reached their homes and their angry
husbands Madame Fox was comfortably snoozing her after-dinner nap under
the hedge; while the happy Blackbird picked up juicy bugs in the
neighboring meadow, with one eye cocked to guard against being surprised
a second time by any bushy-tailed rogue.

[Illustration: _He managed to flutter out of reach_]

THE DOVE WHO SPOKE TRUTH

The Dove and the wrinkled little Bat once went on a journey together.
When it came towards night a storm arose, and the two companions sought
everywhere for a shelter. But all the birds were sound asleep in their
nests and the animals in their holes and dens. They could find no
welcome anywhere until they came to the hollow tree where old Master Owl
lived, wide awake in the dark.

"Let us knock here," said the shrewd Bat, "I know the old fellow is not
asleep. This is his prowling hour, and but that it is a stormy night he
would be abroad hunting.--What ho, Master Owl!" he squeaked, "will you
let in two storm-tossed travelers for a night's lodging?"

Gruffly the selfish old Owl bade them enter, and grudgingly invited them
to share his supper. The poor Dove was so tired that she could scarcely
eat, but the greedy Bat's spirits rose as soon as he saw the viands
spread before him. He was a sly fellow, and immediately began to flatter
his host into good humor. He praised the Owl's wisdom and his courage,
his gallantry and his generosity; though every one knew that however
wise old Master Owl might be, he was neither brave nor gallant. As for
his generosity,--both the Dove and the Bat well remembered his
selfishness towards the poor Wren, when the Owl alone of all the birds
refused to give the little fire-bringer a feather to help cover his
scorched and shivering body.

All this flattery pleased the Owl. He puffed and ruffled himself, trying
to look as wise, gallant, and brave as possible. He pressed the Bat to
help himself more generously to the viands, which invitation the sly
fellow was not slow to accept.

During this time the Dove had not uttered a word. She sat quite still
staring at the Bat and wondering to hear such insincere speeches of
flattery. Suddenly the Owl turned to her.

"As for you, Miss Pink-eyes," he said gruffly, "you keep careful
silence. You are a dull table-companion. Pray, have you nothing to say
for yourself?"

"Yes," exclaimed the mischievous Bat, "have you no words of praise for
our kind host? Methinks he deserves som