"Umph," said the ostrich as he surveyed his victim, "because a man looks
sad at the opening of a jack-pot, it doesn't necessarily follow that he's
only got ace-high."
[Illustration: On the Not-Altogether-Credible Habits of the Ostrich.]
The Idol and the Ass.
An ass felt it his duty to destroy superstition, so he went up to the brass
idol in the market-place and gave it a vigorous kick.
A dog came to him as he lay groaning on the ground, nursing his broken leg,
and said, "Well, did you prove anything?"
"Nothing," said the other. "Except that I am an ass."
Deductions to be drawn: Any old thing.
[Illustration: The Idol and the Ass.]
The Bee and Jupiter.
A Bee, the queen of all the hives, ascended to Olympus with a present of
some super-refined honey for Jupiter.
The god was delighted with the honey, and in return offered to grant any
request the Bee might make.
"Give to me, I pray, O Lord of the Heavens! a sting, that, small and weak
as I am, I may not be defenceless against my enemies."
Jupiter was quite put out at this demand, as he knew the weapon would be
used principally against mankind, whom he much loved. But a god's promise
must be kept, so he said:
"It is granted you."
"Many thanks, most potent one!" cried the Bee, running the new-gained
weapon in and out with much satisfaction.
Jupiter sternly cut short her thanks, and continued:
"In using this means of defense and offense you will imperil your own life,
for the sting shall remain in the wound it makes and you shall die from the
loss of it."
The Bee flew around for a moment, and then lit on the back of the god's
neck.
"You will kindly reconsider that last clause," she said, "or," in a very
meaning tone, "I die right here."
Jupiter felt a cold chill take its agitated way up his spinal column.
"All right," he said, hastily. "I don't want to be small about it. Have it
your own way. Only please get off my neck!"
The Bee went joyously back to earth, humming a song of praise.