A Fox being closely pursued by the Hunters, and almost run down,
begged of a Countryman to give him protection, and save his life. The
Man consented, and pointed out a hovel, into which the Fox crept, and
covered himself up among some straw. Presently up came the Hunters, and
enquired of the Man it he had seen the Fox, and which way he had taken?
No, said he, I have not seen him here, he has passed another way; but
all the while he nodded with his head, and pointed with his finger
to the place where the Fox was hidden. These signals the Hunters, in
the eagerness of pursuit, did not notice, but calling off the dogs,
they dashed along in another direction. Soon after, the Fox came out
of his hiding-place, and was sneaking off; when the Man calling after
him,--Hollo, says he, is this the way you behave then, to go without
thanking the benefactor who has saved your life? Reynard, who had
peeped all the while, and had seen what passed, answered, I know what
obligation I owe you well enough, and I assure you if your actions had
agreed with your words, I should have endeavoured, however incapable of
it, to have returned you suitable thanks.