The Fox and the Badger

THERE is a certain mountainous district in Shikoku in which a skillful hunter had trapped or shot so many foxes and badgers that only a few were left. These were an old grey badger and a female fox with one cub. Though hard pressed by hunger, neither dared to touch a loose piece of food, lest a trap might be hidden under it. Indeed they scarcely stirred out of their holes except at night, lest the hunter’s arrow should strike them. At last the two animals held a council together to decide what to do, whether to emigrate or to attempt to outwit their enemy. They thought a long while, when finally the badger having hit upon a good plan, cried out:

“I have it. Do you transform yourself into a man. I’ll pretend to be dead. Then you can bind me up and sell me in the town. With the money paid you can buy some food. Then I’ll get loose and come back. The next week I’ll sell you and you can escape.”

“Ha! ha! ha! yoroshiu, yoroshiu,” (good, good, ) cried both together. “It’s a capital plan,” said Mrs. Fox.