Stranica 87 [87]
ELET CAS LEE ORs THE
into a pit covered over with leaves. He had not recovered
from his fall when the doe, approaching the brink, cried,
“You are betrayed; I am the wife of the King of the Wolves,
who is coming to eat you both.” Saying this, she dis¬
appeared.
“Alas! master," said Fido, "the fairy was right in advis¬
ing you not to follow me. We have acted foolishly and I
have destroyed you."
“At all events, " said Graceful, "we will defend our lives”’;
and, taking his musket, he double-loaded it, in readiness for
the King of the Wolves; then, somewhat calmed, he ex¬
amined the deep ditch into which he had fallen. It was
too high for him to escape from it; in this hole he must
await his death. Fido understood the look of his friend.
“Master,” said he, “if you take me in your arms and throw
me with all your might, perhaps I can reach the top; and,
once there, I can help you.”
Graceful had not much hope. Three times he endeavored
to throw Fido, and three times the poor animal fell back;
finally, at the fourth effort, he caught hold of some roots,
and aided himself so well with his teeth and paws that he
escaped from the tomb. He instantly threw into the ditch
the boughs which he found about the edge.
"Master," said he, "plant these branches in the earth
and make yourself a ladder. Quick! quick!’’ he added.
“T hear the howls of the King of the Wolves.”
61