A fox fell into a well and was holding hard to some roots at the side
of it, just above the water. A Wolf, who was passing by, saw him, and
said, “Hello, Reynard, after all you have fallen into a well!”
“But not without a purpose, and not without the means of getting out of
it,” said the Fox.
“What do you mean?” said the Wolf.
“Why,” said the Fox, “there is a drought all over the country now, and
the water in this well is the only means of appeasing the thirst of the
thousands that live in this neighborhood. They held a meeting, and
requested me to keep the water from going down lower; so I am holding
it up for the public good.”
“What will be your reward?” said the Wolf.
“They will give me a pension, and save me the trouble of going about
every day in quest of food, not to speak of innumerable other
privileges that will be granted me. Further, I am not to stay here all
day. I have asked a kinsman of mine, to whom I have communicated the
secret of holding up the water, to relieve me from time to time. Of
course he will also get a pension, and have other privileges. I expect
him here shortly.”
“Ah, Reynard, may I relieve you, then? May I hope to get a pension and
other privileges? You know what a sad lot is mine, especially in
winter.”
“Certainly,” said the Fox; “but you must get a long rope, that I may
come up and let you in.
So the Wolf got a rope. Up came the Fox and down went the wo1f, when
the former observed, with a laugh, “My dear sir, you may remain there
till doomsday, or till the owner of the well throws up your carcass,”
and left the place.