A Serpent had succeeded in surprising an Eagle and had wrapped
himself around the Eagle's neck. The Eagle could not reach the
Serpent, neither with beak nor claws. Far into the sky he soared
trying to shake off his enemy. But the Serpent's hold only
tightened, and slowly the Eagle sank back to earth, gasping for
breath.
A Countryman chanced to see the unequal combat. In pity for the
noble Eagle he rushed up and soon had loosened the coiling
Serpent and freed the Eagle.
The Serpent was furious. He had no chance to bite the watchful
Countryman. Instead he struck at the drinking horn, hanging at
the Countryman's belt, and into it let fly the poison of his
fangs.
The Countryman now went on toward home. Becoming thirsty on the
way, he filled his horn at a spring, and was about to drink.
There was a sudden rush of great wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle
seized the poisoned horn from out his savior's hands, and flew
away with it to hide it where it could never be found.
_An act of kindness is well repaid._
[Illustration]