At one time leopards did not know how to catch animals for food.
Knowing that the cat as very skilful in this way, Leopard one day went
to Cat and asked very politely if she would teach him the art. Cat
readily consented.
The first thing Leopard had to learn was to hide himself among the
bushes by the roadside, so that he would not be seen by any animal
passing by. Next, he must learn how to move noiselessly through the
woods. He must never allow the animal he chased to know that he was
following it. The third great principle was how to use his left paws
and side in springing upon his prey.
Having taught him these three things, Cat requested him to go and
practise them well. When he had learnt them thoroughly he could return
to her and she would give him more lessons in hunting.
Leopard obeyed. At first he was very successful and obtained all the
food he wanted. One day, however, he was unable to catch anything at
all.
Being very hungry, he bethought himself what he could have for dinner.
Suddenly he remembered that the cat had quite a large family. He went
straight to her home and found her absent.
Never thinking of her kindness to him—Leopard only remembered that he
was hungry—he ate all her kittens. Puss, on discovering this dreadful
fact, was so angry that she refused to have anything more to do with
the great creature.
Consequently the leopard has never been able to learn how to catch
animals that pass him on the right side.