birds and the beasts. For a
long time it was doubtful which would win.

The bat said, "I am not a bird and I am not a beast, so I shall fight
on neither side."

At last the beasts seemed to be gaining the victory. The bat flew to
them and said, "I am a beast. Look at my body and you will see that I
am. I shall fight on your side."

New flocks of birds came to help their relatives, and the battle soon
turned against the beasts.

Then the bat skulked over to the other side. "I am a bird," said he. "I
can prove it by my wings," and he fought with the birds.

At last the war was over. The bat was hated by beasts and birds. Both
made war upon him. He was obliged to slink off and hide in dark places
during the day, never showing his face until dusk.

THE BEES, THE DRONES, AND THE WASP

Some working bees had made their comb in the hollow trunk of an oak.

The drones said, "We made that comb. It belongs to us."

"You did not make that comb," replied the workers. "You know very well
that you did not. We made it."

The drones answered, "Th