stuck until the animals came for
water in the morning. When they found who the thief was they had
great sport over him for a while and then got ready to kill him, but as
soon as he was unfastened from the tar wolf he managed to get
away. — Wafford,
SECOND VEKSION
"Once upon a time there was such a severe drought that all streams
of water and all lakes were dried up. In this emergency the beasts
assembled together to devise means to procure water. It was pro-
posed by one to dig a well. All agreed to do so except the hare. She
refused because it would soil her tiny paws. The rest, however, dug
their well and were fortunate enough to find water. The hare begin-
ning to sutler and thirst, and having no right tothe well, was thrown
upon her wits to procure water. She determined, as the easiest way.
to steal from the public well. The rest of the animals, surprised to
find that the hare was so well supplied with water, asked her where
she got it. She replied that she arose betimes in the morning and
gathered the dewdrops. However the wolf and the fox suspected her
of theft and hit on the following plan to detect her:
They made a wolf of tar and placed it near the well. On the fol-
lowing night the hare came as usual after her supply of water. On
seeing the tar wolf she demanded who was there. Receiving no answer
she repeated the demand, threatening to kick the wolf if he did not
reply. She receiving no reply kicked the wolf, and