"This one is quite good enough for a hog," was the reply; "but I am curious to know if you will keep your promise, so I'll just amuse myself until you come down."
And taking the bottom rung in his mouth, he moved off, away from the wall. A moment later he had all the loose corn he could garner, but he never got that other ladder.
MORAL.-An ace and four kings is as good a hand as one can hold in draw-poker.
XXV.
A young cock and a hen were speaking of the size of eggs. Said the cock:
"I once laid an egg-"
"Oh, you did!" interrupted the hen, with a derisive cackle. "Pray how did you manage it?"
The cock felt injured in his self-esteem, and, turning his back upon the hen, addressed himself to a brood of young chickens.
"I once laid an egg-"
The chickens chirped incredulously, and passed on. The insulted bird reddened in the wattles with indignation, and strutting up to the patriarch of the entire barn-yard, repeated his assertion. The patriarch nodded gravely, as if the feat were an every-day affair, and the other continued:
"I once laid an egg alongside a water-melon, and compared the two. The vegetable was considerably the larger."
This fable is intended to show the absurdity of hearing all a man has to say.
XXVI.
Seeing himself getting beyond his depth, a bathing naturalist called lustily for succour.
"Anything I can do for you?" inquired the engaging octopus.
"Happy to serve you, I am sure," said the accommodating leech.
"Command me," added the earnest crab.