"
"You don't need a hook and line," said the fox.
"I always catch fish with my tail. You have a much longer tail than I,
and can fish so much the better."
At sunset the bear met the fox.
They went across the frozen river until they came to a small hole in
the ice.
"Now, Mr. Bear," said the fox, "sit down here on the ice and put your
tail through the hole. You must keep still for a long while. That is the
best way to catch fish.
Wait until a great many fish take hold of your tail. Then pull with all
your might."
The bear sat very still for a long time.
At last he began to feel cold and he moved a little.
"Ow!" he cried, for his tail had begun freeze in the ice.
"Is it not time to pull out the fish?" said the bear.
"No, no," cried the fox.
"Wait until more fish have taken hold of your tail. You are very strong.
You can wait a little longer."
So the poor bear waited until it was almost morning.
[Illustration]
Just then some dogs began to bark on the bank of the river.
The bear was so afraid that he jumped up quickly and pulled with all his
might, but his tail was frozen fast in the ice.
He pulled and pulled until at length the tail was broken short off.
Mr. Fox ran away laughing and laughing at the trick he had played upon
Mr.
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