which last sentence was both unjust and untrue , for the poor wolf looked as lean and badly nourished as he could possibly be . so back they both went to the cave , arguing all the way . the fox declaring that the wolf must have been the thief , and the wolf protesting his innocence . " are you ready to swear to it ? " said the fox at last ; though why he asked such a question , dear only knows . " yes , i am , " replied the wolf firmly ; and , standing in the middle of the cave , and holding one paw up solemnly he swore this awful oath : " if it be that i stole the butter ; if it be , if it be-- may a fateful , fell disease fall on me , fall on me . "
swore this awful oath .
what did the wolf do to prove his innocence ?
what did the wolf do to prove his innocence ?