Page 87 [87]
OCR
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 disappeared. “Alas! master," said Fido, "the fairy was right in advising 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 examined 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
