"If you will bring me a pair to this, I will let the Goose go."
The Tortoise dived down, and brought up another ruby. Then the Fowler
let go the Goose, and said to the Tortoise, "Now hand over that ruby."
The Tortoise said, "Forgive me, I have made a mistake, and brought up
the wrong ruby. Let me see the first, and if it does not match, I will
try again."
The Fowler gave back the first ruby. "As I thought," said the Tortoise.
Down he dived into the pond.
The Fowler waited a good long time, but nothing
was seen of the Tortoise. As you have guessed, when
the Tortoise found himself safe at the bottom
of the pond, he stayed there. The Fowler
tore his hair, and went home,
wishing he had not been
so greedy.
[Illustration]