a fox that had long been the dread of the village poultry yard was one day found lying breathless in a field. the report went abroad that, after all, he had been caught and killed by some one. in a moment, everybody in the village came out to see the dead fox. the village cock, with all his hens and chicks, was also there, to enjoy the sight.

the fox then got up, and, shaking off his drowsiness, said: "i ate a number of hens and chicks last night; hence i must have slumbered longer than usual."

the cock counted his hens and chicks, and found a number wanting.

"alas!" said he, "how is it i did not know of it?"

"my dear sir," said the fox, as he retreated to the wood, "it was last night i had a good meal on your hens and chicks, yet you did not know of it. a moment ago they found me lying in the field, and you knew of it at once. ill news travels fast!"