Page:Tales of the Punjab.pdf/199

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THE JACKAL AND TILE PARTRIDGE 177

they sat on his broad back and he ferried them over. But just as they were in the middle of the stream the Partridge remarked, ‘I believe the crocodile intends to play us a trick. How awkward if he were to drop you into the water !'

'Awkward fer you too!’ replied the Jackal, turning pale.

‘Not at all! not at all! I have wings, you haven't’

On this the Jackal shivered and shook with fear, and when the crocodile, in a gruesome growl, remarked that he was hungry and wanted a good meal, the wretched creature hadn't a word to say.

‘pooh!’ cried the Partridge airily, ‘don’t try tricks on us,—I should fly away, and as for my friend the Jackal, you couldn't hurt him. He is not such a fool as to take his life with him on these little excursions ; he leaves it at home, locked up in the cupboard.’

“Is that a fact?’ asked the crocodile, surprised.

‘Certainly!’ retorted the Partridge. ‘Try to eat him if you like, but you will only tire yourself to no purpose.’

‘Dear me! how very odd!’ gasped the crocodile ; and he was so taken aback that he carried the Jackal safe to shore. .

‘Well, are you satisfied now?’ asked the Partridge.

“My dear madam!’ quoth the Jackal, ‘you have made me laugh, you have made me cry, you have given me a good dinner, and you have saved my life; but upon my honour I think you are too clever for a friend ; so, good-bye!’

And the Jackal never went near the Partridge again.